Transmissions & Drivetrains

Choice of 2WD and AWD systems, plus three gearboxes

Buyers of the all-new Kia Sportage in Europe will be offered a choice 2WD or AWD drivetrains, and five-speed or six-speed manual and a six-speed automatic transmissions.  

For diesel Sportage models, the standard gearbox is a six-speed manual, upgraded with improved synchronization, reduced power loss, enhanced efficiency and durability.  Both the larger gasoline and the larger diesel engines can be specified with the (optional) six-speed automatic.

Ultra-compact six-speed automatic transmission

Developed by the Hyundai-Kia Group for fitment in a wide range of future vehicles, the all-new six-speed automatic transmission now available for the new Sportage is ultra-compact.

The driver can choose from two operating modes – fully automatic or ‘Sport’.  For city driving, fully automatic mode is ideal, while ‘Sport’ mode allows for clutch-less manual gear changes for greater driver involvement – either using the selector lever or the new steering wheel-mounted paddles.

Whenever the car is stopped for more than a few seconds, the new transmission’s innovative ‘Neutral Control’ function automatically shifts the transmission from ‘D’ to ‘N’, improving fuel economy especially in city driving.

Customer choice of advanced drivetrains with 2WD and AWD

Depending on individual markets, consumers ordering a new Sportage will be able to select from five models with 2WD and four with AWD – employing advanced drivetrain systems similar to those introduced with the new Sorento in 2009.  

On every Sportage model, traction is also boosted by the available HAC (Hillstart Assist Control) which prevents slipping backwards, and DBC (Downhill Brake Control) which limits vehicle speed to just 8 km/h (5 mph) on steep descents.

For customers who drive on-road most of the time, the new Sportage with the 2WD drivetrain offers lower weight, faster acceleration, enhanced fuel economy and good traction, aided by the standard-fit TCS (traction control system).

For new Sportage buyers who regularly face difficult driving conditions, go off-road or tow trailers, the AWD drivetrain will be ideal.  It will be available with both the 2-litre gasoline and diesel engines (manual or automatic).

This innovative and unique AWD drivetrain is a single ratio (High) system, which delivers 100% of engine power and torque to the front wheels when driving in normal conditions, enhancing fuel efficiency.  Whenever a front wheel loses grip a percentage of torque is automatically transferred to the rear wheels to maintain forward momentum.

When driving a new Sportage with AWD in slippery conditions – such as rain, snow, mud, unpaved roads and off-road – the driver can manually select ‘Lock Mode’ for better stability.  This mode shares the torque equally (50%/50%), between the front and rear axles and maintains that split up to a speed of 40 km/h (25 mph).