Fourth-generation Sportage debuts with multiple updates

The 2017 Kia Sportage has grown not only in stature, it has also moved from a bland utility to a visually appealing CUV with sporty European styling, featuring thoughtful design touches with innovative packaging, added functionality and a turbocharged engine.

Kia’s hallmark “tiger-nose” grille resides vertically in the front fascia with the headlights positioned higher, sweeping back along the outer edges of the sharply detailed hood.

In spite of its dimensional increase, the all-new Sportage retains its instant recognizability, thanks to its sloping roofline and sharply raked rear window.

There is a longer, more aerodynamic spoiler and bolder wheel arches, giving the compact CUV a more athletic look.

Moving to the interior, the new Sportage’s driver-oriented cockpit showcases a simple and modern design with clean horizontal lines that emphasize a roomier interior.

Both the interior passenger space and cargo room have been increased thanks to an innovative dual-level cargo floor and widened luggage area.

The Sportage is the first Kia to offer UVO3, featuring Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, 14 telematics services and 8 GB of music storage, all free of charge, and all Sportages come standard with a 160-watt six-speaker audio system.

Power for the new Sportage is supplied by a normally aspirated 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine, retuned for greater fuel efficiency that produces 181 horsepower along with 175 pound-feet of torque for LX and EX models.

FWD SX Turbo models receive their get up and go from a 2.0-liter DOHC, CVVT, 16-valve Turbocharged, Gasoline Direct Injection inline four-cylinder that generates 240 horses (237 for AWD models) while also delivering 260 pound-feet of torque.

Motive force is directed to the driving wheels (FWD or AWD) via an updated six- speed Sportmatic automatic transmission with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters.

Seating is comfortable for five and ride quality is compliant and comfortable — not necessarily luxuriously plush mind you, but, hey, it’s a CUV that is actually capable of going where there are no roads when equipped with AWD.

The on road manners are pleasant as well, with a level of agility in handling in evidence delivering a sporty and stable ride — some might even say that it’s fun to drive.

The transmission changes gears smoothly, whether in automatic mode or when shifting manually with the paddle shifters.