Hey guys! Thinking about the Kia Sportage 2022 in Malaysia? You've come to the right place. This is your go-to review covering everything you need to know. We're diving deep into the specs, features, performance, and overall value of this popular SUV in the Malaysian market. So, buckle up and let's get started!

Overview of the Kia Sportage 2022

The Kia Sportage 2022 represents a significant step forward for the model, bringing a fresh design, updated technology, and improved performance to the compact SUV segment. Kia has truly upped their game with this iteration, aiming to capture the hearts of Malaysian drivers seeking a blend of style, practicality, and innovation. Competing in a crowded market against rivals like the Honda CR-V, Proton X70 and Mazda CX-5, the Sportage needs to bring its A-game. And it largely does.

Key Highlights of the Sportage 2022:

• Bold New Design: The exterior styling is striking, featuring Kia's new design language with sharp lines and a distinctive front grille.
• Tech-Forward Interior: The cabin boasts a modern layout with a large infotainment screen, digital instrument cluster, and premium materials.
• Improved Performance: Engine options offer a good balance of power and fuel efficiency, catering to various driving preferences.
• Advanced Safety Features: The Sportage comes equipped with a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) for enhanced safety.
• Competitive Pricing: Kia aims to offer a competitive price point, making the Sportage an attractive option in its segment.

Exterior Design: Stand Out From The Crowd

The 2022 Kia Sportage makes a bold statement with its exterior design. It's a complete departure from the previous generation, sporting a look that's both futuristic and eye-catching. The front fascia is dominated by Kia's signature 'Tiger Nose' grille, which now stretches across the entire width of the vehicle and integrates seamlessly with the angular LED headlights. These sharp lines and distinct features immediately grab your attention, giving the Sportage a unique road presence.

Moving to the side profile, you'll notice the muscular fenders and the dynamic shoulder line that rises towards the rear. This adds a sense of motion and athleticism to the design. The blacked-out pillars and the available two-tone roof further enhance the visual appeal, making the Sportage look more premium and stylish. Wheel sizes range from 17 to 19 inches, depending on the trim level, and the alloy wheel designs complement the overall aesthetic.

The rear of the Sportage is equally striking, featuring slim LED taillights connected by a black trim piece. This creates a wide and planted stance, emphasizing the vehicle's stability. The rear bumper is sculpted with sharp angles and integrated reflectors, adding to the sporty look. Overall, the exterior design of the Kia Sportage 2022 is a major highlight, setting it apart from its competitors with its bold and modern aesthetics. It's a design that's sure to turn heads and make a lasting impression on Malaysian roads.

Interior and Features: A Comfortable and Tech-Savvy Cabin

Stepping inside the Kia Sportage 2022, you're greeted by a modern and well-appointed cabin. The interior design focuses on creating a comfortable and user-friendly environment, with a strong emphasis on technology. The dashboard is dominated by a large, curved display that integrates the infotainment screen and the digital instrument cluster into a single unit. This not only looks sleek but also provides a wealth of information to the driver.

The seats are comfortable and supportive, offering good bolstering for both the driver and passengers. Depending on the trim level, you can choose from fabric or leather upholstery, with higher trims featuring premium materials and stitching. The front seats may also come with power adjustment and heating/ventilation functions for added comfort. Rear passengers enjoy ample legroom and headroom, making the Sportage a comfortable choice for families.

In terms of features, the Kia Sportage 2022 is packed with tech. The infotainment system supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone. Other available features include a wireless charging pad, a premium sound system, a panoramic sunroof, and ambient lighting. The Sportage also comes with a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring, enhancing safety and convenience.

Interior Key Features:

• Large Infotainment Display
• Digital Instrument Cluster
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Wireless Charging
• Premium Sound System
• Panoramic Sunroof
• Ambient Lighting
• Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS)

Performance and Handling: A Smooth and Engaging Drive

The Kia Sportage 2022 offers a range of engine options to suit different driving preferences. In Malaysia, you're likely to find it with a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated engine or a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine. The 2.0-liter engine provides adequate power for everyday driving, while the 1.6-liter turbo offers more punch and responsiveness. Both engines are paired with a smooth-shifting automatic transmission, delivering a refined driving experience.

