2017 Kia Sportage

ERIC STAFFORD

March 14, 2017 at 6:00 PM

C/D Overall Rating:

The Kia Sportage is an above-average crossover that will be noted for its tasteful interior and noticed for its polarizing face. While it falls short of the segment’s elite, the Sportage lineup encompasses three competent models, including a sporty turbo version. A long list of premium features, such as adaptive headlights and high-tech safety assists, are pluses that balance its disappointing fuel economy and cramped cargo area.

What’s New for 2017?

The Sportage is all new for 2017, and the change is most apparent in its odd front-end styling, with a grille that makes it look as if it's getting its baby teeth. Kia increased the Sportage’s size by stretching the wheelbase and overall length, which has resulted in added room for passengers and more cargo space, although it’s still not as spacious as the competition. Inside the curvy sheetmetal, the redesigned interior benefits from an improved layout and upgraded materials. Beneath the surface, the Sportage sports a stiffer structure, a pair of retuned engines, and suspension and steering enhancements. On the technology front, Kia’s third generation of UVO infotainment software is now available, as are a slew of active safety assists, including rear cross-traffic alert and automated emergency braking.

Standard Feature Highlights

• 5.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Power-adjustable exterior mirrors
• Remote keyless entry

Trims and Options We’d Choose

The mid-level EX trim combines an affordable price with a plethora of fancy features. Starting at $26,595, the EX is only a couple thousand dollars more than the base LX, but it includes extra tech and upgraded interior appointments. While the SX Turbo provides excellent performance and a longer list of luxury lineaments, those upgrades come with stunted fuel economy and aren’t worth the $7000 premium. That said, we stand behind the better value provided by the EX’s standard 2.4-liter inline-four and front-wheel drive, which are more than adequate for most driving scenarios. However, if you seek the bad-weather confidence of all-wheel drive, you can purchase that additional security on any Sportage for $1500. Beyond the aforementioned standard features, the EX adds:

• 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat
• Leather-appointed interior
• Heated front seats

In Depth: 2017 Kia Sportage

.indepthnav { overflow: auto; padding-top: 20px; padding-bottom: 20px; margin-bottom: 32px; border-top: 4px solid #E0E4E7; border-bottom: 4px solid #E0E4E7; } .indepthnav img{ width: 100% !important; } .indepthnav div{ font-size: 16px; padding:12px 32px 12px 0; line-height: 21px; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; } .indepthnav a{ color: #1383B3; display: inline-block; position: relative; width: 100%; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; transition: all .2s ease; } .indepthnav a:hover { color: #222222; vertical-align: top; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; } Overview Engine and Transmission Fuel Economy Performance and Driving Impressions Interior Infotainment Cargo Space and Storage Exterior Safety and Driver Assistance Warranty

C/D Engine and Transmission Rating:

Compact crossovers don’t get much quicker than the turbocharged Sportage. A trusty six-speed automatic and a sedate yet effective non-turbo four-cylinder fill the rest of the powertrain platter.

The Sportage lineup has two engines: a 2.4-liter inline-four and a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four. Both rely on a six-speed automatic transmission, and they’re available in front- or all-wheel drive. The 2.4-liter makes 181 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque; the turbocharged 2.0-liter is exclusive to the SX trim and produces 240 horsepower (237 with all-wheel drive) and 260 lb-ft of torque. We found few faults with the transmission, which shifted well and was rarely caught off guard by sudden requests for more power. The rowdy turbocharged mill packs plenty of passing power and proved its dominance at the test track: Our front-drive SX sprinted to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds, beating the competition. While it’s fast, it’s also very expensive. The more reasonably priced 2.4-liter, on the other hand, is unrefined and a snoozer when it comes to performance. It’s not as slow as a Nissan Rogue, but we could do without its buzzing under hard acceleration.

