Flash Drive

2017 Kia Sportage

August 31, 2016 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 

Model Tested: 2017 Sportage SX AWD

The redesigned 2017 Kia Sportage SX is available in AWD and front-wheel-drive models.
The redesigned 2017 Kia Sportage SX is available in AWD and front-wheel-drive models.

Engine: 2.0-liter I-4 gas turbo, 237 horsepower 260 lb-ft torque

Transmission: 6-speed automatic, all-wheel-drive

EPA Rating: 20-mpg city, 23-mpg highway, 21-mpg combined

Base Price: $34,000

As Tested: $34,895

Performance:

Regular, Sport, and Eco driving modes

Brisk acceleration in Sport mode

Good six-speed automatic transmission

Console buttons for Hill Descent and Differential Lock

Blind spot monitor

Lane departure warning

Autonomous Emergency Braking

The 2017 Kia Sportage is a quiet, pleasant riding highway compact SUV.
The 2017 Kia Sportage is a quiet, pleasant riding highway compact SUV.

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert

Front/Rear Parking Assist

So-so fuel economy: we averaged 20.5 mpg

19-inch alloy wheels

Turbocharged four-cylinder engine

Pleasant highway ride

Confident off-road capabilities

Comfort:

Super stretch-out driver legroom

Driver power lumbar support

Three temperature heated and cooled front seats

Upscale quality interior materials

Leather seating surfaces

Soft headrests

Great leather steering wheel: thick, contoured, flat bottom

Front seat room is expansive and the steering wheel is top notch.
Front seat room is expansive and the steering wheel is top notch.

Heated steering wheel

Tilt and telescopic steering column

Excellent headroom

Good backseat room if fronts are up a little

Utility:

Medium size front door bins

Large center console storage bin

Auto folding side mirrors

Medium size glovebox but no lock

Bright, LED interior lights

Power tailgate

Ample cargo room

Flat cargo deck

Two flimsy seatback cargo nets

Cargo capacity is very good and flexible with the split folding rear seats and flat deck.
Cargo capacity is very good and flexible with the split folding rear seats and flat deck.

Overhead sunglasses holder

Nice Harman Kardon sound system

WOW Factors:

Spacious, comfortable, heated/cooled front seats

Panoramic sunroof really lightens interior

Power “hands-free” tailgate

Lots of upscale features on Sportage SX Turbo AWD

Excellent safety features on top models

Whines:

Horsepower 20 less than 2016 Sportage

Back seat room is good as long as the front seats are moved up slightly.
Back seat room is good as long as the front seats are moved up slightly.

Front styling (especially lights) rather busy

Poorer fuel economy than some competitors

Bottom Line:

The redesigned 2017 Kia Sportage SX AWD is a far more luxurious, more technically advanced compact crossover SUV than previous iterations. It neither looks, acts or is a cheap mini Ute anymore. Interior comfort and amenities are excellent and it’s also very competent in harsh weather/driving conditions.