Redesigned 2017 Sportage Makes its Official Appearance

2017 Kia Sportage (Credit: © Kia)

Many times, once images of an upcoming vehicle leak onto the Interwebz, the automaker squashes the news by officially releasing a few high-resolution images of its own. Kia is apparently one of those types of automakers, as it has just released clear images showing off the fully redesigned Sportage following several leaks.

By the looks of things, Kia is definitely looking to take the new Sportage a little more upscale than it’s ever been before. The front end is strikingly different when compared to previous generations, as the headlights are now separate from the grille and sweep rearward like the Porsche Cayenne. Other changes to the nose include a lower and wider Tiger Nose grille, and four-element fog lights.

2017 Kia Sportage (Credit: © Kia)

From the profile view, you can see that the overall silhouette of the Sportage remains intact, but with subtle modifications. Most notably, the front overhang is slightly longer and the rear is a tad shorter. Another clear change is that the roofline tapers downward a bit more as you approach the rear end.

Around back are new, slim taillights and a thin chrome strip that connects them. Also new are the separate turn signals and reverse lights that are now on the lower, outside edges of the small crossover. This is a clear attempt to visually widen the vehicle a bit.

2017 Kia Sportage (Credit: © Kia)

Unfortunately, Kia did not reveal anything about what may power the new Sportage, but we should learn more about that soon. I am thinking we will continue to see a base four-cylinder engine and an optional turbocharged four-pot for added oomph. There may also be a small-displacement turbocharged four-cylinder that will boost overall fuel economy.

We’ll learn more when the model debuts on September 15th at the Frankfurt Auto Show.