**Acceleration, C/D Test Results: Sportage Turbo 2.0L Inline-4**

**Acceleration, C/D Test Results: Sportage 2.4L Inline-4**

Towing more than a small U-Haul trailer with the Sportage is out of the question. Its maximum tow rating of 2000 pounds is below average in this class, and it’s not half as much as the most muscular alternative. If you’re interested in pulling a little camper, for example, check out the Ford Escape or the Jeep Cherokee.

Tow Ratings Compared

In Depth: 2017 Kia Sportage

C/D Fuel Economy Rating:

Kia retuned the engines from the last-generation Sportage to improve fuel economy, which has worked—barely. Our test confirmed what the EPA already stated: The Sportage lives near the bottom of the fuel-sipping hierarchy.

The Sportage cabinet has two different four-cylinder engines, and EPA fuel economy is at or near the bottom of the class with either of them. Even though front-wheel drive traditionally provides a fuel-economy advantage compared with all-wheel drive, the Kia still ranks poorly according to the EPA, with ratings that barely exceed the Jeep Cherokee and its V-6.

Fuel Economy Ratings Compared: Sportage Turbo 2.0L Inline-4

Fuel Economy Ratings Compared: Sportage 2.4L Inline-4

We perform our own fuel-economy test in an attempt to replicate how most people drive on the highway. Our procedure entails a 200-mile out-and-back loop on Michigan’s I-94 highway. We maintain a GPS-verified 75 mph and use the cruise control as much as possible to mimic the way many drivers behave during long trips.

Our Sportage actually outperformed its EPA rating in this test. Please note, however, that our highway fuel-economy test was conducted on a front-drive Sportage SX, while the only competitors we were able to test featured all-wheel drive. Still, compared with the Honda CR-V and the Mazda CX-5, the Sportage guzzled gas even though it was driving two fewer wheels.

**Highway Fuel Economy, C/D Test Results: Sportage Turbo 2.0L Inline-4**

Based on our test results, the 16.4-gallon tank in the Sportage should provide a range of 440 miles, which slots it neatly into the middle of the pack.

**Highway Range, C/D Test Results: Sportage Turbo 2.0L Inline-4**

In Depth: 2017 Kia Sportage

C/D Performance and Driving Impressions Rating:

There’s not a night-and-day difference in driving enjoyment between the Sportage SX and its less athletic siblings. They all have above-average handling characteristics, though the aggressive SX turbo engine can turn mundane milk runs into rip-rollicking rides.

Acceleration

In our instrumented testing, our spitfire Sportage SX was quicker than the six-cylinder Jeep Cherokee, which had extra out-of-the-starting-blocks traction thanks to its all-wheel-drive system. The SX outperformed everything in the class from zero to 60 mph and showed off in passing situations in our 50-to-70-mph test. Meanwhile, the non-turbo Sportage EX was significantly slower. Trying to decide between front- or all-wheel drive? Our power-hungry SX test vehicle had a penchant for spinning its front tires and required steering corrections during hard acceleration. Some drivers will undoubtedly have more fun with this.

Acceleration, C/D Test Results: Sportage Turbo 2.0L Inline-4

Acceleration, C/D Test Results: Sportage 2.4L Inline-4

Ride, Handling, and Steering

Along with more power, the SX rolls on a firmer suspension that remains quiet and smooth at highway speeds. One of our editors noticed flutter from our test vehicle’s big 19-inch wheels when passing over closely spaced road imperfections. Otherwise, the chassis is buttoned down and stable, with a compliant ride and firm control of body motions. The lower-spec Sportage EX has a softer ride that’s surprisingly athletic. Unfortunately, all Sportages suffer from numb steering. It’s accurate, but it’s devoid of palpable feedback.

**Maximum Cornering Capability, C/D Test Results**

Braking

The Sportage’s brakes feel mushy when you first depress the pedal, but push farther, and the response firms to become reassuring. In our testing, the Sportage stopped in a respectable distance for this class.

**Maximum Braking Capability, C/D Test Results**

In Depth: 2017 Kia Sportage

C/D Interior Rating:

Drawing interior comparisons to Audi, as some of our editors have done, shows that Kia is doing something right. The Sportage cabin is well executed and filled with a mix of quality materials and flashy, functional features.

