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2017 Kia Sportage Review

Redesigned Kia Sportage Review: Why This Compact SUV Stands Out | MotorVero

The Redesigned Kia Sportage: A Class-Leading Compact SUV Transformed

Kia Sportage review

Kia's comprehensive redesign of the Sportage compact SUV represents one of the most significant mid-cycle refreshes in recent automotive history. Far from just cosmetic updates, the changes elevate the Sportage from competent contender to legitimate class leader, challenging established favorites in every important category.

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54487 mi

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Exterior Design: Bold New Stance and Premium Details

redesigned Sportage

The most immediately noticeable changes come in the Sportage's completely redesigned exterior. Kia's designers took inspiration from their European counterparts, creating a more sophisticated, upscale appearance that stands out in the crowded compact SUV segment.

  • Signature Tiger Nose Grille - Now wider and more prominent, framed by available LED lighting elements
  • Revised Body Contours - Sharper character lines and more muscular wheel arches
  • Available 19-inch Alloy Wheels - Filling the wheel wells more aggressively than previous models
  • LED Lighting Standard - Both front and rear lighting clusters feature modern LED technology

Interior Revolution: Premium Materials and Thoughtful Packaging

best compact SUV

Where previous Sportage models felt utilitarian inside, the redesigned cabin demonstrates Kia's growing confidence in competing with luxury brands. The improvements go far beyond surface-level upgrades.

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Key Interior Upgrades:

  • Available Leather-Trimmed Seats - With contrast stitching and improved bolstering
  • Soft-Touch Materials - Replacing hard plastics on 85% of frequently contacted surfaces
  • Redesigned Center Stack - More intuitive controls with available 8-inch touchscreen
  • Class-Leading Rear Legroom - 39.3 inches, surpassing CR-V and RAV4
  • Quiet Tuning - Additional sound deadening reduces road noise by 12%

Performance Enhancements: Refined Power and Efficiency

Kia didn't just restyle the Sportage - they reengineered the driving experience. The updates to powertrain and chassis deliver noticeable improvements in both performance and efficiency.

Powertrain Options:

Engine Horsepower Torque (lb-ft) EPA Combined MPG
2.4L GDI 4-cylinder 181 175 26
2.0L Turbo 4-cylinder 237 260 23

The available turbocharged engine transforms the Sportage's character, delivering confident passing power and relaxed highway cruising. Both engines pair with a responsive 6-speed automatic transmission that's been recalibrated for smoother shifts.

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20 mi

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$6176

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158183 mi

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Technology and Safety: Class-Leading Innovation

Kia packed the redesigned Sportage with technology that rivals vehicles costing thousands more. The infotainment and safety systems represent a generational leap forward.

Standout Features:

  • UVO3 Infotainment - Faster processor, improved voice recognition, and available navigation
  • Wireless Charging - Convenient Qi-compatible charging pad
  • Available Harman Kardon Audio - 320-watt premium sound system
  • Advanced Driver Aids - Standard Forward Collision Warning with Automatic Emergency Braking
  • Available Blind Spot Monitoring - With Rear Cross-Traffic Alert

How It Compares to Key Rivals

The redesigned Sportage now competes on equal footing with segment leaders. Here's how it stacks up against primary competitors:

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Feature Kia Sportage Honda CR-V Toyota RAV4
Base Engine HP 181 190 203
Max Cargo Space (cu ft) 60.1 75.8 69.8
Infotainment Screen Size 8" 7" 7"
Warranty (Years/Miles) 5/60,000 3/36,000 3/36,000

While the Sportage gives up some cargo space to the class leaders, it counters with superior warranty coverage, more standard features, and a more premium interior ambiance.

Driving Experience: Comfort Meets Capability

Behind the wheel, the redesigned Sportage demonstrates significant improvements in ride quality and handling precision. Kia's engineers focused on creating a more composed, European-inspired driving dynamic.

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37670 mi

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Key Driving Improvements:

  • Revised Suspension Tuning - Better impact absorption without sacrificing cornering stability
  • Improved Steering Feel - More natural weight and better on-center feel
  • Available All-Wheel Drive - Dynamax system automatically routes power where needed
  • Brake Performance - Shorter stopping distances thanks to larger front rotors


Value Proposition: Premium Features at Mainstream Pricing

Perhaps most impressive is how Kia delivers near-luxury content while maintaining competitive pricing. The Sportage continues Kia's tradition of offering more standard features than competitors at every trim level.

Trim Level Breakdown:

  • LX - Includes 17" alloys, rearview camera, and UVO3 with 7" display
  • EX - Adds power driver seat, dual-zone climate control, and blind spot monitoring
  • SX Turbo - Top trim with turbo engine, leather seats, and Harman Kardon audio

Even base models include features that cost extra on Japanese competitors, while the top-trim SX Turbo undercuts similarly equipped luxury-brand alternatives by $8,000-$10,000.

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Final Verdict: A New Benchmark in the Segment

The redesigned Kia Sportage represents one of the most complete packages in the compact SUV class. By addressing every area that needed improvement while enhancing already strong attributes, Kia has created a vehicle that deserves equal consideration alongside traditional segment leaders.

Pros: Premium interior materials, strong turbo engine option, class-leading warranty, extensive standard features

Cons: Slightly less cargo space than key rivals, fuel economy trails class leaders

For shoppers prioritizing value, features, and driving refinement, the Sportage now stands as perhaps the most compelling choice in its class. Kia's transformation from value brand to legitimate premium competitor continues to gain momentum with this impressive redesign.

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54466 mi

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63325 mi

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Last Updated On May, 30-2025

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