The fifth generation of the KIA Sportage, one of the most important Korean firm models, will hit the market next year with important new features, among which the addition of a 100% electric version to the range will stand out. This move will be key within the ambitious electrification plans of Hyundai.
The presentation of the renewed compact SUV will take place in April 2021, while its arrival on the market will occur at the end of that same year. The model will have gasoline and diesel engines equipped with 48-volt mild-hybrid assistance, hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants, and the aforementioned electric model, which will be called e-Sportage.
Located one notch above the e-Niro, the e-Sportage will be a more conventional cut alternative to the cutting-edge Hyundai IONIQ 5, which will also see the light of day next year. Thanks to this model, KIA will stand up to the Nissan Ariya and Volkswagen ID.4, although initially, it will be slightly smaller than its rivals.
Within the KIA range, the e-Sportage will coexist with a new model based on the E-GMP modular electric platform. This vehicle, which could be called Imagine or Futuron, will be a crossover similar in size to the e-Sportage. The main difference between the two being a superior performance for the “dedicated” electric and a more competitive price for the “derived” electric.
Looking ahead to 2026, KIA aims to launch a total of eleven 100% electric models on the market. To this day, it already has two electrics that are very successful, the e-Niro above and the small crossover e-Soul. The company is clear about SUVs’ growing popularity since most of its electric will be of this type.
However, brand managers have also confirmed the development of two electric versions of the Picanto (segment A) and Ceed (segment C), which will be called e-Picanto and e-Ceed, respectively. It is unknown if Rio (segment B) will follow in its footsteps, as it is a model of great relevance for KIA internationally.