Interior Space Comparisons

We found the Kia’s interior to be a spacious environment—for passengers, not cargo. Compared with its most popular rivals, headroom and legroom are all about the same. Rear-seat legroom in the Sportage is a couple inches less than in the Honda CR-V and the Jeep Cherokee, but there’s an inch more than in the Ford Escape. The rear-seat accommodations didn’t evoke any complaints other than the low seat cushion. Taller occupants riding in models equipped with the panoramic sunroof should be wary of the front- and rear-headroom that notches down to the lower end of the class. If you’re buying a sunroof, test-fit yourself.

Front Seats

Back Seats

Interior Features

Kia designers appear to have applied the “less is more” philosophy inside the Sportage. The styling is handsomely restrained; the dash and doors are covered with classy soft-touch materials, and piano-black trim pieces spiff up the cabin, but be aware that they smudge easily. The center stack is angled toward the driver, placing the controls within easy reach. The shifter sits at a comfortable height and distance, and the flat-bottom steering wheel in our SX model looked and felt upscale, adding racy inspiration. All of the interior trim panels fit together evenly and—like the exterior—the Sportage’s interior seems as if it belongs in a more expensive vehicle.

FeatureStandard/OptionalTilting steering columnStandardTelescoping steering columnStandardPower-adjustable steering columnNot AvailableHeated steering wheelOptionalPower-adjustable pedalsNot AvailableMemory driver’s seatNot AvailableMassaging driver’s seatNot AvailableMassaging front-passenger seatNot AvailablePower driver’s seatOptionalPower front-passenger seatOptionalHeated front seatsOptionalHeated rear seatsNot AvailableCooled front seatsOptionalCooled rear seatsNot AvailableHead-up displayNot AvailableRear-seat entertainment systemNot Available

Seat Adjustments

A six-way adjustable driver’s seat is standard in the base model. Fortunately, a 10-way-power driver’s seat with power lumbar support is optional; it’s standard in the EX and the SX. All SX models have an eight-way-power front-passenger seat that is optional in the EX.

2017 Kia Sportage SXFore/
AftReclineShoulder articulationLumbar supportHeightThigh supportSide bolsterHeadrest tiltDriver’s seatXXXXFront-passen-
ger seatXXX

Cupholder Location

.ymmpcupholders { overflow: auto; padding-bottom: 32px; } .ymmpcupholders img{ width: 100% !important; opacity:1.0; filter:alpha(opacity=100); /* For IE8 and earlier */ -moz-opacity: 1.0; /* Netscape */ -khtml-opacity: 1.0; /* Safari 1.x */ -ms-filter: "progid:DXImageTransform.Microsoft.Alpha(Opacity=100)"; border: 2px solid #FFF; } .ymmpcupholders div{ font-size: 13px; padding:0; line-height: 0; } .ymmpcupholders a{ display: inline-block; position: relative; line-height: 0; width: 100%; } .ymmpcupholders a div{ position: absolute; left: 0; bottom: 0; backgraccordcar2016ound: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8); padding: 8px; vertical-align: top; color: #222; } .ymmpcupholders span{ vertical-align: top; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1rem; }

Vehicle Tested: 2017 Kia Sportage SX

Climate Control

Manual climate controlAutomatic climate controlSecond-row climate controlSecond-row HVAC vent2017 Kia Sportage SXNoTwo-zoneNoYes

Seating Height

The seating height in the Sportage is below average for this compact class. To accurately measure seating height—the distance from the road to the driver’s hip—we use an H-Point Machine (HPM), a precisely engineered device marketed by the Society of Automotive Engineers. This versatile tool, in conjunction with a laser device, reveals the width and location of roof-pillar visibility obstructions (blind spots). We also use these tools, plus basic trigonometry, to determine two other factors affecting visibility: the length of road ahead of the vehicle obscured by the hood, and how much road behind the vehicle is blocked by the trunk or hatch as seen through the rearview mirror.

