New Kia KX5 Compact SUV Is China’s Sportage With A More Serious Face

BY Michael Karkafiris | Posted on

Kia has launched the new 2019 KX5 (aka Sportage) in the Chinese market through its Dongfeng Yueda Kia local joint venture.

The most obvious change between the U.S.-spec Sportage and the 2019 KX5 is the completely redesigned front end, which ditches the crossover’s curvy face for a more traditional arrangement, featuring new slim headlights (that seem to be all the rage in China models right now) and grille.

While some might say that the new KX5 looks more conservative than before, others will find the new design more appealing in general. Look at the other end of the body and the changes appear to be minimal to non-existent compared to the U.S.-spec (and Euro) version.

See the differences between the two in the following pictures:

Another highlight of the 2019 KX5 is its cabin, which adopts a new dashboard design with novel features and tech, including a 7-inch digital instrument display and a 10.25-inch infotainment system. There are no physical buttons to operate the climate control system, as they have been replaced by a touch-sensitive panel.

Chinese customers will get to choose between two engine options: a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder T-GDI that produces 174hp (177PS) and 195lb-ft (265Nm) of torque and is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, and a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder unit with 162hp and 149lb-ft (203Nm) of torque paired to a six-speed automatic.

Dongfeng Yueda Kia claims that the new KX5 is also much quieter than before, thanks to additional multi-layer soundproof material used in the cabin. A full range of active systems is also present, as well as a new AI-powered voice control system, wireless charging, a 360-degree camera and more.

Grand Cherokee Trackhawk Vs. Suzuki Hayabusa Ends In Humiliation – But For Whom?

The Hayabusa is one of the fastest superbikes ever, so it can’t lose to a powerful SUV. Or can it?.
Hertz Selling Its “Special Edition” Corvette Z06 Rentals For $100,000, Think It’s Worth It?

The Hertz-exclusive ‘Vettes come with a few options, but a. they’re used, and b. cost 10 to 20 grand more than a new one.
Richard Hammond Doesn’t Get To Test Porsche’s 911 GT3 R… Yet

Hammond waited to get into the driver’s seat of the new 911 GT3 R. And then he waited some more…
How Do You Insure A Fully Autonomous Car?

Insurance policies that will cover both autonomous and driver-related incidents should be drawn up.
Tesla Asks Employees To Help Deliver 30,000 Cars In 15 Days

One Tesla employee drove a car three hours to deliver it to a waiting customer – and the company paid for his Uber ride back.
NIO ES8 Electric SUV Looks Very BMW i-sh After RevoZport Tune

RevoZport’s R-Zentric Aero Kit for the NIO ES8 .
Why Not Add An Italdesign ZeroUno To Your Awesome Car Collection?

The fifth and final ZeroUno made by Italdesign is estimated to sell for $1-$1.7 million at auction.
Jeep Gladiator Rolls Off The Production Line At FCA’s Toledo Plant

The Gladiator comes standard with a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 and a six-speed manual or eight-speed auto ‘box.
New Kia KX5 Compact SUV Is China’s Sportage With A More Serious Face

The new, China-only Kia KX5 sports fresh looks and a new, quieter and more tech-ladden cabin.
1992 Land Rover Defender Reinvents Itself As $190k Recon D110

This Defender packs a lot of stuff – as it should, because it has to justify its exorbitant price tag.