Thursday, June 30, 2016
2016 Kia Optima
Friday, June 24, 2016
2016 Kia Rio
Wednesday, June 22, 2016
The History of the Kia Sportage
The South Korean car company, Kia, has through the years come to make itself a household name in America. One of their more popular models happens to be the Sportage. The Sportage is a compact SUV that originally started out as being offered as a 3-door convertible or a five door SUV back in 1993. An extended length version was released in 1996 that was called the Sportage Grand.
Originally, there were many different engine types offered for the model throughout the different countries it was manufactured in. The main ones consisted of the 2.0 liter FE DOHC inline four which offered 128 horse power and the 2.0 liter RF inline four diesel which offered 82 horse power. The first generation model was sold between the years of 1993 and 2002 and was discontinued from then on. After much innovation and redesign, the second generation Sportage was released in 2004. Kia has worked endlessly to make constant improvements from model year to model year which paid off when the 2009 Consumer Reports named it one of the most reliable vehicles.
Fast forward 23 years later to 2016 and it is still making waves in the automobile industry. The newest model has 6 different engine types to choose from, but does only come in the 5-door SUV style versus the soft top convertible. The Sportage has come a long way since its first release.
Head in today to take a look at our other models at Van Griffith Kia 4301 Hwy 377 E Granbury, TX or give us a call at 817-573-0400 today!
Fast forward 23 years later to 2016 and it is still making waves in the automobile industry. The newest model has 6 different engine types to choose from, but does only come in the 5-door SUV style versus the soft top convertible. The Sportage has come a long way since its first release.
Head in today to take a look at our other models at Van Griffith Kia 4301 Hwy 377 E Granbury, TX or give us a call at 817-573-0400 today!
Friday, June 17, 2016
2016 Kia Sorento in Granbury, Texas
Kia made the 2016 Sorento larger, more sophisticated, and easier to drive. When you stop by Van Griffith Kia, one of our knowledgeable salesmen is ready to inform you on what the 2016 Kia Sorento has to offer. The 2016 Kia Sorento has adapted to your needs with drive-assist technologies like Surround View Monitor, Lane Departure Warning, Advanced Smart Cruise Control, and Blind-Spot Detection. Kia wants you to know that advanced safety comes standard, including Electronic Stability Control and a reinforced body of 53% advanced high-strength steel. Take the 2016 Kia Sorento on your next adventure and experience the power of its all-wheel drive, 2.0-liter turbo engine, and drive mode select. Visit Van Griffith Kia today to learn more about the 2016 Kia Sorento.
Wednesday, June 15, 2016
2017 Kia Sportage
The Kia Sportage has taken the Compact SUV market by storm. Yes, it is a very crowded market segment which makes it even more surprising that a new vehicle was able to come in and immediately rise to the top.
Kia’s compact SUV only gets more appealing by the mile. Kelly Blue Book ranked it in the top half in almost every primary evaluation category. The Kia’s comfortable ride, supportive driver's seat and good highway steering feel each received praise from multiple testers, which is especially impressive considering those have long been three key areas of weakness for Kia. Highway power was adequate in the best sense, especially considering the Sportage was among the most fuel-efficient SUVs in our test according to both EPA estimates and our own results.
The Sportage is just as comfortable in the city, combining smooth and satisfying acceleration with similarly responsive steering feel and predictable braking behavior. Good side bolstering on the front seats also enhances the around-town experience by reducing the effort it takes to hold yourself in place while cornering, even at daily-driving speeds. 2017 Kia Sportage EX tester included a good backup camera with dynamic guide markers that display the car's rearward path. We also appreciated the front parking sensors that make it easier to inch confidently toward the back wall of your garage, for instance.
The new Sportage gets more appealing with familiarity thanks in large part to the satisfying interior. The clean design is easy to appreciate right away -- “no low-grade irritations to attract from the whole,” one editor said -- but the real appeal is just how easy and convenient it is. The button layout is clean and simple, and many testers praised the inclusion of both volume and tuning knobs. Similarly, the gauges are "big, good and well shielded from glare." We also noted the solid and refined feel of the transmission selector. That might seem like a small thing, but it’s another sign that Kia has gotten to a point where it's now able to refine the details that distinguish a good car from a great one.
