Small changes to Kia Sportage add up to big things
The Sportage was one of the first Kia models to land in North America. Four generations later, it’s an entirely different vehicle that plays in an entirely different league of competitors.
The 2017 Sportage resembles the 2016 model, yet there are still plenty of differences. Most obvious is the rounded front clip containing an enlarged grille that juts out farther from the hood. The nose also contains bigger air-intake and running-light housings, while the headlight pods are now perched above the grille and front fenders. In back, the liftgate’s larger glass area improves visibility, while a slightly lower load floor makes cargo handling a bit easier.
The remaining body panels share nothing with the previous design, but the similar (albeit thinner) rear-most roof pillars strike a familiar note. Collectively, the Sportage appears stubbier, but certainly no less appealing while actually being more aerodynamic.
What’s also appealing is the roomier cabin and stowage area that comes from a 1.2-inch bump in distance between the front and rear wheels. There’s also a slight increase in body height while the width remains unchanged.
These adjustments might not seem like much, but when combined with improvements in interior packaging, the result is more head and legroom plus a lower floor. Most impressive is that the cargo area behind the split-folding rear seat that has been upped by nearly 18 percent.
Other inside changes include new gauges plus a control panel that’s angled slightly toward the driver. There’s also more soft-touch materials, sound insulation and door seals to cut wind and road noise.
Nigel Terrelonge, internet sales representative at Las Vegas-based Findlay Kia, said buyers are attracted to the Sportage due to its five-star safety rating and excellent fuel economy.
“Millennials like it because it has available Apple CarPlay and Android Auto so you can play music and use your navigation by simply connecting your smartphone to the audio through a cable,” he said. “It also has a new feature, which is the duel level cargo floor so if you need more height, it drops down a couple more inches.”
Terrelonge said the Kia Sportage rarely lasts long on the sales floor.
“There’s a high demand for them,” he said. “As soon as they hit the floor, they sell like hot cakes.”
The Sportage’s platform has been strengthened and lightened and the front and rear suspensions have been updated. As well, the steering has been revised for more precision and driver feedback.
It’s business as usual under the hood, however, beginning with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder that makes 181 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque (reduced slightly 2015 values). It’s standard for the LX and EX trims.
Exclusive to the SX is a 241-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder. That’s down from 260 horses, but the peak torque rating of 260 pound-feet is unchanged.
The lower outputs are intended to aid fuel economy, which now stands at 22 mpg in the city and 29 on the highway for the 2.4 (up from 21/28) and 21/26 for the turbo (previously 19/25).
All-wheel-drive is available no matter the engine and increases fuel consumption only slightly. The system includes a locking differential that splits the torque equally between the front and rear wheels, which is intended for more severe excursions.
The base LX that starts at $23,900 (including destination fees) arrives decently equipped with air conditioning, 5-inch touch-screen display, six-speaker sound system plus the usual power-controlled features. The EX adds dual-zone climate control, leather seats (heated in front), power-adjustable driver’s seat, push-button start, seven-inch touch-screen and 18-inch alloy wheels (the LX gets 17-inchers).
Along with the extra muscle and the accompanying sport-tuned suspension and beefier brakes, the top-of-the-line SX Turbo loads up on luxury. Included are a 320-watt Harmon Kardon stereo, panoramic sunroof, 19-inch wheels and a flat-bottomed heated steering wheel. The SX also comes with a full suite of active safety technology to help prevent crashes.
With plenty of choices in the compact tall-wagon class, the Sportage keeps on its toes with great styling, spaciousness and an impressive assemblage of features. Add Kia’s lengthy all-inclusive standard warranty coverage and its hard to see where buyers could go wrong.