.ymmpseatingheight { overflow: auto; padding-bottom: 32px; } .ymmpseatingheight img{ width: 100% !important; opacity:1.0; filter:alpha(opacity=100); /* For IE8 and earlier */ -moz-opacity: 1.0; /* Netscape */ -khtml-opacity: 1.0; /* Safari 1.x */ -ms-filter: "progid:DXImageTransform.Microsoft.Alpha(Opacity=100)"; border: 2px solid #FFF; } .ymmpseatingheight div{ font-size: 13px; padding:0; line-height: 0; } .ymmpseatingheight a{ display: inline-block; position: relative; line-height: 0; width: 100%; } .ymmpseatingheight a div{ position: absolute; left: 0; bottom: 0; backgraccordcar2016ound: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8); padding: 8px; vertical-align: top; color: #222; } .ymmpseatingheight span{ vertical-align: top; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1rem; }

Seating-Height Comparisons

Blind Spots and Visibility

Although the front pillars of the Sportage are thick at the base, forward visibility is good due to a short, downward-sloping hood. Rear visibility isn’t as clear; a small rear window limits vision, though the Sportage is still better than most of its competitors in this regard.

Roof pillars protect occupants in a rollover crash, but they also create blind spots. We determine visibility by measuring the location and width of each pillar using an H-Point Machine and a laser beam (surrogates for a driver and eyeball, respectively).

.ymmpmeasurements { overflow: auto; padding-bottom: 32px; } .ymmpmeasurements img{ width: 100% !important; opacity:1.0; filter:alpha(opacity=100); /* For IE8 and earlier */ -moz-opacity: 1.0; /* Netscape */ -khtml-opacity: 1.0; /* Safari 1.x */ -ms-filter: "progid:DXImageTransform.Microsoft.Alpha(Opacity=100)"; border: 2px solid #FFF; } .ymmpmeasurements div{ font-size: 13px; padding:0; line-height: 0; } .ymmpmeasurements a{ display: inline-block; position: relative; line-height: 0; width: 100%; } .ymmpmeasurements a div{ position: absolute; left: 0; bottom: 0; background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8); padding: 8px; vertical-align: top; color: #222; } .ymmpmeasurements span{ vertical-align: top; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1rem; }

Obscured Roadway, C/D Test Results

In Depth: 2017 Kia Sportage

C/D Infotainment Rating:

The Sportage is the first vehicle to feature Kia’s UVO3 infotainment software update, and the new UVO system is attractive and functional. It’s not the best in its class, but it’s user-friendly and offers a host of features either standard or optionally.

Infotainment Features

A 5.0-inch touchscreen is standard on base models, but the EX upgrades to a 7.0-inch unit that adds Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The top-dog SX has an even larger 8.0-inch interactive display, a Harman/Kardon surround sound system, and navigation. This is all optional in the EX with the $2900 Technology Package. We specifically like Kia’s attention to detail with its interface. Every touch function can also be performed using convenient buttons; knobs for volume and tuning are welcome, too. We did have some difficulty with voice recognition.

.ymmpinfotainment { overflow: auto; padding-bottom: 32px; } .ymmpinfotainment img{ width: 100% !important; opacity:1.0; filter:alpha(opacity=100); /* For IE8 and earlier */ -moz-opacity: 1.0; /* Netscape */ -khtml-opacity: 1.0; /* Safari 1.x */ -ms-filter: "progid:DXImageTransform.Microsoft.Alpha(Opacity=100)"; border: 2px solid #FFF; } .ymmpinfotainment div{ font-size: 13px; padding:0; line-height: 0; } .ymmpinfotainment a{ display: inline-block; position: relative; line-height: 0; width: 100%; } .ymmpinfotainment a div{ position: absolute; left: 0; bottom: 0; background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8); padding: 8px; vertical-align: top; color: #222; } .ymmpinfotainment span{ vertical-align: top; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1rem; }

While every base Sportage has one USB port in the front seat, the EX and SX add one for rear-seat passengers.

