So, you're wondering if the 2017 Kia Sportage is a good car? Well, let's dive right in and see what makes this compact SUV tick! The 2017 Kia Sportage marked a significant redesign for the model, bringing with it updated styling, improved features, and enhanced performance. For potential buyers, understanding its strengths and weaknesses is crucial before making a decision. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the 2017 Kia Sportage, covering its key aspects such as performance, interior, technology, reliability, and overall value. Whether you're looking for a daily commuter, a family vehicle, or something for weekend adventures, the Sportage aims to offer a compelling package.

Overview of the 2017 Kia Sportage

The 2017 Kia Sportage is part of the fourth generation of this compact SUV, and it brought some serious changes to the table. Kia really stepped up their game with a bolder design, a more refined interior, and some cool new tech features. It's available in three main trim levels: LX, EX, and SX Turbo. Each trim offers a different set of features and capabilities to cater to various needs and preferences. The Sportage competes in a crowded segment that includes the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Mazda CX-5, all of which are known for their reliability and popularity.

Key Features and Specs:

• Engines: The base models (LX and EX) come with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing around 181 horsepower. The SX Turbo boasts a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that cranks out 240 horsepower.
• Transmission: Both engines are paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.
• Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive is standard, but all-wheel drive is available for added traction and stability.
• Fuel Economy: The 2.4-liter engine achieves around 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. The turbocharged engine offers slightly lower numbers at 20 mpg city and 23 mpg highway.
• Interior: The cabin is well-designed with quality materials and comfortable seating. Higher trims offer leather upholstery and premium finishes.
• Technology: Standard features include a touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, and a rearview camera. Upgraded trims add features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and advanced safety systems.

Performance and Handling

When it comes to performance, the 2017 Kia Sportage offers two engine options to suit different driving styles. The base 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine provides adequate power for daily commuting and general use. It delivers around 181 horsepower, which is sufficient for most drivers but might feel a bit sluggish when fully loaded or climbing hills. The six-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly and efficiently, contributing to a comfortable driving experience. However, if you're looking for more excitement and quicker acceleration, the SX Turbo trim is the way to go. The 2.0-liter turbocharged engine pumps out 240 horsepower, offering a noticeable boost in performance. This engine makes the Sportage feel more responsive and fun to drive, especially in city traffic and on the open road.

Handling and Ride Quality:

The Sportage's handling is generally competent, with decent steering feedback and minimal body roll. It's not the sportiest SUV in its class, but it provides a stable and confident feel on the road. The ride quality is comfortable, absorbing bumps and imperfections with ease. However, some reviewers have noted that the ride can be a bit firm on rougher surfaces, especially with the larger wheels on the higher trims. Overall, the 2017 Kia Sportage strikes a good balance between comfort and handling, making it a suitable choice for daily driving.

Driving Experience:

• Acceleration: The base engine offers adequate acceleration for everyday driving, but the turbocharged engine provides a significant improvement.
• Steering: The steering is responsive and provides decent feedback, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces.
• Braking: The brakes are strong and provide confident stopping power.
• Ride Comfort: The ride is generally comfortable, but it can be a bit firm on rough surfaces.
• Noise Levels: The cabin is relatively quiet, with minimal wind and road noise.

Interior Comfort and Features

Stepping inside the 2017 Kia Sportage, you'll find a well-designed and comfortable interior. Kia focused on improving the quality of materials and the overall layout, resulting in a more upscale feel compared to previous generations. The dashboard is clean and uncluttered, with intuitive controls and a user-friendly infotainment system. The seats are supportive and comfortable, providing ample cushioning for long drives. Higher trims offer leather upholstery and power-adjustable seats, adding to the overall comfort. The Sportage also offers plenty of space for both front and rear passengers, making it a practical choice for families.

