Kia Sportage JBL Black Edition Is a Speck of Loud Darkness

The model sells well enough to warrant the occasional release of special variants, at times made in collaboration with big names from other industries.

As the end of the year approaches and most other car companies called it a day for 2020, Kia decided a last push on the Sportage front wouldn't hurt. Enter the Sportage JBL Black Edition, a special version of the crossover that focuses solely on two things: color and sound.

The limited edition (we are not being told how many of them will be made) goes dark with extensive use of black, even on elements that are usually specced in other colors. Those include the emblems, 17-inch alloy wheels (including on the center caps), and door handles (which usually come in chrome).

To make the model stand out some more in the range, Kia also throws in a redesigned grille, new skid plates, and new roof rails.

As for the second element of Sportage's name, it is there as an advertisement for the sound system fitted inside. It is JBL that supplies 8 speakers, a subwoofer, and an external amplifier for all the music needs of the car's occupants.

The JBL edition is available only with the Sportage coming in Phantom Black. It can be optioned, however, with either gasoline or mild-hybrid diesel. On the UK market, from where the announcement of the Black Edition was made, that translates into four variants.

Pricing for the model starts at £28,545 (the equivalent of $38,500 at today's exchange rates) for the 1.6 T-GDi 6-speed manual, but as a bonus, the carmaker throws in for free a JBL Flip 5 speaker (that would be a $90 freebie).

You can take a look at all the details of the Kia Sportage JBL Black Edition in the press release section below.