The Sportage's handling is well-balanced, providing a good compromise between comfort and control. The suspension soaks up bumps and imperfections in the road, delivering a smooth ride. At the same time, the steering is precise and responsive, allowing you to confidently navigate corners. The Sportage also offers different driving modes, such as Eco, Normal, and Sport, which allow you to tailor the vehicle's performance to your liking.

Fuel efficiency is another important consideration for Malaysian drivers. The Kia Sportage 2022 delivers reasonable fuel economy, especially with the 2.0-liter engine. However, the 1.6-liter turbo engine may consume slightly more fuel due to its increased power output. Overall, the Sportage offers a pleasant and engaging driving experience, making it a great choice for both city commutes and long road trips.

Safety Features: Prioritizing Your Well-Being

Safety is a top priority for Kia, and the Sportage 2022 is equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features. Standard safety equipment includes multiple airbags, anti-lock brakes (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC), and traction control. Higher trim levels add advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), such as:

• Adaptive Cruise Control: Maintains a safe distance from the vehicle ahead.
• Lane Departure Warning: Alerts you if you unintentionally drift out of your lane.
• Lane Keeping Assist: Gently steers the vehicle back into its lane.
• Blind-Spot Monitoring: Warns you of vehicles in your blind spots.
• Rear Cross-Traffic Alert: Alerts you to approaching vehicles when reversing.
• Automatic Emergency Braking: Automatically applies the brakes to prevent or mitigate a collision.

These advanced safety features can significantly enhance your safety on the road, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries. The Kia Sportage 2022 has also undergone crash testing by reputable organizations like Euro NCAP and ANCAP, achieving high scores and demonstrating its ability to protect occupants in the event of a collision.

Pricing and Variants in Malaysia

The pricing of the Kia Sportage 2022 in Malaysia will vary depending on the trim level and optional equipment. Generally, it's positioned to be competitive within its segment, offering good value for money compared to its rivals. Kia Malaysia typically offers several variants of the Sportage, each with a different combination of features and equipment. Common trim levels include:

• Base Model: The entry-level trim comes with essential features and equipment, such as cloth seats, a basic infotainment system, and standard safety features.
• Mid-Range Model: Adds more comfort and convenience features, such as leather seats, a larger infotainment screen, and advanced driver-assistance systems.
• High-End Model: The top-of-the-line trim includes all the bells and whistles, such as a panoramic sunroof, a premium sound system, and exclusive styling elements.

It's important to check with your local Kia dealership for the latest pricing and variant information. They can provide you with a detailed breakdown of the available options and help you choose the Sportage that best suits your needs and budget.

Pros and Cons of the Kia Sportage 2022

To give you a balanced perspective, here's a quick rundown of the pros and cons of the Kia Sportage 2022:

Pros:

• Striking Design: The Sportage's bold and modern exterior design sets it apart from the competition.
• Tech-Savvy Interior: The cabin is packed with technology, including a large infotainment screen and advanced driver-assistance systems.
• Comfortable Ride: The suspension delivers a smooth and comfortable ride, even on rough roads.
• Spacious Interior: The Sportage offers ample legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers.
• Competitive Pricing: The Sportage is competitively priced, offering good value for money.

Cons:

• Engine Performance: The 2.0-liter engine may feel a bit underpowered for some drivers.
• Fuel Economy: The 1.6-liter turbo engine may consume more fuel than some competitors.
• Infotainment System: While feature-rich, the infotainment system can be a bit complex to navigate.

Final Verdict: Is the Kia Sportage 2022 Right for You?

The Kia Sportage 2022 is a compelling option in the compact SUV segment. It offers a striking design, a tech-savvy interior, a comfortable ride, and a range of advanced safety features. While it may have a few minor drawbacks, such as the engine performance and fuel economy, its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses.

If you're looking for a stylish, practical, and well-equipped SUV that offers good value for money, the Kia Sportage 2022 is definitely worth considering. It's a great choice for families, commuters, and anyone who wants a versatile and reliable vehicle. Be sure to test drive the Sportage and compare it to its rivals before making a final decision.

So, there you have it – a comprehensive review of the Kia Sportage 2022 in Malaysia. Hopefully, this has given you a better understanding of what this SUV has to offer. Happy driving, guys!