2019 Kia Sportage: Facelifted Crossover Hides Changes Under The Camouflage

Kia is making some changes to its Sportage crossover. A camouflaged prototype has been spotted testing a few days ago, and judging by the shots we must say that the vehicle should bring some pleasant surprises inside, out, and under the hood. Though, the 2019 Kia Sportage will receive just a facelift, so don’t expect any Stinger-looking SUV under the camouflage or some new engines.

Instead, the refreshed crossover will keep things familiar. The carmaker will bring a mild-hybrid, 48-volt help under the hood, which will be there to boost fuel economy numbers of the existing options. The U.S model will continue to be offered with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that kicks on 181 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque. The topping version of the 2019 Sportage, so-called SX Turbo, will be teamed up with a 2.0-liter turbo drivetrain that will increase tire smoke for around 10 horsepower. Yes, the mill is going to develop 250 horsepower from now on.

The cosmetic change will be mostly limited to crossover’s ends. The camouflaged vehicle shows new LED headlights and grille in the front. There’s also the redesigned bumper below, which is coupled with a pair of new fog lamps. The lamps will be surrounded with chrome details and separated with totally new air intakes. The rear hatch obviously hosts new LED taillights, while the rear bumper gets two oval-shaped exhaust pipes. Of course, the carmaker will not skip the chance to add some new wheels and color options when the production 2019 Kia Sportage arrives.

Inside, the compact crossover will probably get a new upholstery treatment. The carmaker could use some better quality materials for the updated dash, which will be teamed up with a new, larger infotainment screen. They could add some new driver assistance features to the SUV, though we still don’t have the details.