The Kia Sportage is a game-changer in the compact SUV segment. It has several qualities that command attention: excellent cargo space, innovative technology, smooth interiors, and a well-crafted handling experience. Additionally, this vehicle offers the option of a hybrid or a plug-in hybrid powertrain. This SUV comes in multiple variants and a competitive base price of $25,990. These elements are just a few positives of the beautiful and dynamic Kia Sportage.
Engine and performance
The Sportage comes with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine connecting to an eight-speed automatic transmission, producing 187 horsepower. The hybrid variant is fitted with a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with a single electric motor that can produce 226 horsepower. The all-wheel drive plug-in hybrid shares its conventional engine with the regular hybrid but is equipped with a more powerful electric motor and a bigger battery pack. The change in engines equates to a difference in the Sportage’s on-road performance, for which the hybrid powertrain receives the famous nod of approval. The Sportage also has a wide wheelbase, making the ride more comfortable.
Fuel economy
The Sportage, with the base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine in the front-wheel drive, gives an output of 25 miles per gallon in the city and 32 miles per gallon on the highway. The same engine, coupled with the all-wheel drive, offers 23 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. For buyers opting for the hybrid, the Kia offers excellent fuel efficiency, with a rating of 42 mpg in the city and 44 mpg on the highway. Users looking for the complete EV version of the Kia Sportage can expect 32 miles on electricity alone with its 13.8-kWh battery pack.
Cabin and comfort
The Sportage has an exciting design inside the cabin. The car’s substantial digital display attracts attention, along with other enticing features. Customers can choose between an all-black or two-toned cabin based on their aesthetic sensibilities. The center console has a rotary shift knob, a start-stop button, and various other controls that blend in seamlessly into the dashboard. The Sportage also has more legroom in the back, and 40 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat, making it a true family car.
Infotainment
The standard infotainment system on the Sportage is connected to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The standard infotainment system is an 8.0-inch touchscreen display, easily upgradeable to a more prominent 12.3-inch touchscreen display for crisper graphics. Under the infotainment system, the Sportage has more touchscreen controls that switch between the climate system and the stereo. Customers can amp up their infotainment system with a Harman/Kardon unit, a wireless phone charger, and a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot.
Safety
The Sportage has various safety and driver assistance features with Kia’s DriveWise Driver Assist Technology. These include forward collision avoidance assist with car, pedestrian, and cyclist detection, lane following assist, lane keeping assist, driver attention warning with leading vehicle departure alert, rear parking sensors, high-beam assists, rear occupant alert, and more.
Warranty
Kia offers one of the most comprehensive warranty plans in the industry. The Limited Warranty plan covers the car for five years or 60,000 miles, and the Powertrain Warranty covers it for ten years or 100,000 miles.
Parting words
With its stellar looks, 17-inch machine alloy wheels, smooth drive and handling, and safety and comfort, the Kia Sportage is one of the best crossover SUVs on the market. Kia has also been recognized as #1 in a study on Vehicle Dependability by J.D. Power, so you can rest assured that you’re buying the best-in-class vehicle for yourself and your family.
