Review: 2017 Kia Sportage SX FWD

Who buys an FWD crossover? People who don't need AWD, that's who. And this 240 hp Kia Sportage SX is surprisingly fun, luxurious, and fast. It's quite good and quite entertaining. Read more over at Crankshaft Culture.

Review: 2013 Kia Sportage SX AWD

Nearly every automaker offers a compact crossover these days. While many can be tepid to drive, a few offer a bit of driving excitement thanks to a high-performance engine option. One of those vehicles is the Kia Sportage. Back in 2011, we reviewed the Kia Sportage EX, which had a normally aspirated 2.4-liter engine under the hood. Engine performance was adequate, but not much more. Recently, we got to spend time with the 2013 Kia Sportage SX, which features the Korean automaker’s 2.0-liter turbocharged mill. Everything we liked (and disliked) about the Sportage EX remains pretty much the same. However, with 260 horsepower on tap, the Sportage gets transformed from a good compact CUV into a much faster good compact CUV.

This go around with the Sportage, we found the steering to be almost too light and it could’ve been faster. However, thanks in part to its high performance shocks, as Kia calls them, the vehicle handles confidently with minimal roll in corners and strong grip. It’s not as sporting as the Mazda CX-5, but it still hugs the road quite well. Another handling note: The Sportage has a surprisingly good turning radius, something I don’t tend to find in CUVs. One thing we did notice is iffy rear visibility, due in part to the narrow rear window. Changing lanes takes a bit of care due to this. Backing up is aided by the reverse camera, thankfully.

But let’s get to the main point here. The SX is all about the turbo engine. This mill churns out 260 horsepower—84 more horses than the 2.4 in the EX. It also makes 269 ft./lbs. of torque, which is a healthy 101 more ft./lbs. than the normally aspirated engine. Needless to say, this turns the Sportage into a quick CUV. Of course, this is also the all-wheel-drive model, which means traction is not an issue. I read reports of 0-60 sprints in about 7.0 seconds flat. Punch the throttle from a standstill, and the car leaps into action with little turbo lag, and produces impressive acceleration. Mash the gas from speed, and you’ll be rewarded with plenty of gusto. It can be a bit surprising at points; you don’t expect this car to be as fast as it is at times. It’s a good little powerplant, although I would love to hear a bit more exhaust note or something. See, the engine sounds exceedingly mechanical, likely due to its direct injection fuel delivery. Power is put to the ground via a six-speed automatic transmission with manual shifting capabilities. The transmission worked seamlessly and provided smooth, quick shifts. The AWD system features a center locking differential, which is good for deep snow, sand, or mud, and there’s also hill decent control and hill hold.

So all that power must mean decreased fuel economy, right? Yes, but by only one minuscule MPG (combined) vs. the non-turbo 2.4-liter engine, which is pretty shocking considering the power difference. Our turbo model is rated at 20 city and 25 highway, vs. 20 city and 27 highway in the non-turbo AWD model. We got just over 19 mpg in mostly city driving. Plus, it runs on 87 octane gas, so no need to pump it full of the expensive stuff.

Inside, the Sportage is a comfortable, well-appointed, and solidly built place to spend some time. There’s a great sound and infotainment system, leather seats with blazing hot seat heaters (and an air conditioned driver’s seat), and the panoramic double glass roof panels (the forward one is an operational moonroof) really help keep the interior light and airy—definitely a high point. Of course, the interior is just as versatile and spacious as the ’11 EX model we reviewed. We easily hauled a big load of stuff to Goodwill with room to spare. The exterior is nearly identical to the ’11 EX we tested, with the exception of a mesh grille vs. a multi-bar grille.

In my opinion, if you’re going to buy an optioned-out Kia Sportage, you might as well get the SX model instead of a fully loaded EX. Our SX cost $32,400, a difference of only about $1,500 compared to a top-of-the-line EX, which has much less power. If you’re only looking for a mid-level EX or perhaps an LX model, then I could see passing on the SX, since $32,400 is a good chunk of change. But if you’re thinking of spending over $30K on any automaker's CUV and want something that can really get out of its own way (and pass up a lot of slower vehicles), the Sportage SX is certainly worth driving.