Come test your own at Van Griffith Kia 4301 Hwy 377 E Granbury, TX or give us a call at 817-573-0400 today!
Kia’s compact SUV only gets more appealing by the mile. Kelly Blue Book ranked it in the top half in almost every primary evaluation category. The Kia’s comfortable ride, supportive driver's seat and good highway steering feel each received praise from multiple testers, which is especially impressive considering those have long been three key areas of weakness for Kia. Highway power was adequate in the best sense, especially considering the Sportage was among the most fuel-efficient SUVs in our test according to both EPA estimates and our own results.
The Sportage is just as comfortable in the city, combining smooth and satisfying acceleration with similarly responsive steering feel and predictable braking behavior. Good side bolstering on the front seats also enhances the around-town experience by reducing the effort it takes to hold yourself in place while cornering, even at daily-driving speeds. 2017 Kia Sportage EX tester included a good backup camera with dynamic guide markers that display the car's rearward path. We also appreciated the front parking sensors that make it easier to inch confidently toward the back wall of your garage, for instance.
The new Sportage gets more appealing with familiarity thanks in large part to the satisfying interior. The clean design is easy to appreciate right away -- “no low-grade irritations to attract from the whole,” one editor said -- but the real appeal is just how easy and convenient it is. The button layout is clean and simple, and many testers praised the inclusion of both volume and tuning knobs. Similarly, the gauges are "big, good and well shielded from glare." We also noted the solid and refined feel of the transmission selector. That might seem like a small thing, but it’s another sign that Kia has gotten to a point where it's now able to refine the details that distinguish a good car from a great one.
Come test your own at Van Griffith Kia 4301 Hwy 377 E Granbury, TX or give us a call at 817-573-0400 today!
Tuesday, June 14, 2016
2016 Kia Forte LX
Kia redesigned the Forte in 2014, and the results were impressive. Here's a car in any of its three iterations -- sedan, hatchback or coupe -- that offers a fair price, peppy acceleration, generous standard features and a comfortable cabin with quality materials. Regardless of which body style you prefer, you'll likely find the Forte to be one of the most attractive cars in its segment.
The 2016 Kia Forte keeps that ball rolling with nothing but mild tweaks to trim levels and packages. We're particularly impressed with the level of standard and available equipment. The base LX trim level offers Bluetooth and USB connectivity as standard, while traditionally high-end options such as xenon headlights, keyless ignition and entry, and selectable steering assist are available. Even a ventilated driver seat and heated rear seats are on the Forte's option sheet.
There are plenty of excellent choices for a compact car this year. The Mazda 3 is a class leader thanks to its sophisticated blend of comfort, athleticism and impressive real-world fuel economy. Also notable are the Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra and Volkswagen Golf or Jetta. All are well-rounded and come with competitive levels of refinement and comfort. But with its roomy interior, upscale features, strong engine lineup and sharp styling, the 2016 Kia Forte remains a very credible choice when you're shopping for an affordable sedan, coupe or hatchback.
The One to Buy
You'll be saving money simply by choosing the Forte over its competition. We recommend spending a little more to get the Forte EX with Premium package solely for the 7-inch touchscreen, which features an infotainment system that is one of the best in the segment.
Standard features on the LX sedan include 15-inch steel wheels, heated mirrors, air-conditioning, full power accessories, a trip computer, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a height-adjustable driver seat, a 60/40-split folding rear seat, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity and a four-speaker sound system with a CD player, satellite radio, a USB port and an auxiliary audio jack.
Optional for the LX is the Popular package, which includes automatic headlights, cruise control, upgraded interior upholstery and trim, a rear seat armrest, a rearview camera, a 4.3-inch touchscreen and six speakers. There's also the Popular Plus package that includes the above equipment and adds 16-inch alloy wheels.
Upgrade to the EX and you'll enjoy all of the above plus the more powerful 2.0 liter engine, 17-inch alloy wheels, foglights, LED running lights, power-folding outside mirrors, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, adjustable steering effort and a cooling glovebox.
