2017 Kia Sportage sports more 'sport'

The all-new 2017 Kia Sportage is in its fourth generation and now gets even 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.

When it was launched in 1994, the Sportage was powered by Mazda-sourced engines, was not well known for reliability or safety, and was discontinued in 2002. After a two-year hiatus, the compact utility vehicle re-emerged with a second-generation model in 2005, sharing its Elantra-based platform with the 2005 Hyundai Tucson, and earned a top reputation for reliability and safety.

Trims, engines available

Developed in the United States at Hyundai-Kia's California Proving Grounds and available in three trim levels (LX, EX, SX Turbo). Pricing starts at $22,990 for LX models, $25,500 for EX, and $32,500 for SX Turbo in front-wheel drive; choosing Kia's Dynamic all-wheel drive adds $1,500. Pricing does not include $895 in destination charges.

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 hard-charging 240-horsepower (237 on AWD models), 2.0-liter inline-four turbo found on the SX Turbo has been re-tuned to offer better midrange torque, delivering 260 lb.-ft. of torque, and 21/26/23 (FWD) and 20/23/21 (AWD).

All models are equipped with a drive mode selector with Normal, Eco, and Sport modes.

Exterior design

Outside, all body panels are new, juxtaposing smooth curves meld with sharp creases. Chrome trim, sloping roofline, sharply raked rear window, longer and more aerodynamic spoiler and bolder wheel arches give the CUV a more dynamic appearance. 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. AWD models feature a unique front fascia with a steeper approach angle and firmer shocks for increased capability. 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.

Interior comfort

Inside, you'll find reduced wind noise, high-quality soft-touch materials, and a range of comfort and convenience features, as well as optional three-level heated and ventilated front seats, and a dual-zone climate system. 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. EX adds a 7-inch capacitive touchscreen and debuts Kia's third-gen UVO3 telematics and infotainment system, which offers Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, up to 8 GB of music storage, and access to Pandora, though the touch screen. SoundHound is accessible through a portable WiFi hotspot. Top-level SX Turbo features all of the above, plus an 8-inch capacitive touchscreen and onboard navigation.

Overall dimensions

Measuring the same 73-inch overall width as its predecessor, its wheelbase has been stretched 1.2 inches (now 105.1 inches), and overall length has increased 1.6 inches to 176.4 inches. Interior dimensions have improved giving more space and comfort. A dual-level cargo floor and widened luggage area boost cargo capacity behind the second row from 26.1 cu.-ft. to 30.7 cu.-ft.; with the second row folded, maximum cargo capacity has increased from 54.6 cubic feet. Interior spaciousness can be enhanced by an available panoramic sunroof with an opening 4.1 inches longer.

With 51 percent of the 2017 Sportage's framework consisting of Advanced High Strength Steel compared to 18 percent, torsional rigidity has improved 39 percent. Advanced hot-stamped steel reinforces the A-, B- and C-pillars, side sills, roof structure, and wheel arches, and more than a football field's length of structural adhesive reinforces the body and quells NVH. Thanks to its stronger core, it's expected that it will earn a five-star overall National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) rating and an Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick& designation.

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.

Test drive

We drove the new model over a course of 200 miles in southern California and noted its greatly improved driving dynamics.

Kia has completely overhauled its fully independent suspension to improve ride, handling, and vehicle stability, especially bringing increased high-speed steadiness for on-road driving, and safe and mannered performance on poorly maintained road surfaces.

Up front, the MacPherson struts have been redesigned to better cope with changing road surfaces, while in back, the multilink rear suspension now features dual-member shock absorber housings and a dual lower-arm setup that provide equilibrium.

Revised electric power steering provides better precision and feel.

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