The 2017 model of the Kia's Sportage sports a redesign that proves to be an effective eye-candy but looks can be deceiving. Is it the case for the 2017 Kia Sportage?
The 2017 Kia Sportage. The design of the new Sportage is quite aesthetically refreshing. Aside from an updated look, we get interior upgrades, more passenger space, a smooth ride, and a quiet and comfortable driving experience.
The 2017 Sportage base model sports 181-horsepower 2.4-liter engine. It is able to go from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 9.6 seconds. The engine noise is restrained allowed for a more comfortable quiet drive and has a responsive six-speed automatic transmission. The new Sportage's fuel economy is a combined 23 miles per gallon.
The new Sportage offers a sporty handling although steering feedback falls a bit short. Nevertheless, the handling is stable and quick.
The interior of the 2017 Sportage is pleasant, offering perforated leather seats with heating and cooling capabilities. The dashboard sports an 8.0-inch display for a cooperative navigation system and easy-to-identify control knobs, switches, and buttons. The new Sportage's extended wheelbase, by 1.2 inches from 174.8 to 176.4, allows for more headroom and legroom. Cargo space is now larger by five cubic feet although still not as large as its competitors.
The 2017 Kia Sportage now features the availability of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto along with updated infotainment and connectivity systems. It also sports an 8-gigabyte Harman/Kardon 320-watt eight-speaker system and the latest version of Kia's UVO system. Safety features include forward collision, lane departure, and blind spot warnings, autonomous emergency brakes, and rear cross-traffic alert. Advanced safety features are only available on the EX variant.
All in all, the 2017 Sportage offers a now smoother, quieter and more comfortable ride and improved overall driving performance. The base model of the new Sportage retails at US$23,885. Top-of-the-line variants go up to as much as US$33,395.
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