Kia's Sporage, known as X-Pro in China, is in its fifth generation. It features the latest "Opposites United" design philosophy. The front sports a tiger-nose grille, with a wide star-linked mesh integrated with the headlights, connected by boomerang-shaped LED daytime running lights. The lower grille area is also quite large, giving the entire front a broad appearance.
Positioned as a compact SUV, the vehicle is white with black window frames, mirrors, and lower body cladding, giving it a sleek, minimalist look. An upward waistline above the door handle evokes a sense of readiness to leap forward.
The rear design has a layered feel, with the upper section extending slightly and the wiper concealed above. The sharp tail lights on both sides are connected by a black trim strip. The lower body also features black protective panels, echoing the design of the front.
The interior of this model, exclusive to the 2.0T version, features a red and black color scheme. The three-spoke flat-bottom steering wheel includes red stitching and has a slender design. The dashboard and center console boast a dual-screen design, which is quite large and elongated. The vehicle's AI system is straightforward, making it easy to find desired functions. Below, the control area features a knob-style gear selector with a refined design. The seats sport a red and black color scheme, with well-ventilated stitching and thick padding for a solid feel. Space-wise, the rear seats offer ample room, with more than three fists' worth of legroom, wide and slightly upward-sloping cushions, providing comfort even with legs crossed. A large panoramic sunroof above offers excellent visibility and a sense of openness. The second-row seats can be folded proportionally to expand trunk space.
In terms of performance, it is equipped with a 2.0T engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The suspension consists of a front MacPherson strut and a rear multi-link setup, with a tuning bias towards comfort. The initial acceleration gives a sense of impending power, akin to a charging sensation, with robust acceleration and minimal jolting. A harder press on the accelerator might cause slight lag, but the subsequent power delivery feels substantial, providing a sense of thrust during acceleration. We test-drove it on a mountain road, where its climbing capability was impressive, maintaining good posture through U-shaped turns. On the highway, wind noise was well managed, easily masked by in-car music.
Overall, the X-Pro is an easy-to-drive vehicle with strong spatial performance and appealing looks, making it well-suited for young professionals for daily commuting and weekend outings.