.ymmppower { overflow: auto; padding-bottom: 32px; } .ymmppower img{ width: 100% !important; opacity:1.0; filter:alpha(opacity=100); /* For IE8 and earlier */ -moz-opacity: 1.0; /* Netscape */ -khtml-opacity: 1.0; /* Safari 1.x */ -ms-filter: "progid:DXImageTransform.Microsoft.Alpha(Opacity=100)"; border: 2px solid #FFF; } .ymmppower div{ font-size: 13px; padding:0; line-height: 0; } .ymmppower a{ display: inline-block; position: relative; line-height: 0; width: 100%; } .ymmppower a div{ position: absolute; left: 0; bottom: 0; backgraccordcar2016ound: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8); padding: 8px; vertical-align: top; color: #222; } .ymmppower span{ vertical-align: top; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1rem; }

Vehicle Tested: 2017 Kia Sportage SX

Infotainment Performance

Perusing the UVO system’s menus isn’t a chore, but neither is it particularly quick to respond to your commands. Our instrumented tests showed that the Sportage’s infotainment output performs on par with popular smartphones.

Infotainment Response Time, C/D Test Results

By filming the infotainment screen while switching between various menus and then analyzing the high-speed video frame by frame, we are able to accurately measure the system’s response time. We rate infotainment response, or latency, on the following scale:

In Depth: 2017 Kia Sportage

C/D Cargo Space and Storage Rating:

Cargo space is cramped, and storage room for smaller items is lacking, but the Sportage is not the worst in its class. Its carry-on luggage capacity with the rear seats folded, plus a couple of simple tricks, save it from the doghouse.

Road tripping with more than two people in the Sportage would require traveling light. The cargo area is tight with the rear seats up, limiting how many carry-on suitcases we could fit and still be able to close the hatch. However, stowing the rear seat raises the luggage capacity to a size comparable with its rivals.

.ymmpluggage { overflow: auto; padding-bottom: 32px; } .ymmpluggage img{ width: 100% !important; opacity:1.0; filter:alpha(opacity=100); /* For IE8 and earlier */ -moz-opacity: 1.0; /* Netscape */ -khtml-opacity: 1.0; /* Safari 1.x */ -ms-filter: "progid:DXImageTransform.Microsoft.Alpha(Opacity=100)"; border: 2px solid #FFF; } .ymmpluggage div{ font-size: 13px; padding:0; line-height: 0; } .ymmpluggage a{ display: inline-block; position: relative; line-height: 0; width: 100%; } .ymmpluggage a div{ position: absolute; left: 0; bottom: 0; background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8); padding: 8px; vertical-align: top; color: #222; } .ymmpluggage span{ vertical-align: top; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1rem; }

Carry-On Luggage, C/D Test Results

Cargo Configurations

The rear seats in the Sportage flip down via easy-to-use release handles, but they’re difficult to access from the cargo bay. The rear seats must be manually heaved into their upright position. While the cargo area is devoid of any bins or cubbies, it does have a cool feature: The load floor can be adjusted to two heights. When in the lower position, its forward section forms a built-in ramp that provides a smooth transition to the folded seatbacks.

First Row; fold-flat passenger seatSecond Row2017 Kia SportageNo60/40

Cargo Volume Comparisons

Cargo storage in the Sportage is disappointing for a compact crossover. Fold the rear seats down, and the gap between the Sportage and most of the competition grows. At 60 cubic feet, the Sportage has a startling 16 cubes less than the class-leading Honda CR-V. The Kia likely won’t be used as a moving van, but that shouldn’t hinder shopping trips or short vacations.

Interior Cubby Storage

The Sportage’s interior is handsomely designed and appointed, but packrats will be disappointed with the lack of storage space provided by bins and cubbies. They’re spread throughout the cabin, but the only storage nook with significant volume is the center console bin. Its lack of an internal tray means organization will be a challenge.

Why do we use ping-pong balls?

