2020 Kia Sportage gets a sporty refresh at the Chicago auto show

The Kia Sportage is getting its first update since the current generation's debut for the 2017 model year, and it's a relatively subtle one. Unveiled this week at the Chicago Auto Show, the 2020 Kia Sportage boasts tweaked front and rear fascias and several pieces of new optional equipment.

Up front are redesigned headlights with available LED turn indicators, in addition to redesigned fog lights, and buyers will also be able to get the 2020 Sportage with optional LED headlights and LED fog lights. The design of the grille, air intake and skid plate has been refined as well, along with the front bumper. Out back, Kia has changed the design of the skid plate and rear bumper, adding a new exhaust tip shape and taillight trim.

Kia has also added new 17-, 18- and 19-inch wheel designs to the menu, in addition to a new metallic steel gray exterior color.

On the inside, the Sportage gets a new steering wheel design and now features an 8-inch touchscreen as standard equipment, complete with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. When it comes to optional safety tech, Kia has added smart cruise control with stop/start, forward collision assist with pedestrian detection, high beam assist, lane keeping assist and a driver attention warning system. As optional equipment, the Sportage has also gained a smartphone wireless charging tray and Sofino-branded faux leather seating surfaces.

Kia also added an S trim to the lineup, designed to offer a sporty look (it's called Sportage, after all), complementing LX, EX and SX trim levels. But the engine lineup is staying put with a 2.4-liter naturally aspirated four good for 181 hp and 175 lb-ft of torque serving as the base powerplant, while the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder offers a little more oomph with 240 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque on tap. Both are still paired with a six-speed automatic.

The refreshed Sportage will go on sale in the first half of 2019, alongside its much larger Telluride sibling.

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