2017 Kia Sportage SX
To be competitive in sales you need crossovers, that ill-defined segment of pumped up wagon-like things that have replaced classic body-on-frame SUVs as hot class of vehicles. Kia’s Sportage is new for 2017 and has many of the attributes necessary to lead the charge towards big numbers for the Koreans.
Firstly, it looks really good—at least in top tier, SX guise, with classy, polished trim and chunky 19-inch wheels filling out its bulging fenders; this gives the Kia stance and distracts from the oddly French-looking headlight placement. Inside it is average for the class; gone are the days when Kia really lavished attention on the best materials. While some moldings are still pleasing to the touch, many of those used in its latest products are low-rent. But room inside and seating comfort are better than the outgoing model, and the latest, UVO touchscreen interface is fast and intuitive.
The Sportage structure has been stiffened up and that has allowed the company to set up the suspension better. The Kia now rides really well, which is an attribute that is very welcome over the Front Range’s woeful roads. But it doesn’t handle or steer as sharply as the best in class (Mazda CX-5 and Ford Escape), washing into understeer earlier than expected and not following the driver’s chosen line when pushed hard. In this regard it is more like a Subaru Forester XT, another fast crossover that prioritizes bump absorption over athletic moves.
Photos of the 2017 Kia Sportage SX:
While most Sportages are motivated by a normally-aspirated 2.4-liter engine, the SX gets a turbocharged 2-liter with outputs of 237hp/260lb-ft. These drop from last year in a vain attempt to improve fuel economy. Like many machinations designed to improve EPA ratings, they don’t work in the real world, where the Kia does high teens in town and low twenties on the highway. This is in line with the 2L Ecoboost-powered Escape and 2.5L Forester, but 5-7mpg off the Mazda. The Kia is quicker than the latter, running 6.9 seconds to 60mph in independent testing, and though there’s a bit of lag to contend with from a dead stop, it is a really nice motor on the move, with a strong midrange and smartly calibrated 6-speed automatic. The Subaru is faster yet, and while the Mazda is slightly slower—especially as altitude increases—its lag-free nature in traffic is a definite plus.
In summation, the Sportage SX is a really good crossover for Colorado, loaded with standard equipment—some of which you cant get in the others, like a panoramic moonroof and ventilated seats—that, while priced at the higher end of the spectrum, has many excellent qualities that will help it contribute to continue Kia’s growth.
More info: kia.com/us/en/vehicle/sportage/2017
Isaac Bouchard is owner of Bespoke Autos, an auto brokerage that helps people save time, money and hassle when buying or leasing vehicles. Since 1991 he has helped his clients save over $1 million dollars. He has written extensively about getting the best deal possible when buying or leasing a vehicle, arranging financing or trading in a car. Isaac has been a professional automotive journalist as well for over 12 years, having reviewed most all types of car, truck and SUV.
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