Small is the new big, especially if compact crossovers enter conversations; small as in diminutive stature, big as in on-the-move sales volume. According to Polk registration data, small crossover sales have tripled since 2011.
The top-selling crossover/sport utility regardless of size last year was Honda’s compact CR-V (345,647 units sold). In fact, the top five spots belong to compact-sized car-based crossovers. In 2015, Kia’s compact Sportage found itself at the 17 spot.
While a top-twenty finish out of nearly 100 crossover/ SUV name plates remains respectable, Kia’s long-established Sportage looks to leap frog higher with its 2017 next-generation redesign. Speaking of 2015 sales, Kia Motors America set an all-time record of 625,818 units; the first time surpassing 600,000 units and up 7.9 percent from 2014. It’s quite a move from 1998 when sales trickled in fewer than 83,000 units.
The 2017 Sportage ushers in a fourth-generation effort. Sportage, withstanding the test of time and consumer tastes, rates as Kia’s longest tenured offering in its expanding U.S. lineup.
When debuting in 1993, the first-generation effort probably is best remembered as ‘basic’ transportation with an emphasis on lower-rung entry pricing. Fast forward to 2017 and such upgrades as a redesigned, fully independent front suspension add a comfort dimension lacking in early efforts. Rear suspension, also fully independent, adopts dual-member shock absorber housing. Expect a wide array of available electronic-enhanced driver assistance technologies, not long past the domain of luxury-minded vehicles.
Wheelbase (distance between front and rear axles) gets stretched to 105.1 inches (a 1.2-inch growth from 2016) while overall length increases by 1.6 inches to 176.4 inches. Inside, this translates to increased front/back headroom and legroom.
Compact, car-based crossovers have steadily grown in length. At 176.4 inches, Sportage retains traditional compact dimensions. Toyota’s RAV4 adds about five inches of length while Chevrolet’s Equinox tacks on 10 more, almost approaching mid-size range.
Three trims (entry LX, EX and top-shelf SX) return with the choice of front-wheel or Chicago-friendly on-demand all-wheel drive. All-wheel-drive versions operate in front-drive mode under normal conditions, summoning all wheels when sensing the need with no driver input. However, a four-drive lock mode may be manually engaged if off-road driving or when climbing or descending sharp grades.
Two distinct, four-cylinder gas direct injected engines are offered, both mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. LX and EX trims come with a naturally-aspirated 2.4-liter four cylinder cranking out 181 horsepower. The SX motivates from a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder delivering 240 horses.
A turbocharger runs off of recycled exhaust gases spinning a pinwheel-inspired turbine to pump concentrated air into the engine. Turbocharging increases horsepower output without adding undue weight.
While Sportage presents no alternative powertrain, the 2016 Chicago Auto Show provided Kia a crowd-friendly platform to showcase near-future plans. The snazzy February extravaganza served as the backdrop for the global debut of Kia’s Niro crossover, a 2017 model year gas-electric hybrid measuring about five inches shorter than Sportage (yet another crossover added to a growing list).
Also, Kia introduced the next-generation 2017 Optima sedan hybrid available with two distinct technologies: a self-charging gas-electric hybrid (non-plug in), or new-to-the-lineup plug-in style hybrid. Kia’s only all-electric vehicle, the five-door hatchback Soul EV, is available in select year-round warm weather markets.
The fuel tank holds 16.4 gallons of 87-octane regular, unleaded fuel. Our all-wheel-drive turbo four generated 20 miles per gallon city and 23 mpg highway estimates. The front-drive naturally-aspirated four banger reaches 30 mpg highway.
Our tester, a top-line SX turbo with all-wheel drive started at $34,000 while ending at $34,895 with $895 destination charge. It’s stocked with all available bells and whistles; no options to mess with. The lowest-priced 2017 Sportage, a front-drive LX with naturally-aspirated four-cylinder, starts at a very competitive, value-driven $22,990.
Driver assist technologies (rear cross traffic, lane departure, front/rear parking assist, blind spot detection) come standard in SX while optional in EX.
Controls are within easy reach for the driver and intuitive at a glance. Electronic push-button start comes standard. The remote push-button for lifting the power rear gate (standard in SX) is found to the dashboard’s far right along with a button cluster including traction control.
Two 12-volt outlets along with USB and auxiliary ports remain easily accessible to first-row occupants; and music to audiophile ears. Sportage ranks as the first Kia offering a third generation of the automaker’s UVO branded infotainment connectivity, capable of interacting with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and more than a dozen telematics services all with eight Giga bites (quite a bit) of storage capacity. In addition, it’s voice-activated (UVO is tech-talk for “Your Voice”) while also providing maintenance reminders. UVO is optional in LX and standard in the upper two trims.
Below the in-dash center mounted touch-sensitive screen; a row of a half-dozen or so push-button selections (radio, media, map, phone, UVO) interacting with the color monitor. Screen size increases as trim levels march forward. Base LX includes a five-inch touchscreen, EX a seven inch and SX eight inches.
Underneath, a ventilation system with two rows of buttons summoning air conditioning, fan speed, air flow, fan direction, along with front and rear defrosters. Flanking these buttons; two dials for selecting dual temperature settings. SX trims include heated steering wheel opportunities along with heated and air vented front seats with buttons under ventilation buttons.
Sportage also includes standard in all trims three drive mode choices (Eco, Sport, Normal) depending upon circumstances or personal preference selectable from a button aft of the between-the-seats transmission shifter.
Two adults continue fitting with optimal comfort in row two. However, three pre-teens could make a go of it. Seatbacks fold down with a 60/40 split, expanding cargo opportunities.
Headroom measures more than adequate in both rows, even with our long sun roof, with see-through glass extending the length of both seating regions (standard in SX, optional in EX). The open-air portion is relegated to front seat occupants, with a wind deflector (ping-pong-like netting) stretched across the front, easing wind flow.
The trendy, eye-pleasing exterior’s rear spoiler jets out from the roof’s end, doubling as a protective cover to the rear glass and standard wiper arm. It’s also the local for a high-mounted brake light. In front, narrow headlight housing joins the fender and hood, stretching towards the ‘A’ pillar, positioned well above the bow-tie like meshed front grille. A quad fog light structure resides separately along the far ends of the lower frame.
Kia’s crowning marketing achievement: its 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty; the longest available. The idea works so well in attaining and retaining shoppers; other automakers have ‘borrowed’ the ten-year time horizon, most notably Mitsubishi.
2017 Kia Sportage
Price as tested: $34,895
Wheelbase: 105.1 inches
Length: 176.4 inches
Width: 73.0 inches
Height: 64.8 inches
Engine: 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo
Horsepower: 240
Curb weight: 3,997 pounds
Powertrain warranty: 10 years/100,000 miles
City/Highway economy: 20 mpg city/ 23 mpg highway
Assembly: South Korea