To determine the interior space available to stash travel essentials, we’ve devised a range of measuring protocols. We use six beverage containers ranging in size and shape to gauge cupholder accommodation. We stack, stuff, and arrange 9-by-14-by-22-inch cardboard boxes to quantify the number of airline-carry-on-size suitcases that will fit in a trunk or folded seat’s cargo space. To measure irregularly shaped gloveboxes, door pockets, and console bins, we fill each container with 1.5-inch-diameter ping-pong balls. It’s tempting to convert the number of spheres to a volume (cubic inches), but we resist that calculation because—as with the box of tissues, 12-ounce can of soda, or gallon of milk you might stash in these compartments—there are voids between the balls. Random packing (our procedure) nullifies approximately one-third of the available space. The negative space between the balls could theoretically be reduced to 25 percent of an irregular shape with precise stacking, but while we might be pedantic, we’re not crazy.

**Maximum Cubby Storage, C/D Test Results**

In Depth: 2017 Kia Sportage

C/D Exterior Rating:

“Ugly” isn’t the best word to describe the Kia Sportage’s exterior, but “odd” might be. In that regard, it stands apart from its competitors, and opinions will vary with styling preferences.

Dimensionally, the Sportage is shorter overall and lower than the main competition, but not by much. Its 6.8 inches of ground clearance make it less capable off-road than its rivals, all of which have at least a one-inch advantage. Then again, for most crossover drivers, “off-road” means the mall parking lot, so this shouldn’t be an issue.

Exterior Dimensions

Exterior Measurement Comparisons

The Sportage’s front end is its most visually polarizing feature. From the sides and the back, however, we find it handsome and well proportioned. A stubby nose sports Kia’s signature grille. Arachnid-esque quad LED foglamps, chrome trim, and a faux skid plate are flaunted solely on the SX. We prefer the clean look of the EX trim, which better suits the Sportage’s otherwise sleek styling.

Exterior Features

Roof rails and heated mirrors are standard on the EX and SX trims; they’re optional on the LX. Premium features such as a panoramic sunroof, power-folding mirrors, and a height-adjustable power liftgate are optional on the EX and standard on the top model. Exclusive to the SX are chrome dual exhaust tips, adaptive high-intensity headlights, and satin-chrome trim pieces. Unique to all-wheel-drive models is a revised front end that has a steeper angle at the bottom of the front bumper cover to improve off-road clearance. Seven exterior colors are available on every model; our favorites are Hyper Red and Burnished Copper.

.ymmpexterior { overflow: auto; padding-bottom: 32px; } .ymmpexterior img{ width: 100% !important; opacity:1.0; filter:alpha(opacity=100); /* For IE8 and earlier */ -moz-opacity: 1.0; /* Netscape */ -khtml-opacity: 1.0; /* Safari 1.x */ -ms-filter: "progid:DXImageTransform.Microsoft.Alpha(Opacity=100)"; border: 2px solid #FFF; } .ymmpexterior div{ font-size: 13px; padding:0; line-height: 0; } .ymmpexterior a{ display: inline-block; position: relative; line-height: 0; width: 100%; } .ymmpexterior a div{ position: absolute; left: 0; bottom: 0; backgraccordcar2016ound: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8); padding: 8px; vertical-align: top; color: #222; } .ymmpexterior span{ vertical-align: top; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1rem; }

Active Key-Fob Commands

Lock / unlockTrunkRemote startPanic alarmHold to roll down windowsHold to roll up windowsRemote parking2017 Kia Sportage SXXXX

Passive Key-Fob Commands

Driver door lock / unlockPassenger door lock / unlockRear doors lock / unlockTrunkPush to startProximity approach lighting2017 Kia Sportage SXXXXXX

In Depth: 2017 Kia Sportage

C/D Safety and Driver Assistance Rating:

Two agencies evaluate vehicles for crashworthiness in the United States. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) rates tested vehicles from one to five stars in front crash, side crash, and rollover tests. NHTSA also assigns cars an overall rating out of five stars. The non-profit, independent, Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) uses a different set of tests to evaluate front and side crashworthiness, roof strength, headlight reach, and ease of child seat installation. IIHS grades cars on a scale from Good to Poor in each test, and awards the cars that perform best across all its tests with Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick + honors, the latter of which requires that the vehicle’s automated forward-collision-braking system performs well in IIHS’s tests.