Interior Features:

• Seating: The Sportage can seat up to five passengers comfortably. The rear seats offer good legroom and headroom, making it suitable for adults.
• Materials: The interior features quality materials, with soft-touch surfaces and durable plastics. Higher trims offer leather upholstery and premium finishes.
• Cargo Space: The Sportage offers a decent amount of cargo space, with 30.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 60.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. This is competitive with other SUVs in its class.
• Infotainment System: The standard infotainment system includes a touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, and a rearview camera. Upgraded trims add features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a premium sound system.
• Climate Control: The Sportage comes with standard air conditioning, with dual-zone automatic climate control available on higher trims.

Technology and Safety

The 2017 Kia Sportage is equipped with a range of technology and safety features to enhance the driving experience and provide peace of mind. The standard infotainment system includes a touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, and a rearview camera. Upgraded trims offer advanced features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone with the car's system. The infotainment system is user-friendly and responsive, making it easy to control various functions. In terms of safety, the Sportage comes standard with a suite of safety features, including antilock brakes, stability control, and multiple airbags. Higher trims offer advanced safety systems like blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. These features help to prevent accidents and protect occupants in the event of a collision. The 2017 Kia Sportage has also received good safety ratings from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), further solidifying its reputation as a safe and reliable vehicle.

Key Technology and Safety Features:

• Infotainment System: Touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto.
• Safety Features: Antilock brakes, stability control, multiple airbags, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking.
• Safety Ratings: Good ratings from NHTSA and IIHS.

Reliability and Maintenance

Reliability is a crucial factor when considering any car, and the 2017 Kia Sportage generally fares well in this regard. Kia has made significant improvements in reliability over the years, and the Sportage is considered to be a dependable vehicle. However, like any car, it's not without its potential issues. Some owners have reported problems with the engine, transmission, and electrical systems. It's essential to research common issues and be aware of potential problems before making a purchase. Regular maintenance is key to keeping the Sportage running smoothly and avoiding costly repairs. Following the recommended maintenance schedule, which includes oil changes, filter replacements, and fluid checks, can help to prolong the life of the vehicle. Additionally, it's a good idea to have the car inspected by a qualified mechanic regularly to identify any potential issues early on. Kia also offers a generous warranty, which can provide peace of mind and help to cover the cost of repairs during the warranty period.

Maintenance Tips:

• Follow the recommended maintenance schedule.
• Check fluids regularly.
• Inspect tires and brakes.
• Address any issues promptly.

Pros and Cons of the 2017 Kia Sportage

To give you a clear picture, let's break down the pros and cons of the 2017 Kia Sportage:

Pros:

• Stylish Design: The Sportage features a modern and eye-catching design that stands out from the crowd.
• Comfortable Interior: The cabin is well-designed with quality materials and comfortable seating.
• Available Turbo Engine: The turbocharged engine provides a significant boost in performance.
• User-Friendly Technology: The infotainment system is easy to use and offers a range of features.
• Good Safety Ratings: The Sportage has received good safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS.
• Generous Warranty: Kia offers a generous warranty, providing peace of mind.

Cons:

• Base Engine Can Feel Sluggish: The base engine may feel underpowered for some drivers.
• Fuel Economy Could Be Better: The fuel economy is not the best in its class.
• Ride Can Be Firm: The ride can be a bit firm on rough surfaces.

Final Verdict: Is the 2017 Kia Sportage a Good Car?

So, is the 2017 Kia Sportage a good car? Overall, the 2017 Kia Sportage is a solid choice in the compact SUV segment. It offers a stylish design, a comfortable interior, and a range of features to appeal to a wide variety of buyers. The available turbocharged engine provides a significant boost in performance, making it a fun-to-drive option. While the base engine may feel a bit sluggish for some, and the fuel economy could be better, the Sportage's strengths outweigh its weaknesses. With good safety ratings, a generous warranty, and a reputation for reliability, the 2017 Kia Sportage is definitely worth considering if you're in the market for a compact SUV. Just make sure to weigh your priorities and consider the different trim levels to find the one that best suits your needs.