Summertime in the UAE usually sees residents reaching for their passports to jet off for cooler climates and a well-earned spell of relaxation or adventure. But for those who remain, the nation still offers plenty of opportunities to escape and unwind, sun cream permitting — especially when you’ve got access to a dependable SUV.

Speaking of, Kia brought its all-new Sportage to the region in 2022 to provide motorists with a capable and compelling companion for virtually any road trip ahead. To celebrate the fifth-generation’s reinvention, uprated performance, striking new design, and much more, the Korean automaker has shared its top four road trip destinations that are tailor made for the all-new Sportage.

The most comfortable family road trip to Hatta Dam

Hatta Dam is one trip that’s becoming increasingly popular among just about anyone living in Dubai city, being located around an hour and a half drive from the center of the Emirate. 

As you’ve likely experienced, these hour-plus long road trips can impact comfort, with tightening muscles and aching joints creeping in. With the Sportage, short and tall passengers alike are comfortably seated from the first minute on the road to the last. The all-new model boasts increased head and leg room of 1,000mm and 1,050mm respectively over the previous iteration, complemented by an ergonomically designed cabin packed full of premium details. 

Back to the road trip — even in summer, the weather in Hatta can range from warm to chilly, depending on the time of day. The Sportage has you covered thanks to its intuitive climate panel located on the model’s 12.3-inch panoramic curved display. The display allows the driver to effortlessly fine tune the temperatures within the car, helped massively by front-seat ventilation. 

Enjoy couple’s stargazing with a night drive to Al Quaa 

While stargazing at Al Quaa in Abu Dhabi sounds like the ultimate couples’ affair, the Sportage is your ideal third-wheel to reach the location’s aptly named “Milky Way Spot” with ease. 

The fifth-generation model’s intelligent ‘terrain mode’ ensures nature is not an obstacle as you nudge the car off the main road leading to Al Quaa to venture onto the dunes for added tranquility. The drive mode system ensures optimal tire traction over all kinds of road conditions, including wet mud and loose gravel. 

Once you reach Al Quaa, there’s no need to even leave your seat. The vehicle’s sweeping panoramic sunroof provides uninterrupted views of the stunning night sky, leaving you free to spot a shooting star and pick out a distant planet in lounge-like comfort.

Cruise up Jebel Jais mountain with total peace of mind

Cruising through the cloud-piercing Hajar mountains to get to its peak, Jebel Jais, is a favorite road trip destination for many UAE residents. The ride leads you to the world’s longest zipline, Jebel Jais Flight, but getting there can be a fuel-draining one given the steep climb. Plus, safety is a must, with steep, rugged drops on either side of the route up.  

The Sportage is well equipped to tackle these challenges, as it features a four-cylinder engine designed with advanced cooling technologies and an efficient thermal management system that conserves fuel. 

Also integrated with ADAS safety technologies, the Sportage is one of the safest vehicles out there. The technologies include Kia’s industry leading Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) and its new Blind Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA), preventing sudden collisions with objects in front of and behind the vehicle respectively.

Pack all your essentials for Black Palace Beach

Beach lovers might skip the road trip and ride to the lesser visited Black Palace Beach, also commonly known as the Sufouh Beach for a relaxing, undisturbed swim. Located at the heart of Dubai with a spectacular view of the Burj Al Arab and limited to no beachgoers in sight, it’s a blissful paradise within the city.

While getting there, drivers of the Sportage can stay connected to the world with its panoramic Information display that has everything you need, just a button away. From playing your favorite tunes to making a quick call, to personalizing the Shift-by-Wire (SBW) drive mode to your taste, the Sportage makes even short jaunts through town a joy.  

To ensure safety when navigating the city’s busy roads, the all-new Sportage features a Blind Spot View Monitor for enhanced visibility when changing lanes. The monitor provides real-time, rear-side image display in its instrument cluster. What’s more beach goers need not worry about luggage space for their beach essentials, as the Sportage’s 637-liter cargo capacity and foldable rear seats can accommodate masses of belongings.

Whatever your next UAE road trip throws at you, the versatile and refined all-new Kia Sportage is ready and willing to face it head on.