2017 Kia Sportage sports more 'sport'
Redesigned from the ground-up, with a refreshed contemporary design, premium materials, a more robust suspension, retuned engines and advanced driver assistance technologies, Kia's longest-running nameplate is now poised to hit the sweet spot of the compact CUV segment.
The crossover features an updated six-speed Sportmatic transmission with a choice of front- or all-wheel drive, with locking center differential that provides a 50/50 front-to-rear split of torque between the front and rear axle as a traction aid and for more pulling power.
The LX and EX models are powered by a normally aspirated 2.4-liter engine producing 181 horsepower and 175 lb.-ft. of torque, that will tow up to 2000 pounds and a fuel economy rating of 22 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined (FWD) and 21/25/23 with AWD.
The lower, wider front clip benefits from Bi-HID headlights with dynamic bending lights and automatic high beams; enlarged to provide greater engine cooling, Kia's signature "tiger-nose" grille also adds visual volume to the lower half of the Sportage's face, resulting in a more aggressive appearance.
The top-of-the-line SX Turbo model adds new "ice cube" LED fog lamps, HID headlamps, LED tail lights, satin exterior trim, metal-look skid plates, metal transverse trim, and 19-inch alloy wheels.
EX and SX Turbo models add leather upholstery, and the SX Turbo has a D-shaped, heated and leather-wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters, piano black trim along the center console, aluminum alloy pedals, and authentic stitching on the dashboard.
Connectivity technology on LX model starts with a standard 5.0-inch color touchscreen that features Bluetooth hands-free phone operation and streaming audio, SiriusXM satellite radio, and rear-camera display.
Additionally, the newest Sportage will be available with a wide range of driver assistance systems including forward collision warning with autonomous emergency braking and pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, blind spot detection with lane change assist, rear cross traffic alert, and sonar-based front and rear parking assist.