For the EX, there's an optional Premium package with a sunroof, keyless ignition and entry, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, leather upholstery, heated front seats, a 7-inch touchscreen, a navigation system, Kia's Uvo eServices telematics and HD radio.
From a features and equipment standpoint, the EX hatchback and coupe essentially mirror the sedan. SX versions include those features but add a turbocharged engine, larger front brakes, 18-inch wheels and unique front and rear styling. The EX and SX's Premium Tech packages essentially provide the optional features found in the Premium and Premium Plus packages.
The EX gets a 2.0-liter four-cylinder generating 173 hp and 154 lb-ft of torque (148 lb-ft with SULEV emissions). This engine comes only with the six-speed automatic. Forte EX sedans rate 28 mpg combined (24 city/35 highway), but we were impressed with the 32 mpg that a Forte EX achieved on our Edmunds evaluation route. EX hatchbacks and coupes also rate 28 mpg combined, but have slightly lower highway figures.
The SX versions of the Forte Koup and Forte 5 have a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder good for 201 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. On both body styles, you have a choice of a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic. Kia Forte SX hatchbacks rate 24 mpg combined (21/29) with either transmission. For the Koup, fuel economy estimates stand at 25 mpg combined (22/29) with the manual and the same 25 mpg combined (22/30) with the automatic.
For all Forte engines, the above EPA fuel economy estimates are decent, though some rival compacts can eclipse them by a few mpg, particularly those with specialty eco-themed models.
In Edmunds testing, a Kia Forte EX sedan accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 8.1 seconds, while a Forte 5 SX with a manual transmission did the sprint in 6.9 seconds. Both times are quick for the compact car segment.
In Edmunds brake testing, a Forte EX sedan came to a stop from 60 mph in 121 feet, while a Forte 5 SX turned in a 114-foot effort. Both are slightly better than average for this segment.
Government crash tests of the 2016 Forte sedan saw it earn a five-star rating (out of five), with four stars for overall frontal-impact protection and five stars for overall side-impact protection.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the Forte its highest score of "Good" in its moderate-overlap frontal-offset impact test as well as its side-impact, roof-strength and whiplash protection (seatbelts and head restraints) tests. In the agency's small-overlap frontal-offset impact test, however, the Forte received the second-lowest rating of "Marginal."
The Forte sedan offers very generous cargo capacity, with a trunk capacity of 14.9 cubic feet, while the Forte 5 hatchback boasts 23.2 cubic feet with the rear seat up. The Koup provides 13.3 cubic feet of trunk space, a strong number for a compact coupe.
Most shoppers in this segment will likely be satisfied with the Forte's overall ride quality. But the Forte's suspension is occasionally a bit firm and unrefined. Rougher roads produce a somewhat busy ride, whereas rivals like the Focus, Mazda 3 and Volkswagen Golf feel relatively isolated over broken pavement. They're also typically more precise when negotiating turns. The Forte feels steady on winding roads, but it's not particularly engaging.
The 2016 Kia Forte keeps that ball rolling with nothing but mild tweaks to trim levels and packages. We're particularly impressed with the level of standard and available equipment. The base LX trim level offers Bluetooth and USB connectivity as standard, while traditionally high-end options such as xenon headlights, keyless ignition and entry, and selectable steering assist are available. Even a ventilated driver seat and heated rear seats are on the Forte's option sheet.
The 2016 Kia Forte is one of our top recommended sedans.
There are three different engines for the 2016 Kia Forte, two of which offer competitive power and acceleration. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder makes the Forte one of the quickest cars in the segment, while an even stronger, turbocharged 1.6-liter four is available on SX versions of the coupe and hatchback. For those who place economy above excitement, however, none of the Forte powertrains offers exceptional fuel efficiency.There are plenty of excellent choices for a compact car this year. The Mazda 3 is a class leader thanks to its sophisticated blend of comfort, athleticism and impressive real-world fuel economy. Also notable are the Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra and Volkswagen Golf or Jetta. All are well-rounded and come with competitive levels of refinement and comfort. But with its roomy interior, upscale features, strong engine lineup and sharp styling, the 2016 Kia Forte remains a very credible choice when you're shopping for an affordable sedan, coupe or hatchback.
