**Comparison of Kia Sportage 4th Generation vs. 5th Generation: Key Upgrades and Features Explained**
The Kia Sportage has consistently been a favored option in the compact SUV arena, attributed to its combination of aesthetics, functionality, and reasonable pricing. With the debut of the 5th generation Kia Sportage, the brand has made significant strides to enhance the model. In this article, we will compare the 4th generation Kia Sportage (manufactured from 2016 to 2021) with the 5th generation (launched in 2022) to emphasize the main upgrades and features that differentiate the two editions.
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### **1. Exterior Design: Evolution of Style**
**4th Generation:**
The 4th generation Sportage showcased a distinctive and somewhat divisive aesthetic. Its “tiger-nose” grille, elevated headlights, and rounded dimensions contributed to a one-of-a-kind appearance. Although it was contemporary for its era, some reviewers believed the design was more eccentric than elegant.
**5th Generation:**
The 5th generation Sportage experienced a significant overhaul, embracing a more robust and forward-looking design ethos. The front section now boasts a larger, more assertive grille, accompanied by eye-catching boomerang-shaped LED daytime running lights. The overall profile is more streamlined, featuring sharp lines and a sportier stance. The rear design maintains modernity, with slender LED taillights linked by a horizontal light bar. This generation clearly seeks to create a more impactful visual presence.
**Key Takeaway:** The 5th generation Sportage marks a considerable shift from its forerunner, presenting a more sophisticated and modern appearance.
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### **2. Interior Design and Technology: A Leap Forward**
**4th Generation:**
The interior of the 4th generation Sportage was practical and well-constructed but leaned towards minimalism. It included a straightforward dashboard format with physical buttons and dials for climate and entertainment settings. Depending on the trim, the infotainment system varied from a basic 5-inch display to an 8-inch touchscreen equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
**5th Generation:**
The 5th generation Sportage elevates interior design into a new realm, emphasizing luxury and advanced technology. The dashboard showcases a curved panoramic display that merges a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system (available on upper trims). The cabin materials have been enhanced, featuring soft-touch finishes and optional quilted leather seating. Moreover, Kia has implemented a touch-sensitive control panel for climate and media functions, imparting a clean and modern aesthetic to the interior.
**Key Takeaway:** The 5th generation Sportage presents a more luxurious and tech-savvy interior, making it a more attractive option for technologically inclined buyers.
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### **3. Dimensions and Space: Bigger and Better**
**4th Generation:**
The 4th generation Sportage was a compact SUV with adequate interior space for both passengers and cargo. It provided 30.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 60.1 cubic feet with the seats down. While it offered comfort for most families, it wasn’t the most spacious choice in its category.
**5th Generation:**
The 5th generation Sportage has increased in size, delivering more interior space for passengers and luggage. It now offers 39.6 cubic feet of cargo area behind the rear seats, extending to 74.1 cubic feet with the seats folded. The rear-seat legroom has also been enhanced, making it more suitable for taller individuals. The extended wheelbase and broader stance contribute to a more roomy and comfortable cabin.
**Key Takeaway:** The 5th generation Sportage is larger and more functional, making it a superior option for families or those requiring additional cargo space.
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### **4. Powertrain Options: More Choices, Greater Efficiency**
**4th Generation:**
The 4th generation Sportage came with three engine choices:
– A 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine generating 181 horsepower.
– A turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 240 horsepower.
– A 2.0-liter diesel engine (offered in select regions).
Though these engines delivered acceptable performance, they were not particularly fuel-efficient when compared to rivals.
**5th Generation:**
The 5th generation Sportage unveils an expanded array of powertrain options, including hybrid and plug-in hybrid configurations. Depending on the market, the lineup features:
– A 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with 187 horsepower.
– A 1.6-liter turbocharged hybrid engine boasting 226 horsepower (combined).
– A 1.6-liter turbocharged plug-in hybrid engine offering 261 horsepower (combined) and an all-electric range of up to 34 miles.
These new powertr
