2017 KIA SPORTAGE VIDEO REVIEW

2017 KIA SPORTAGE VIDEO REVIEW BY AUTO CRITIC STEVE HAMMES

Small sport utes are super-hot right now and with so many worthy choices you’ve got to understand the subtle nuances of the offerings before you can decide which one is right for you. If you’re the type who relishes a bit more excitement from the driver’s seat, Kia’s all-new 2017 Sportage SX Turbo has got the goods.

The new Sportage comes in 3 trim levels starting with the base LX. MSRP is $23,885. But to spot one of these racier SX trims, simply look for these splashy, new “ice cube” LED fog lamps. They’re paired with dynamic bending HID headlamps which swivel in the direction of travel, LED tail lights, dual exhaust, satin trim, skid plates and flamboyant 19” wheels wrapped in Hankook all-season grand touring tires. Chief design officer Peter Schreyer must have been feeling especially whimsical when he penned this polarizing design – described as a demented bug by one onlooker. The wheelbase has been stretched by over an inch while overall length has grown by over 1.5”. But it’s what lies under the hood that distinguishes this Sportage from the rest of the CUV herd; a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbo pushing out 237 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. Though output is down a bit from the previous generation, city mileage has improved to 20mpg with broader midrange torque. Paired with an updated 6-speed Sportmatic transmission with paddle shifters and the optional Magna-sourced all-wheel drive system, the SX feels like a powerhouse, providing a unique element and the foundation for unexpected driving fun. Forget the traditional competitors; none of those top 200 horsepower. This is BMW X3 kind of power with smooth, refined delivery.

All Sportage models receive a stiffer body and redesigned suspension which takes ride quality to the next level of sophistication while the SX’s firmer shocks go farther with greater handling capabilities. With a selectable Sport mode and no CVT to get in the way, I’m truly impressed with the Sportage’s fun-to-drive nature. Cabin quietness is notable, too. For better visibility there are thinner A- and C- pillars and to make loading cargo easier, there is a lower lift-over height. Towing is maxed at 2,000 pounds.

This is one of the best driving Kias I’ve ever tested. The stronger body structure, vastly improved steering and sophisticated suspension feel all work in concert with the lively turbo to give the Sportage a huge leg up in the class. It only nets 1mpg less than the base engine but in general the Sportage isn’t going to compete favorably on gas mileage.

Rated at 21mpg in combined driving, the frugal will look and turn away. This one is for the enthusiast type.

Along with the added punch, the SX delivers all of the goodies too including class-above features such as a Panoramic Sunroof, an 8-speaker Harman Kardon sound system with Clari-Fi technology giving a boost to digitally compressed music, and a very user friendly 8” voice-command touch-screen navigation system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There are power folding side mirrors, Smart Power Liftgate with hands-free activation, heated and cooled front seats, heated steering wheel, USB ports front and rear, and all of the new safety tech including autonomous emergency braking. The SX gets special materials and trim too which give it a very respectable look and feel.

There’s so much I like about the Sportage SX such as its comfortable, well-appointed interior, bold styling cues and class above driving acumen but even though it’s grown this year, it’s cargo room still feels squeezed.

The floor has a dual stage feature which is a nice touch and the seats fold completely flat, but in general the Sportage is a little smaller inside all around than the heavy hitters in the class.

AWD adds $1,500 and comes with increased ground clearance and a locking center differential, for an as-tested price of $34,895…a bargain for the completeness of the offering. As one of the original Kias, the Sportage has never really been my cup of tea…until now.  This model is the Sportage Kia finally got right in a very poignant way.