The One to Buy
You'll be saving money simply by choosing the Forte over its competition. We recommend spending a little more to get the Forte EX with Premium package solely for the 7-inch touchscreen, which features an infotainment system that is one of the best in the segment.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The 2016 Kia Forte is available as a sedan in LX and EX trim levels. The two-door coupe (Koup) is offered in both EX and sportier SX trims, while Kia's Forte four-door hatchback (Forte 5) comes in LX (new for 2016), EX and SX trims.Standard features on the LX sedan include 15-inch steel wheels, heated mirrors, air-conditioning, full power accessories, a trip computer, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a height-adjustable driver seat, a 60/40-split folding rear seat, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity and a four-speaker sound system with a CD player, satellite radio, a USB port and an auxiliary audio jack.
Optional for the LX is the Popular package, which includes automatic headlights, cruise control, upgraded interior upholstery and trim, a rear seat armrest, a rearview camera, a 4.3-inch touchscreen and six speakers. There's also the Popular Plus package that includes the above equipment and adds 16-inch alloy wheels.
Upgrade to the EX and you'll enjoy all of the above plus the more powerful 2.0 liter engine, 17-inch alloy wheels, foglights, LED running lights, power-folding outside mirrors, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, adjustable steering effort and a cooling glovebox.
For the EX, there's an optional Premium package with a sunroof, keyless ignition and entry, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, leather upholstery, heated front seats, a 7-inch touchscreen, a navigation system, Kia's Uvo eServices telematics and HD radio.
A touchscreen interface and a ventilated driver seat are some of the upscale features available on the 2016 Kia Forte.
On top of that you can add the EX Premium Plus package with LED taillights, a 10-way power driver seat with ventilation, driver memory settings, a heated steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control (with rear seat air vents), an upgraded gauge cluster and heated outboard rear seats.From a features and equipment standpoint, the EX hatchback and coupe essentially mirror the sedan. SX versions include those features but add a turbocharged engine, larger front brakes, 18-inch wheels and unique front and rear styling. The EX and SX's Premium Tech packages essentially provide the optional features found in the Premium and Premium Plus packages.
Powertrains and Performance
The Forte LX is powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine making 145 horsepower and 130 pound-feet of torque. Power runs to the front wheels through a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. The EPA's fuel economy estimates for the Forte LX sedan are 31 mpg combined (26 city/39 highway) with the automatic. The LX manual returns 30 mpg combined (25/37).The EX gets a 2.0-liter four-cylinder generating 173 hp and 154 lb-ft of torque (148 lb-ft with SULEV emissions). This engine comes only with the six-speed automatic. Forte EX sedans rate 28 mpg combined (24 city/35 highway), but we were impressed with the 32 mpg that a Forte EX achieved on our Edmunds evaluation route. EX hatchbacks and coupes also rate 28 mpg combined, but have slightly lower highway figures.
The SX versions of the Forte Koup and Forte 5 have a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder good for 201 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. On both body styles, you have a choice of a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic. Kia Forte SX hatchbacks rate 24 mpg combined (21/29) with either transmission. For the Koup, fuel economy estimates stand at 25 mpg combined (22/29) with the manual and the same 25 mpg combined (22/30) with the automatic.
For all Forte engines, the above EPA fuel economy estimates are decent, though some rival compacts can eclipse them by a few mpg, particularly those with specialty eco-themed models.
In Edmunds testing, a Kia Forte EX sedan accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 8.1 seconds, while a Forte 5 SX with a manual transmission did the sprint in 6.9 seconds. Both times are quick for the compact car segment.
