New for 2017

The Sportage is completely redesigned for 2017.

Going strong 

While many people may not have noticed it, the Kia Sportage has been around for a while. It was one of the original compact utility vehicles, and it’s continually improved over the years. The 2017 Kia Sportage promises to continue that trend, with distinctive styling and a sporty character combined with typical Kia value.

Performance

The 2017 Kia Sportage is offered with two powertrain options, both of which provide a sporty driving experience and impressive fuel economy.

Option one is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 181 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque. All Sportage models are available with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, and a six-speed automatic transmission. With front-wheel drive, it gets an EPA-rated 25 mpg combined (22 mpg city, 29 mpg highway),* and all-wheel drive models get 23 mpg combined (21 mpg city, 25 mpg highway).*

For a little extra performance, Kia also offers a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 240 hp (237 hp on all-wheel drive models) and 260 lb-ft of torque on the SX Turbo model. With front-wheel drive, this model gets 23 mpg combined (21 mpg city, 26 mpg highway) while the all-wheel drive version gets 21 mpg combined (20 mpg city, 23 mpg highway).*

Kia also made some changes to the chassis. It retuned the Sportage’s independent suspension and added a 32-bit ECU for the electric power steering system to help make it more responsive. The optional Magna DYNAMAX™ all-wheel drive system defaults to a 50/50 front/rear power split.

Features and Trims

The 2017 Kia Sportage is a five-door, five-seat compact crossover. It’s available in three trim levels, priced starting from $22,990.**

Kia continues to emphasize value, as evidenced by the standard equipment on the base Sportage LX model. The list includes 17-inch alloy wheels; LED daytime running lights; automatic headlights; rear spoiler; power-adjustable outside mirrors; 60/40 split folding rear seat; a soft-touch dashboard, armrests, and door trim; tilt and telescoping steering column; 5.0-inch touchscreen display; Bluetooth®; and USB port.

The Sportage EX incorporates all of the applicable standard features from the LX, and adds standard foglights, roof rails, heated outside mirrors, windshield wiper de-icer, leather seats, heated front seats, power-adjustable driver’s seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a 7.0-inch touchscreen audio system with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ smartphone connectivity.

The top Sportage model is the SX Turbo, which adds the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine as well as paddle shifters, 19-inch alloy wheels, sunroof, LED foglights and taillights, power-folding outside mirrors with LED turn signals, ventilated front seats, 8.0-inch touchscreen display with navigation, harman/kardon® eight-speaker audio system, auto-dimming rearview mirror, power tailgate, and other features.

Design 

Kia has created a handsome design language over the past few years, but with the 2017 Sportage, the Korean carmaker is aiming for a look that stands out from the crowd more. The Sportage combines traditional crossover styling cues like a tall ride height with more car-like features for a distinctive appearance.

The most distinctive feature is probably the front fascia, which incorporates Kia’s signature “tiger” grille and a funky new headlight design. The lights are positioned high and sweep back over the hood, giving the Sportage a friendlier appearance than other crossovers that try too hard to channel the toughness of trucks. A sloping roofline and short overhangs help complete the look.

On the inside, the dashboard is divided into two clear zones. The upper “display” zone contains the instrument cluster and touchscreen display, which is canted toward the driver. The lower “control zone” includes switchgear for things like climate control and the audio system. Echoing the extroverted exterior styling, the interior gets spiced up with color trim. Metalwork and soft-touch materials banish all thoughts of Kia’s more frugal past.

The 2017 Sportage rides on a 1.2-inch longer wheelbase (now 105.1 inches) than the previous model, while overall length increases 1.6 inches to 176.4 inches and width remains the same at 73 inches. Among the benefits of those increases is greater cargo space, which is now 30.7 cubic feet behind the second row.

Safety

Standard safety equipment on the 2017 Kia Sportage includes anti-lock brakes, stability and traction controls, Hill Start Assist, Downhill Brake Control, a rearview camera and a full array of airbags. Optional features include a Blind Spot Detection System with Lane Change Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, and front and rear park assist sensors.

Bottom Line

The 2017 Kia Sportage adds more style and sportiness to Kia’s typical value and quality.

Be sure to contact or visit us at 3Birds Template to schedule your test drive.

*Based on EPA estimates. Actual mileage will vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits and your vehicle’s condition. These estimates reflect EPA’s revised coefficients beginning with some 2017 models.

**Starting price is manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for lowest model trim. MSRP excludes destination and handling charges, taxes, title, license, options and dealer charges. Actual prices set by dealer and may vary.

Image: Kia