2019 Kia Sportage Looks Ready to Test Its Facelift on the Track
Spy photographers have caught the facelifted 2019 Kia Sportage completely undisguised.
The Korean automaker’s crossover is getting some minor changes on the outside, with a revised front end that is a bit more aggressive. The Sportage will receive an updated grille, headlights, and new fog light design as part of the makeover, while the rear gets new tail lights and an updated bumper. Our spy photographers also managed to get a photo of the interior, which reveals no significant changes inside the cabin.
SEE ALSO: 2017 Kia Sportage Review
That should also be the case underneath the hood, which means the Sportage should continue to offer a standard 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, while the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder mill is available on higher trim levels. Currently, the 2.4-liter engine produces 181 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque, while the turbo engine offers 240 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. The Sportage is also available with all-wheel drive, although the turbo engine does get a slight power decrease to 237 hp in that form.
The particular prototype spy photographers managed to catch on camera is sporting Recaro bucket seats up front and a roll cage inside the interior, suggesting that it’s probably heading to the Nurburgring for testing.
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Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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