Safety
Every 2016 Kia Forte comes standard with antilock disc brakes, traction and stability control, front side airbags and side curtain airbags. A rearview camera is optional on LX and standard on EX. The optional Uvo eServices telematics bundle includes roadside assistance, emergency crash notification and secondary driver (i.e., teenage) monitoring features that include notifications when curfew, vehicle speed and vehicle location limits are exceeded.In Edmunds brake testing, a Forte EX sedan came to a stop from 60 mph in 121 feet, while a Forte 5 SX turned in a 114-foot effort. Both are slightly better than average for this segment.
Government crash tests of the 2016 Forte sedan saw it earn a five-star rating (out of five), with four stars for overall frontal-impact protection and five stars for overall side-impact protection.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the Forte its highest score of "Good" in its moderate-overlap frontal-offset impact test as well as its side-impact, roof-strength and whiplash protection (seatbelts and head restraints) tests. In the agency's small-overlap frontal-offset impact test, however, the Forte received the second-lowest rating of "Marginal."
Interior Design and Special Features
The 2016 Kia Forte is much more than just an economy car stuffed with gadgets. Boasting a handsome cabin furnished with quality materials in the higher trim levels (EX and SX), the Forte gives premium-brand compacts a run for their money. In addition, the Forte's high-tech features are well-designed and easy to use. Its touchscreen interface, with large, logically positioned virtual buttons, is one of the better examples of this technology.
Whether you're taking along kids or adults, the Forte's rear seat should be sufficiently roomy.
Seat comfort front and rear in the sedan is very good, and even 6-foot adults should be comfortable sitting in back. The Koup's backseat is also spacious enough for average adults, and reasonably easy to access. The Koup's driver seat, however, is mounted a bit high, enhancing visibility for shorter drivers but compromising headroom for those who are taller.The Forte sedan offers very generous cargo capacity, with a trunk capacity of 14.9 cubic feet, while the Forte 5 hatchback boasts 23.2 cubic feet with the rear seat up. The Koup provides 13.3 cubic feet of trunk space, a strong number for a compact coupe.
Driving Impressions
The 2.0-liter, 173-hp four-cylinder in the 2016 Kia Forte EX is one of the more responsive engines you'll find in this class. Although the output doesn't translate to blazing acceleration, the Forte EX is certainly quicker than the norm. From an aural standpoint, however, the 2.0-liter can both sound and feel somewhat buzzy during hard acceleration. The available 201-hp turbocharged 1.6-liter engine makes for an even livelier experience in both the hatchback and coupe, transforming the Kia into a genuinely speedy little car.
The 2016 Kia Forte coupe and hatchback have a strong available turbo engine that provides some of the best acceleration in this class.
The automatic transmission provides smooth shifts, and it's surprisingly responsive with downshifts during typical passing and merging situations. The slick-shifting six-speed manual for the SX versions is pleasant to operate and makes the most of the turbocharged engine's power.Most shoppers in this segment will likely be satisfied with the Forte's overall ride quality. But the Forte's suspension is occasionally a bit firm and unrefined. Rougher roads produce a somewhat busy ride, whereas rivals like the Focus, Mazda 3 and Volkswagen Golf feel relatively isolated over broken pavement. They're also typically more precise when negotiating turns. The Forte feels steady on winding roads, but it's not particularly engaging.
Tuesday, June 7, 2016
2016 Kia Forte
Wednesday, June 1, 2016
2017 Kia Sportage LX
When a vehicle's been around for a few generations, as the Sportage has, its basic characteristics are usually well-established, so you know what to expect from the next one. But for the fully redesigned 2017 Sportage, Kia directly addressed two of our primary complaints about the previous model. First, the formerly cramped backseat is now remarkably roomy, to the point that a family might not need anything more. And second, the formerly firm ride is now relatively compliant.
In short, we're running out of reasons why the Sportage isn't a head-of-the-class standout among small crossover SUVs.
By the numbers, at least, another 2017 Sportage shortcoming is its cargo capacity, which is limited to 60.1 cubic feet with the rear seatbacks folded down, easily outdone by the RAV4's 73.3 cubes and the CR-V's 70.9. Still, you might find it more than adequate for your needs, and the Sportage is notably nose-to-tail shorter than both rivals, making it a bit more maneuverable in close quarters. Additional strengths include an upscale cabin that's surprisingly quiet at speed, an excellent optional 8-inch Uvo touchscreen and responsive steering that gives this Kia an appropriately sporting feel.
