Rally-Prepped Kia Sportage X-Pro Heads To The 2022 Rebelle Rally

Kia America fully revealed the rally-prepared Sportage X-Pro that will compete in the 2022 Rebelle Rally, marking its third consecutive year of participating in the event. The SUV supported by LGE-CTS Motorsports will compete in the X-Cross class of the all-female rally held at the Nevada and California deserts.

The team that will tackle the 1,500-mile (2,414 km) challenge is driver Verena Mei and navigator Tana White, who come back for another year with Kia after securing second place in 2021 with a similarly modified Sorento PHEV. Theressa Contreras and Sara Morosan, owner of the LGE-CTS Motorsports and Baja Forged off-road products, helped in the development of the vehicle.

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The new rallycar is largely based on a 2023 Sportage X-Pro which is the most rugged trim of the SUV. Setting aside the fancy livery, the model received some off-road-focused upgrades, making it more suitable for difficult terrains. The 17-inch Rhino wheels are shod in grippy BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A K02 tires. The front and rear skid plates combined with underbody protection and Baja Forged bumper protectors will keep the Sportage safe from rocks and debris, while the tow points on both ends will make it easier to get out of difficult situations. Finally, a custom roof rack is added for carrying the necessary equipment.

Under the bonnet lies the stock 2.5-liter Smartstream GDI four-cylinder engine producing 187 hp (140 kW / 190 PS). Power is transmitted to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic and the Active AWD system that features multi-terrain drive modes.

The 2022 Rebelle Rally will take place in Nevada between October 6 and 15. This is Kia’s third time in the event, with the automaker having finished second and third in 2021 with a Sorento PHEV and second in 2020 with a Telluride.