Note: This is an overview of the 2017 Kia Sportage, based on an introductory event held by the manufacturer. Although the new Sportage was driven during the event, automotive reviews that include driving impressions and other opinions appear only after a vehicle has been given the standard weeklong test-drive.
Kia has reinvigorated the Sportage compact crossover utility vehicle (CUV) for 2017, adding European design flair, shelling out for higher-grade interior components, piling on technology, and stepping up driving characteristics through chassis, suspension and steering system revisions.
Dimensional transformations include a longer and wider wheelbase, longer overall length, and more interior space overall for passengers and cargo.
Sportage is the elder statesman of Kia’s lineup, a mainstay of the company’s great success in the U.S. The 2017 model is the fourth-generation Sportage, and its arrival is well timed. Compact CUVs are hugely popular now and there is no sales slowdown in sight.
From the outside, the biggest difference between Sportage now and before is at the front, most noticeably the so-called tiger-nose grille, an identifying feature of newer Kia cars. Headlights have been redesigned for a swooping effect, and new “ice cube” LED foglamps are attractive as well as practical.
The roomier interior also provides better visibility for drivers, and offers more available comfort features such as heated and ventilated front seats, a 10-way power-adjustable driver seat with lumbar support, and eight-way power control for the front passenger seat. Construction modifications were made to reduce noisiness and to provide a smoother ride for increased passenger comfort.
There are three Sportage trim levels – LX, EX, and SX Turbo – all available with front-wheel or all-wheel drive. Their four-cylinder engines are retuned for 2017 for better fuel economy. LX and EX models come with a 2.4-liter generating 181 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque. The SX Turbo has a turbocharged 2.0-liter with 240 horsepower in FWD configuration and 237 horsepower with AWD. Its torque rating is 260 lb-ft.
A six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift ability is standard on all models.
Average combined (city and highway) fuel economy ratings for the 2.4L engine are up 2 mpg over the previous version and are now 26 mpg for LX and 25 mpg for EX front-drive models (25 mpg for both of them with AWD). The turbo engine averages 23 mpg with FWD and 21 mpg with AWD. Regular unleaded gasoline is recommended for both engines.
With consumers becoming increasingly more interested in connectivity and infotainment features when car shopping, every vehicle makeover must include updates in these areas. To that end, the new Sportage adds to the LX a 5-inch color touchscreen with Bluetooth, satellite radio and rear-camera display. The EX gets a 7-inch touchscreen with Kia’s UVO3 telematics system, including Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, which enable smartphone functions to be operated through the car’s system. The SX Turbo model has all of these features but with an 8-inch screen and also a navigation system.
Base pricing for the 2017 Kia Sportage, including an $895 destination charge, starts at $23,885 for a front-drive LX and tops out at $34,895 for an SX Turbo with all-wheel drive.
The official on-sale date for the new Sportage is April 1, but it’s available now at local dealerships. Android Auto is featured in the UVO3 system. Apple CarPlay availability starts in April.
Mary Lowry is an independent automotive writer who lives in Snohomish County. She is a member of the Motor Press Guild and a board member of the Northwest Automotive Press Association.
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