Kia announces retail pricing for the fourth generation of its compact crossover that made its U.S. debut at the 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show.
2017 Kia Sportage
The third-generation Sportage helped put Kia on the map for a new group of buyers – those looking for a sporty-looking compact crossover – as opposed to many of the brand's traditional shoppers who were just happy to get approved for a new car. The new fourth-gen model ups the ante in just about every way.
Exterior
The familiar silhouette remains, but wheelbase is up by 1.6 inches, rear overhang is reduced by 0.4 of an inch, while its nose is 0.8 of an inch longer. The latest Sportage's design is also sure to turn heads. Up front, the headlights now rest even further up the front fenders, while the horizontal centerline of a more vertical grille is nearly even with the top of the front wheel arches. Meanwhile, what's sure to be its most controversial styling cue, the front fog lights (a matrix of 4 square LED's on the SX) reside in overly-large surrounds that, combined, take up almost half as much fascia real estate as the grille.
Along the sides, the upper and lower character lines are more deeply sculpted, while the rear fascia is dominated by a larger upper spoiler and narrower taillamp housings.
Interior
Inside, the dash sports a clean-sheet design with the central instrument cluster angled 10 degrees toward the driver containing either a 7- or 8- inch touch screen (depending upon the trim level) and large, redundant buttons for many of the infotainment system's major functions.
In back, there's a cargo floor that's 1.6 inches lower, additional front and rear headroom, as well as more front and rear legroom.
Under the hood
For 2017, two engines will be offered. Both the entry-level LX and mid-trim EX come equipped with a naturally-aspirated, direct injection 2.4-liter inline-4 churning out 181 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 175 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm. SX buyers will be treated to a 2.0-liter direction injection turbocharged inline-4 generating 240 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 260 lb.-ft. of torque from a lowly 1,350 rpm to 3,500 rpm.
Equipment
As with all Kias, the standard equipment list is extensive, even for the entry-level LX.
The checklist includes LED Daytime Running Lights, 17-inch alloy wheels, rear spoiler, rear privacy glass, 5-inch touchscreen with rear view camera display, Bluetooth, 3.5-inch LCD cluster, keyless entry system, automatic dual projector headlights, and Kia's "Drive Mode Select" system which offers Normal, Eco, and Sport driving modes.
Option packages include a $1,100 LX Popular Package with heated front seats and outside mirrors, a 10-way power driver seat with power lumbar, upgraded cloth seats and roof rails. Also available is a $900 LX Cool and Connected Package that requires the Popular Package and adds dual-zone auto climate control and a 7-inch touchscreen featuring Android Auto and Apple CarPlay (both powered by a compatible smartphone).
The EX starts with the Cool and Connected Package plus leather-trimmed seats, proximity key with push-button start, 18-inch wheels, fog lights and gloss black exterior trim.
The $1,900 EX Premium Package adds a heated steering wheel, power-folding outside mirrors (with LED turn signals), a panoramic sunroof, blind spot detection, lane change assist rear cross traffic alert, auto-dimming rearview mirror and LED interior lighting.
There's also a $2,700 EX Technology Package that requires the Premium Package and include an 8-inch touchscreen with navigation7, premium audio system, front and rear parking assist, Smart Power Liftgate, lane departure warning, high beam assist, front collision warning, autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection, ventilated front seats, and an 8-way power passenger seat.
The top line Sportage SX, on the other hand, is so loaded up that it comes with no option packages. It does, however, include everything found in the EX Technology Package plus it comes equipped with larger front brakes, a sport-tuned suspension, 19-inch wheels, satin exterior trim, dual exhaust pipes, front and rear metal-look skid plates, its own unique grille design, bi-Xenon HID headlights with Dynamic Bending Light, those "ice cube" LED fog lights, LED tail lights, 4.2-inch color LCD instrument cluster, gloss black interior trim, metal pedals, a sport-inspired D-shaped steering wheel, paddle shifters, metal scuff plates, real dashboard stitching, and, last but not least, a choice of five "expressive" interior colors.
It should also be noted that an intelligent AWD system is available on any trim for $1,500 that features a 50/50 locking center diff and torque vectoring. AWD models also sport a redesigned front fascia that features a steeper approach angle for enhanced capability.
2017 Kia Sportage prices
Pricing for the 2017 Kia Sportage, including an $895 destination charge, is as follows:
Sportage LX (FWD) $23,885
Sportage LX (AWD) $25,385
Sportage EX (FWD) $26,395
Sportage EX (AWD) $27,895
Sportage SX (FWD) $33,395
Sportage SX (AWD) $34,895
images courtesy of newspress USA
