Flash Drive

2017 Kia Sportage

July 19, 2017 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 

Model Tested: 2017 Kia Sportage SX AWD

The 2017 Sportage SX Turbo rolls on sharp 19-inch alloy wheels. It’s compact outside, but roomy inside.

Engine: 2.0-liter I-4, 240 horsepower 260 lb-ft torque

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

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

Base Price: $34,000

As Tested: $34,895

Performance:

Strong engine with good low-end torque

Highly capable and nimble off-road

The 2017 Sportage SX Turbo has short overhangs and excellent approach/departure angles for nimble off-road driving.

4×4 lock button

Hill descent control

We beat EPA estimates with a best of 27.8 mpg

Three drive modes: regular, eco, sport

Paddle shifters especially nice in sport mode

Blind spot and lane departure systems

Backup and parking assists

Autonomous emergency braking

Comfort:

Nice interior with quality materials

Three temperature heated and ventilated front seats

The 2017 Sportage SX Turbo front seats are supportive as well as heated and ventilated.

Driver’s seat power lumbar support

Firm, but comfortable seats

Very good headroom

Stretch-out front row legroom

Thick, contoured, flat-bottom leather steering wheel

Excellent auxiliary controls

Heated steering wheel

Tilt/telescopic column

Rear seats have adjustable recline

Adequate adult room in backseat with fronts all back

Excellent shoe room under front seats

The thick, leather steering wheel has a flat bottom and is heated.

Medium height floor hump

Harman Kardon premium audio system

Utility:

Huge panoramic sunroof with front wind deflector

Large (8-inch) navigation/info screen

Medium size console bin and front door bins

No lock on medium size glovebox

Large sunvisors slide several inches

Big cargo area; large enough to haul a washing machine

Split, folding rear seats have a slight incline

The back seat is adult friendly.

Flat cargo deck

“Hands-free” power liftgate

Rear door bins limited to bottle notches

Digital and analog speedometers

Great headlights with high beam assist

Power folding mirrors

WOW Factors:

Panoramic sunroof really opens interior

Hands-free liftgate

Excellent legroom

Very effective dynamic bending headlights

The 2017 Sportage SX Turbo has split folding rear seats that provide a large cargo area.

Whines:

New styling is polarizing

Bottom Line:

The Kia Sportage was redesigned for 2017. This nimble, multi-purpose crossover SUV is excellent in the city and in the woods. The SX model is loaded with convenience and safety features. The interior is spacious and very comfortable.