The fourth-generation Kia Sportage, which was revealed in September before making its official debut in Frankfurt, should be arriving on these shores sometime next year, but we’ve got an early view of how it shapes up to the outgoing third-gen SL before it gets here, courtesy of a simple side-by-side comparo.
The photos are from Korea – two generations of the SUV happened to be parked next to each other, and snaps were duly taken by reader Jie Jun Teng. The new QL has been on sale in South Korea for months now, having been launched there in early September (before Frankfurt).
The current SL Sportage has presence, but as the photos show, the QL’s front has incredible heft – massive would best describe that face next to the old one; certainly, there’s no shortage of bumper on the new car. It’s also quite visually imposing at the back, which features among other things sharper LED rear lights and a chrome trim strip providing linkage between the units.
Design-wise, the new Sportage has improved aerodynamics, and it’s also a more refined offering mechanically – NVH levels are down compared to the current one. The interior is also an advancement in terms of material and trim.
Engine options for the new Sportage include a new turbocharged 1.6 litre T-GDI petrol engine which makes 174 hp and 265 Nm of torque and a 1.6 litre GDI petrol offering 130 hp and 161 Nm. A new seven-speed double clutch transmission (DCT) is dedicated to the 1.6 litre T-GDI engine – a choice of six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission works with all the other mills.
The current Sportage facelift sold locally – be it two-wheel drive or all-wheel drive form – is powered by a 2.0 litre Nu MPI four-cylinder petrol engine developing 154 PS at 6,200 rpm and 191 Nm at 4,700 rpm, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.
So, which Sportage do you think works better for you, the new QL or the outgoing third-gen SL? Share your opinion with us in the comments section below.
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to compete with porsche?
My son saga has better RV than this junk.
I have to admit, new Sportage look that good.
Love all the LED styling on the headlamp & fog lamp.
with the rear dual tail pipe design, awesome.
Plus with good safety rating, Kia really going upscale.
compared this to Sam Loo’s Rush, its like heaven & earth.
Even the overpriced Fortuner cannot defeat this car,
2.7litre 160hp vs 2.0 154hp / 1.6 174hp
Fortuner 180k junk, overpriced , underpower , underequip,
who wanna buy 180k car without stability control & only dual airbag ? answer this Same L0rrrr
I’m so proud of this new Kia Sportage truly the Porsche Macan of Asia.
one thing i would suggest them to change is their gear knob, looks old fashion
I prefer the old front and rear of the new one…I wish they can be swap
New design is really fussy. Would not age well…..Kudos for the interior though, can see a marked step up in materials used…
Kia? Kimchis car no RV bro!
No money then don’t complain la .
Weird look, toothless against CX3. And i still won’t buy from AP King.
Get the Tucson instead. Better RV than KIA
The Hyundai Tucson 2106, is a better choice, given the sleek design, good safety options, well insulated from harsh noise..and we get 3 years free service too, all paid.
Hyundai would be reduced to a mom and pop shop by year 2106
I think its only beautiful in some angle .. I mean the front
Looks awful compared to the new Tucson.. Horrible front face that not even the owner can love
Soooo many buttons!!!
This is a clue of KIA want to close shop very near soon.
old one looks better
Looks like a Toad!
Wonderful SUV! put brand aside with right pricing this is the best choice in Malaysia
Kia sportage
Belongs in storage
that would make it Kia Storage.. :)
both junks got no RV, get the HRV instead, it is stated with “High RV”