The Kia Sportage rated highly during crash testing, earning 5 stars from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick title from the IIHS. It also offers most of the advanced safety and driver assists available in its competitors.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Test Results

2017 Kia Sportage

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Test Results

Small OverlapModerate OverlapSide ImpactRoof StrengthHead Restraints and SeatsTop Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+?GoodGoodGoodGoodGoodTop Safety Pick

Airbags, Child Seats, and Spare Tire Location

Installing a child seat in the Sportage’s rear seat is not easy. The biggest hurdle is that the front seat must be moved forward for the seat to fit. The safety seat also needs extra padding underneath it to be level, and it’s difficult to attach the anchors because they’re located deep between the seat cushions.

.ymmpsafety2 { overflow: auto; padding-bottom: 32px; } .ymmpsafety2 img{ width: 100% !important; opacity:1.0; filter:alpha(opacity=100); /* For IE8 and earlier */ -moz-opacity: 1.0; /* Netscape */ -khtml-opacity: 1.0; /* Safari 1.x */ -ms-filter: "progid:DXImageTransform.Microsoft.Alpha(Opacity=100)"; border: 2px solid #FFF; } .ymmpsafety2 div{ font-size: 13px; padding:0; line-height: 0; } .ymmpsafety2 a{ display: inline-block; position: relative; line-height: 0; width: 100%; } .ymmpsafety2 a div{ position: absolute; left: 0; bottom: 0; backgraccordcar2016ound: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8); padding: 8px; vertical-align: top; color: #222; } .ymmpsafety2 span{ vertical-align: top; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1rem; }

Vehicle Tested: 2017 Kia Sportage SX

Active Safety Features

The Sportage serves up an impressive number of active safety features. However, they’re only standard in the top-tier SX, optional but expensive in the EX, and not offered in the LX. Comparatively, the Honda CR-V offers the same active-safety assists as standard in its mid-level EX trim for roughly the same price as a Sportage EX.

The Sportage SX includes front and rear parking sensors, lane-departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, automated emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Of those, blind-spot and rear cross-traffic alerts are offered on the EX as part of the Premium package, which adds $2100. The EX Technology package costs almost $3000 and includes the other alerts. While active-safety features can be disabled, automated emergency braking will default to “On” at startup; other safety features remain off.

.ymmpsafety { overflow: auto; padding-bottom: 32px; } .ymmpsafety img{ width: 100% !important; opacity:1.0; filter:alpha(opacity=100); /* For IE8 and earlier */ -moz-opacity: 1.0; /* Netscape */ -khtml-opacity: 1.0; /* Safari 1.x */ -ms-filter: "progid:DXImageTransform.Microsoft.Alpha(Opacity=100)"; border: 2px solid #FFF; } .ymmpsafety div{ font-size: 13px; padding:0; line-height: 0; } .ymmpsafety a{ display: inline-block; position: relative; line-height: 0; width: 100%; } .ymmpsafety a div{ position: absolute; left: 0; bottom: 0; background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8); padding: 8px; vertical-align: top; color: #222; } .ymmpsafety span{ vertical-align: top; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1rem; }

Backup Camera

Gridlines integrated in backup camera view?Do gridlines move with steering wheel?Does volume of audio system reduce when reverse is selected?2017 Kia SportageYesYesNo

In Depth: 2017 Kia Sportage

C/D Warranty Rating:

The Sportage offers a significantly better warranty plan than its competitors. Although it’s not the best across the board, it takes the warranty crown with the most coverage in the most categories. Kia’s powertrain warranty is untouchable at 10 years or 100,000 miles. Its limited warranty covers an extra two years or 24,000 miles versus the competition.

