2017 Kia Sportage Review: Bold Design Meets Refined Performance

Introduction

The compact crossover segment is one of the most fiercely contested battlegrounds in the automotive world. To stand out, a vehicle needs more than just utility; it requires a distinct personality. Enter the 2017 Kia Sportage. Marking the launch of the fourth-generation model, this completely redesigned crossover aims to disrupt the status quo dominated by long-standing rivals like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. With a bold European-influenced exterior, a significantly upgraded cabin, and a choice of potent engines, the 2017 Sportage makes a compelling case for buyers seeking style and substance.

Exterior Styling: A Bold and Distinctive Departure

Kia's design team, led by the legendary Peter Schreyer, took a daring approach with the 2017 Sportage. The most striking change is at the front, where the signature "tiger-nose" grille has been separated from the headlights, sitting lower and wider to give the crossover an aggressive, planted stance. The headlights are swept back along the outer edges of the hood, creating a distinctive look that is polarizing yet undeniably modern.

Along the sides, the Sportage retains its sweptback profile with a sloping roofline, high beltline, and short overhangs that hint at its athletic capabilities. At the rear, a sleek horizontal trim piece connects the revised LED taillights, emphasizing the vehicle's width. Whether you love or hate the new face, there is no denying that the 2017 Sportage commands attention on the road and successfully distances itself from the generic styling of many competitors.

Interior Comfort, Technology, and Cargo Space

Step inside the 2017 Kia Sportage, and you are greeted by an interior that feels a class above its predecessor. Kia has committed to a driver-centric cockpit layout, angling the center console slightly toward the driver for easier access to controls. The material quality has received a massive upgrade, featuring abundant soft-touch surfaces, metallic accents, and premium stitching on higher trim levels.

The dashboard is divided into two distinct zones: an upper "display" zone housing the touchscreen and a lower "control" zone for climate and audio physical buttons. Tech-savvy buyers will appreciate the UVO3 infotainment system, which is incredibly intuitive, responsive, and offers seamless integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Passenger space has also improved, thanks to a slightly longer wheelbase, providing generous legroom for both front and rear passengers. Cargo capacity is respectable at 30.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 60.1 cubic feet with the seats folded flat.

Trim Levels and Standard Equipment

The 2017 Sportage is offered in three distinct trim levels: LX, EX, and SX Turbo.

• LX: The base model comes well-equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, rear privacy glass, a 5-inch touchscreen, a rearview camera, and Bluetooth connectivity.
• EX: Stepping up to the mid-tier EX adds 18-inch wheels, fog lights, roof rails, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, heated front seats, and the upgraded 7-inch UVO infotainment system.
• SX Turbo: The top-of-the-line SX Turbo pulls out all the stops with 19-inch wheels, LED fog lights, a panoramic sunroof, a hands-free power liftgate, an 8-inch touchscreen with navigation, a premium Harman Kardon sound system, and a sport-tuned suspension.

Powertrain Options: Naturally Aspirated vs. Turbocharged

Under the hood, the 2017 Kia Sportage offers two distinct engine choices. The base LX and mid-tier EX trims are powered by a 2.4-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine generating 181 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque. While this engine is adequate for daily commuting, the real star of the lineup is the SX Turbo.

Powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, the SX Turbo pumps out a robust 240 horsepower (237 hp with AWD) and 260 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission. For those living in harsher climates, Kia’s Dynamax intelligent all-wheel-drive system is available across all trims. This system continuously monitors road conditions and proactively distributes torque between the front and rear axles to optimize traction and stability.

Ride, Handling, and Safety Features

One of the most significant improvements in the fourth-generation Sportage lies in its driving dynamics. Kia engineers utilized advanced high-strength steel for 51 percent of the body structure, resulting in a 39 percent increase in torsional rigidity. This stiffer chassis, combined with a completely redesigned fully independent suspension, translates to a remarkably composed ride.

The Sportage handles corners with confidence, exhibiting minimal body roll for a crossover. Road noise and vibrations have also been drastically reduced, making the cabin a quiet sanctuary even at highway speeds. Furthermore, safety is a paramount focus for this generation. The 2017 model introduces a suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Detection, and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, helping the Sportage secure top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.

Fuel Economy: The Practical Trade-Off

If there is one area where the 2017 Kia Sportage compromises, it is fuel efficiency. The front-wheel-drive 2.4-liter model returns an EPA-estimated 23 mpg city, 30 mpg highway, and 26 mpg combined. Opting for all-wheel drive drops those numbers to 21/25/23 mpg. The performance-oriented SX Turbo with front-wheel drive achieves 21/26/23 mpg, while the AWD variant gets 20/23/21 mpg. While these figures are acceptable, they fall slightly behind some of the class leaders who offer more fuel-efficient powertrains.

Verdict: A Formidable Compact Crossover

The 2017 Kia Sportage is a testament to how far the South Korean brand has come. It successfully bridges the gap between mainstream utility and near-luxury refinement. While its bold exterior design may not appeal to every traditionalist, its upscale interior, engaging driving dynamics, and robust technology package make it a standout choice in the crowded compact SUV class. For buyers wanting a reliable, feature-packed crossover that refuses to blend into the background, the 2017 Sportage is a must-drive.