The 2017 Kia Sportage joins a group of affordable crossovers that's never been more competitive. In addition to the above-mentioned RAV4 and CR-V, there's the smaller Honda HR-V, which offers an exceptionally spacious interior for its size and impressive fuel economy but suffers from laggardly acceleration. The Mazda CX-5 is a perennial favorite among our staffers for its capable handling and well-rounded feature set, while the reinvented 2017 Ford Escape merits strong consideration. But if you're shopping for a crossover in this genre, you owe yourself a drive in the thoughtfully redesigned 2017 Sportage.
The EX upgrades to 18-inch wheels, foglights, heated mirrors, roof rails, a gloss-black grille, a windshield-wiper de-icer, dual illuminated vanity mirrors, keyless entry and ignition, leather upholstery, heated front seats, an eight-way power driver seat (with power lumbar), a leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, a rear USB charging port and a 7-inch touchscreen with the latest version of Kia's Uvo infotainment system (including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto).
The SX Turbo boasts 19-inch wheels, adaptive xenon headlights, automatic high beams, LED foglights and taillights, power-folding mirrors with LED turn signals, a sport-tuned suspension, a hands-free power tailgate, a panoramic sunroof, LED interior lighting, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a heated flat-bottom steering wheel with paddle shifters, an upgraded driver information display, an eight-way power passenger seat, ventilated front seats, dashboard accent stitching, gloss-black interior accents, an 8-inch touchscreen interface, a navigation system and an eight-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.
A number of these standard features can be added to lower trim levels as options. For the LX, the Popular package adds the roof rails, heated mirrors, windshield-wiper de-icer, power driver seat, heated front seats and illuminated vanity mirrors, while the Cool and Connected package throws in the 7-inch touchscreen with Uvo and the automatic climate control. For the EX, the Premium package adds the panoramic sunroof, power-folding mirrors, auto-dimming rearview mirror, LED interior lighting and heated steering wheel (though this wheel lacks the SX Turbo's flat-bottom design and shift paddles), while the Technology package tacks on the automatic high beams, hands-free power tailgate, ventilated front seats, power passenger seat, 8-inch touchscreen and Harman Kardon audio system.
Although these fuel economy numbers are a tick or two better than those of the previous Sportage, they're still unimpressive for a small crossover with four-cylinder power. Many rivals, especially those with AWD, are typically better.
The SX Turbo additionally includes a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, a forward collision mitigation system with automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning and front and rear parking sensors. These items are optional on the Sportage EX, with the blind-spot monitor/cross-traffic alert included in the Premium package and the other items included in the Technology package.
Kia's Uvo telematics suite, standard on the EX and SX Turbo trims (and optional on LX), includes emergency and roadside assistance, stolen vehicle tracking, geo-fencing and speed tracking (allowing parents to set limits for teen drivers) and other smartphone-enabled features accessible via the Uvo app.
Passenger space and comfort are outstanding for this size class. As expected in a crossover, the driver and front passenger have plenty of head- and legroom, and the available power seats include bottom cushions that tilt independently for additional customization. Rear occupants are hardly worse off, however. Even with a 6-footer in the driver seat, another 6-footer can sit immediately astern without issue, and he or she will enjoy ample thigh support. This level of accommodation is normally associated with midsize crossovers, so it's a welcome surprise in the compact Sportage.
Given how accomplished the Sportage is otherwise, the engines are something of a letdown. The base 2.4-liter engine operates smoothly, but while it keeps you moving with traffic well enough, there's not much surplus power for passing. We like that Kia provides a higher-performance engine in the SX Turbo, but it doesn't give you the punch you'd expect based on its extra 59 hp, and its fuel economy penalty may be hard to swallow. In any event, we're fans of the six-speed automatic, which is one of the best-mannered transmissions you'll find in this segment.
In short, we're running out of reasons why the Sportage isn't a head-of-the-class standout among small crossover SUVs.
