With a complete redesign for 2017, the small crossover Kia Sportage SX is even better than before. Featuring a fresh face, more backseat legroom, and a smoother ride, there’s even more to love.
The 2017 Kia Sportage is a small crossover SUV with seating for five. It’s offered in three trim levels: LX, EX and SX Turbo. This review will focus on the SX Turbo trim.
The SX Turbo boasts 19-inch wheels, adaptive xenon headlights, automatic high beams, LED foglights and taillights, power-folding mirrors with LED turn signals, a sport-tuned suspension, a hands-free power tailgate, a panoramic sunroof, LED interior lighting, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a heated flat-bottom steering wheel with paddle shifters, an upgraded driver information display, an eight-way power passenger seat, ventilated front seats, dashboard accent stitching, gloss-black interior accents, an 8-inch touchscreen interface, a navigation system and an eight-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.
With a turbocharged 2.0-liter four banger expect to fly with 240 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission is the only option offered and all-wheel drive is an available option (my model came equipped with all-wheel drive). Expect to get 20/city, 23/highway, and 21/combined mpg.
You’ll feel like you are driving in the lap of luxury with the stylish interior of the Sportage. Gauges are well-placed and the dash has a rakish look.
Seating is comfortable front and rear. Six-footers will have no problem sitting comfortably in either the front or back seats. Cargo won’t have a problem either with 30.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the back seats up and 60.1 with them down.
If you feel good riding in the Sportage you will love driving it. The car seems to glide over bumps and the interior cabin is whisper quiet. But don’t let the quiet fool you steering is responsive and the turbocharged engine gives you that extra oomph when needed.
If you are in the market for a small crossover with manners and sport, give the 2017 Kia Sportage SX a test drive.