2015 Kia Sportage Preview

PROs: As is the case for just about every Kia product, there’s no faulting the 2015 Sportage’s design. Plus, over the years, Sportage has upped the ante regarding the internal finish, so that means it’s a real pleasure to drive. In terms of standard equipment, as is the way at Kia, the Sportage comes fully loaded. Last but not least, there are some great powertrain choices, backed up by an excellent guarantee.

CONs: There’s also some nit-picking to do for the 2015 Kia Sportage. Rear and side windows are relatively narrow and restrict back-end vision. You’ll still find some hard plastic in the cabin. Plus, the suspension is a little stiff and the steering could be more precise. For those who wish to go upscale, you might want to have second thoughts about the SX Luxury whose price will empty your wallet of more than $46,000, including taxes.

2015 Kia Sportage Price: For 2015, Kia markets their SUV crossover compact LX for $22,995 and $25,195 (manual or automatic versions, respectively). The EX automatic starts at $28,995, the SX automatic at $32,695, the EX Luxury automatic at $34,895 and the SX automatic Luxury at $38,495.

Fuel Economy: For the 2015, consumption rates (city/highway litres per 100 km) vary according to the model: LX,12.9/9.2 (manual or automatic); EX, 11.4/8.3; SX, 12.6/9.7; SX 12.6/9.7; EX Luxury, 12.0/9.1 and SX Luxury, 12.6/9.7 L/100 km.

Improvements and Changes: For 2015, no major changes to the Kia Sportage.

2015 Kia Sportage Powertrain: The 2015 Sportage offers a choice of two 4-cylinders engines: the LX gets a 2.4 L DOHC rated at 182 hp (offered with manual or automatic 6-speed transmission). The EX and EX Luxury versions take advantage of the same engine but with automatic transmission only. As for the SX and SX Luxury, they both feature a turbocharged 4-cylinder DOHC generating 260 hp and matched with an automatic 6-speed gearbox.

Cargo Capacity: Storage aboard the 2015 Kia Sportage varies between 740 and 1,547 litres, depending on whether the back seats are lowered or not.

Safety: The 2015 Kia Sportage safety benefits include: 4-wheel ABS, brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, electronic stability control, traction control and hill assist system for starting on an incline or going downhill.

Comparing the 2015 Kia Sportage: In this compact crossover SUV segment, the Sportage is up against the Subaru Forester, Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Jeep Cherokee, Mitsubishi Outlander, Rogue and Toyota RAV4 Nissan.  

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