The new 2017 Kia Sportage has a fresh face that prominently features Kia's corporate grille.
If there's one thing that still holds the Sportage back, it's lackluster fuel economy, which we called out last year and must underscore again for 2017 despite mild improvements. This is a predictable problem, as both available engines and the mandatory six-speed automatic transmission are largely carryover items from the outgoing Sportage. The base 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and all-wheel-drive combo is pegged at 22 mpg in combined driving, according to EPA estimates, trailing the Honda CR-V by a significant 5 mpg, while the optional 2.0-liter turbo can only manage 21 mpg in combined driving. On the bright side, the engines are quiet and refined, and the smooth-shifting transmission responds quickly when you need a downshift.By the numbers, at least, another 2017 Sportage shortcoming is its cargo capacity, which is limited to 60.1 cubic feet with the rear seatbacks folded down, easily outdone by the RAV4's 73.3 cubes and the CR-V's 70.9. Still, you might find it more than adequate for your needs, and the Sportage is notably nose-to-tail shorter than both rivals, making it a bit more maneuverable in close quarters. Additional strengths include an upscale cabin that's surprisingly quiet at speed, an excellent optional 8-inch Uvo touchscreen and responsive steering that gives this Kia an appropriately sporting feel.
The 2017 Kia Sportage joins a group of affordable crossovers that's never been more competitive. In addition to the above-mentioned RAV4 and CR-V, there's the smaller Honda HR-V, which offers an exceptionally spacious interior for its size and impressive fuel economy but suffers from laggardly acceleration. The Mazda CX-5 is a perennial favorite among our staffers for its capable handling and well-rounded feature set, while the reinvented 2017 Ford Escape merits strong consideration. But if you're shopping for a crossover in this genre, you owe yourself a drive in the thoughtfully redesigned 2017 Sportage.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The 2017 Kia Sportage is a small crossover SUV with seating for five. It's offered in three trim levels: LX, EX and SX Turbo.
All 2017 Sportage versions have a central control layout that wraps toward you for ease of access.
The LX comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, LED running lights, automatic headlights, rear privacy-tinted windows, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, rear climate vents, 60/40-split folding rear seatbacks, a 5-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth and a six-speaker sound system with a USB port, an auxiliary input jack and satellite radio.The EX upgrades to 18-inch wheels, foglights, heated mirrors, roof rails, a gloss-black grille, a windshield-wiper de-icer, dual illuminated vanity mirrors, keyless entry and ignition, leather upholstery, heated front seats, an eight-way power driver seat (with power lumbar), a leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, a rear USB charging port and a 7-inch touchscreen with the latest version of Kia's Uvo infotainment system (including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto).
The SX Turbo boasts 19-inch wheels, adaptive xenon headlights, automatic high beams, LED foglights and taillights, power-folding mirrors with LED turn signals, a sport-tuned suspension, a hands-free power tailgate, a panoramic sunroof, LED interior lighting, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a heated flat-bottom steering wheel with paddle shifters, an upgraded driver information display, an eight-way power passenger seat, ventilated front seats, dashboard accent stitching, gloss-black interior accents, an 8-inch touchscreen interface, a navigation system and an eight-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.
A number of these standard features can be added to lower trim levels as options. For the LX, the Popular package adds the roof rails, heated mirrors, windshield-wiper de-icer, power driver seat, heated front seats and illuminated vanity mirrors, while the Cool and Connected package throws in the 7-inch touchscreen with Uvo and the automatic climate control. For the EX, the Premium package adds the panoramic sunroof, power-folding mirrors, auto-dimming rearview mirror, LED interior lighting and heated steering wheel (though this wheel lacks the SX Turbo's flat-bottom design and shift paddles), while the Technology package tacks on the automatic high beams, hands-free power tailgate, ventilated front seats, power passenger seat, 8-inch touchscreen and Harman Kardon audio system.
Powertrains and Performance
In LX and EX trim, the 2017 Kia Sportage is motivated by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 181 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque. The SX Turbo model gets a stronger turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that cranks out 240 hp and 260 lb-ft. Both engines come paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option.
