Kia Sportage Mildly Spruced Up for 2020

Kia has updated its popular Sportage utility vehicle for the 2020 model year, unveiling it at the Chicago Auto Show.

This crossover gains a variety of new features and a fresh look. Outside, the front bumper has been reworked plus there’s a new grille, bumper, air intake, and skid plate.

The headlamps have been overhauled, as have its standard projector-beam fog lights. For drivers that want more, both are available in LED form for extra output with reduced current draw.

At the 2020 Kia Sportage’s rear, you’ll find a similarly redesigned bumper and skid plate. The exhaust tips have been tweaked as well.

For added visual pizzazz, a new crop of wheels is on the menu. They span between 17 and 19 inches. Of course, all-wheel drive is also offered.

SEE ALSO: Complete 2019 Chicago Auto Show Coverage

Inside, this Kia’s cabin has been lightly enhanced. There’s newly available leatherette seating surfaces and a standard eight-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto baked right in. The steering wheel and vent bezels have been changed and wireless charging is available.

Two engines are offered including a base 2.4-liter unit that’s good for 181 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque. For drivers that want more of each, a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder is also on the menu. It’s good for 240 ponies and 260 units of twist. A six-speed automatic transmission is the only gearbox offered.

Keeping up with rival automakers, the new Sportage can be equipped with a range of advanced driver-assistance technology. Lane keeping assist, smart cruise control with stop and start and automatic high beams are a few of its fancy new amenities.

For 2020 this crossover will be offered in four trim levels: S, the newest addition, LX, EX and SX.

The latest-generation Sportage is slated to go on sale in the second half of 2019. No pricing information is available yet.

Discuss this story on our Kia Forum