In the Driveway: 2013 Kia Sportage SX

In the driveway this week, the first week of 2013, is the '13 Kia Sportage SX turbo. We reviewed the Sportage EX AWD without the turbo back in 2011 and found it to be a very good choice in the compact crossover segment thanks to its great looks, it's versatility and storage, and a host of creature comforts. While we said the non-turbo Sportage had "ample power" from its 2.4 liter engine, the turbo has 84 more horses under the hood than the normally aspirated version, so it should have lots of scoot. Very much looking forward to driving this model with the extra grunt. Stay tuned.

Review: 2011 Kia Sportage EX AWD

Let’s face it: Some people need something larger than a subcompact car. Many people looking to upsize from a small car choose a small crossover vehicle—a segment with many choices including Honda’s CR-V, Toyota’s RAV4, Subaru’s Forester, Ford’s Escape, and the new-for-2011 Kia Sportage.

Kia is now one of the fastest growing car companies in the U.S., and it is turning out some world-class vehicles. Case in point, the Korean automaker’s recently redesigned Sportage compact crossover. Now in its third generation, Sportage has grown up, been refined, and gotten a healthy dose of styling and, well, sport. A far cry from the first generation model, which “sported” a 94 horsepower engine, body-on-frame construction, and part-time four-wheel drive, the ’11 Sportage is poised to be strong competitor in the crowded crossover segment. Complete with all-wheel drive, a six-speed transmission, and a downright attractive exterior, the Sportage has come into its own.

 

Speaking of exteriors, I found the new Sportage’s appearance fantastic. It’s a sleek, modern, attractive take on the CUV. There are LED “eyebrows” in the headlamps, great-looking taillights, and distinctive 18” alloy wheels. Dare I say it’s somewhat sexy?

That attractive package continues onto the interior. My loaded test model, an EX trim level with AWD, had heated leather front seats (including an air-conditioned driver’s seat which was fantastic), a great sounding stereo and intuitive navigation system, easy-to-pair Bluetooth connectivity, an air-conditioned glovebox, dual moonroofs, and a fine set of gauges with trip computer. The overall interior design, like the exterior, is modern, forward, and sophisticated.

There is plenty of space in this compact CUV. Both front and rear seats offer ample legroom, and storage is plentiful. The rear seats, of course, fold down to accommodate larger loads. In my semi-weekly trip to Coscto, the Sportage easily gobbled up everything I bought, with plenty of room to spare.

Driving the Sportage was a pleasant surprise. I only say it’s a surprise because I spent a short time in the car at the NWAPA’s Mudfest event in late 2010. I remember it being somewhat pokey. For whatever reason, the car didn’t feel sluggish at all this time around. In fact, the 176 horsepower 2.4-liter DOHC engine with variable valve timing, felt like it had ample power. (A 260 horsepower turbocarged engine is also available if you want to really put the “sport” in Sportage ). Mated to a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission with manual shifting abilities, this Kia is quiet, responsive, and rode nicely whether driving around town or cruising the highway.

My test model had the DynaMax full-time all-wheel drive system with a center lock feature for deep snow, sand, etc. In addition, it also has a hill descent mode, which automatically limits downhill speed by applying the brakes when needed. I tried this out in some of the hillier areas of Portland, and it worked very well. Handling is surprisingly nimble, too thanks in part to the large 18” tires, taught suspension, and all-wheel drive.

Kia has really done an excellent job with the latest Sportage, adding great amounts of nearly everything you’d want in a CUV. In fact, while I had the car for a week, I kept trying to find something I just didn’t like about it. There really wasn’t anything. EPA fuel economy is rated 21 city, 28 highway, which is dead-nuts on par with its competition.

The Sportage EX AWD review vehicle I had stickers for $29,990 including destination. While years ago, it might have seemed crazy to pay $30K for a Kia, nowadays, you’re getting a lot of vehicle for your money. Plus, you’re getting the company’s 10 year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty and 5 year/60,000 bumper-to-bumper warranty.

If you’re looking to upsize from your smaller vehicle, but not looking to go too big, the Kia Sportage CUV might just fit the bill. If you’re looking for a compact CUV, this model should definitely be on your shopping list.