Given the turbocharged engine's surprising thirst and so-so acceleration, we'd lean toward the regular 2.4-liter engine that comes standard in this 2017 Sportage EX.
According to the EPA, the Sportage LX should return 26 mpg combined (23 city/30 highway) with front-wheel drive and 22 mpg combined (21/25) with all-wheel drive. The Sportage EX's official estimates are slightly different, but expect essentially the same in real-world driving. The SX Turbo drops to 23 mpg combined (21/26) with FWD and 21 mpg combined (20/23) with AWD. Although these fuel economy numbers are a tick or two better than those of the previous Sportage, they're still unimpressive for a small crossover with four-cylinder power. Many rivals, especially those with AWD, are typically better.
Safety
Standard safety features on all 2017 Kia Sportage models include antilock disc brakes, traction control and stability control, a rearview camera, hill-start assist, front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags.The SX Turbo additionally includes a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, a forward collision mitigation system with automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning and front and rear parking sensors. These items are optional on the Sportage EX, with the blind-spot monitor/cross-traffic alert included in the Premium package and the other items included in the Technology package.
Kia's Uvo telematics suite, standard on the EX and SX Turbo trims (and optional on LX), includes emergency and roadside assistance, stolen vehicle tracking, geo-fencing and speed tracking (allowing parents to set limits for teen drivers) and other smartphone-enabled features accessible via the Uvo app.
Interior Design and Special Features
The 2017 Sportage's interior is impressively executed. The dashboard has a substantial, upmarket look and includes a broad central control layout that tilts toward the driver, giving the cockpit a sporty character to match the name. Materials quality is class-competitive, and we've noted no squeaks or rattles in our test vehicles to date. The base LX trim is rather sparsely equipped by today's standards, but one could argue that it gives you most of what you need, including Bluetooth, a USB port and a small touchscreen. Higher trims can be outfitted with a high-resolution 8-inch touchscreen that features sharp graphics and quick response times, but even the LX is eligible for an upgrade to the EX's standard 7-inch touchscreen with Uvo infotainment functions (including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for full smartphone integration).Passenger space and comfort are outstanding for this size class. As expected in a crossover, the driver and front passenger have plenty of head- and legroom, and the available power seats include bottom cushions that tilt independently for additional customization. Rear occupants are hardly worse off, however. Even with a 6-footer in the driver seat, another 6-footer can sit immediately astern without issue, and he or she will enjoy ample thigh support. This level of accommodation is normally associated with midsize crossovers, so it's a welcome surprise in the compact Sportage.
Although the 2017 Sportage trails segment leaders in terms of outright cargo capacity, this is still a pretty handy vehicle if you've got stuff to haul.
With all that space devoted to making rear passengers happy, there's not a whole lot left over for the cargo area. You get 30.7 cubic feet of space behind the rear seatbacks, which trails class leaders by about 4-6 cubes, while folding down those seatbacks opens up a similarly modest 60.1 cubic feet. That's still a fair amount of hauling capability, though, so it's worth taking a look at the dealership to see if you think you really need more.Driving Impressions
The Sportage has evolved noticeably from the firm-riding crossover it used to be. Kia seems to have realized that crossover buyers appreciate comfort, too, because the 2017 Sportage strikes a rewarding balance between ride compliance and handling control. There's still a certain athleticism to the way this crossover steers and takes a corner, but impacts now tend to be absorbed or shrugged off rather than transmitted vividly to the cabin. We also appreciate how quiet the reasonably priced Sportage remains at speed; not too long ago, you would have needed a luxury-brand model to enjoy such isolation from the elements.Given how accomplished the Sportage is otherwise, the engines are something of a letdown. The base 2.4-liter engine operates smoothly, but while it keeps you moving with traffic well enough, there's not much surplus power for passing. We like that Kia provides a higher-performance engine in the SX Turbo, but it doesn't give you the punch you'd expect based on its extra 59 hp, and its fuel economy penalty may be hard to swallow. In any event, we're fans of the six-speed automatic, which is one of the best-mannered transmissions you'll find in this segment.
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