Warranty Comparison

VehicleLimited WarrantyPowertrain WarrantyCorrosion ProtectionRoadside AssistanceScheduled Maintenance2017 Honda CR-V3 years / 36,000 miles5 years / 60,000 miles5 years (unlimited miles)3 years / 36,000 milesN/A2017 Kia Sportage5 years / 60,000 miles10 years / 100,000 miles5 years / 100,000 miles5 years / 60,000 milesN/A2017 Ford Escape3 years / 36,000 miles5 years / 60,000 miles5 years (unlimited miles)5 years / 60,000 milesN/A2016 Mazda CX-53 years / 36,000 miles5 years / 60,000 miles5 years (unlimited miles)3 years / 36,000 milesN/A2017 Jeep Cherokee3 years / 36,000 miles5 years / 60,000 miles5 years (unlimited miles)5 years / 60,000 milesN/A

C/D Overall Rating:

What’s New for 2017?

Standard Feature Highlights

Trims and Options We’d Choose

In Depth: 2017 Kia Sportage

C/D Engine and Transmission Rating:

Acceleration, C/D Test Results: Sportage Turbo 2.0L Inline-4

Acceleration, C/D Test Results: Sportage 2.4L Inline-4

Tow Ratings Compared

In Depth: 2017 Kia Sportage

C/D Fuel Economy Rating:

Fuel Economy Ratings Compared: Sportage Turbo 2.0L Inline-4

Fuel Economy Ratings Compared: Sportage 2.4L Inline-4

Highway Fuel Economy, C/D Test Results: Sportage Turbo 2.0L Inline-4

Highway Range, C/D Test Results: Sportage Turbo 2.0L Inline-4

In Depth: 2017 Kia Sportage

C/D Performance and Driving Impressions Rating:

Acceleration

Acceleration, C/D Test Results: Sportage Turbo 2.0L Inline-4

Acceleration, C/D Test Results: Sportage 2.4L Inline-4

Ride, Handling, and Steering

Maximum Cornering Capability, C/D Test Results

Braking

Maximum Braking Capability, C/D Test Results

In Depth: 2017 Kia Sportage

C/D Interior Rating:

Interior Space Comparisons

Front Seats

Back Seats

Interior Features

Seat Adjustments

Cupholder Location

Climate Control

Seating Height

Seating-Height Comparisons

Blind Spots and Visibility

Obscured Roadway, C/D Test Results

In Depth: 2017 Kia Sportage

C/D Infotainment Rating:

Infotainment Features

Infotainment Performance

Infotainment Response Time, C/D Test Results

In Depth: 2017 Kia Sportage

C/D Cargo Space and Storage Rating:

Carry-On Luggage, C/D Test Results

Cargo Configurations

Cargo Volume Comparisons

Interior Cubby Storage

Why do we use ping-pong balls?

Maximum Cubby Storage, C/D Test Results

In Depth: 2017 Kia Sportage

C/D Exterior Rating:

Exterior Dimensions

Exterior Measurement Comparisons

Exterior Features

Active Key-Fob Commands

Passive Key-Fob Commands

In Depth: 2017 Kia Sportage

C/D Safety and Driver Assistance Rating:

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Test Results

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Test Results

Airbags, Child Seats, and Spare Tire Location

Active Safety Features

Backup Camera

In Depth: 2017 Kia Sportage

C/D Warranty Rating:

Warranty Comparison

In Depth: 2017 Kia Sportage

Recommended Stories

**Acceleration, C/D Test Results: Sportage Turbo 2.0L Inline-4**

**Acceleration, C/D Test Results: Sportage 2.4L Inline-4**

**Highway Fuel Economy, C/D Test Results: Sportage Turbo 2.0L Inline-4**

**Highway Range, C/D Test Results: Sportage Turbo 2.0L Inline-4**

**Maximum Cornering Capability, C/D Test Results**

**Maximum Braking Capability, C/D Test Results**

**Maximum Cubby Storage, C/D Test Results**