2017 Kia Sportage

Fully redesigned for 2017, the Kia Sportage offers attractive styling, excellent safety ratings, and newly available tech features- Carfax

It's hard to stand out in the crowd but Kia has found a way with the 2017 Sportage by completely redesigning it. The interiors almost give a luxury car-like feel with spacious room for passengers. Another key point of the Sportage is its balanced ride quality and high reliability. However, there are is downsides too. The cargo room and fuel efficiency are below average compared to its rivals. 

The Sportage has high ownership costs than any other compact SUV in its class. That's because it depreciates a lot quicker than its rivals while its maintenance and fuel costs are also soaring high. The true cost to own is close to $8,700 per year and the average cost per mile is $0.58, which is again more than the class leaders. But with a reliability score of 82 out of 100, the Sportage is one of the most reliable vehicles. 

The SX comes fully loaded. Kia offers no option packages on this vehicle- CarGurus

Three trims are on offer for the Kia Sportage. These include LX, EX, and SX. The base LX trim starts at $23,200 while the top-spec SX trim has a starting price of $32,700, excluding an $895 destination fee. Both FWD and AWD configurations are available throughout the lineup. Kia is known for offering value-based features in its vehicles and it's the same with the Sportage. All these features are nicely segregated into these trim levels. 

Some of the standard features are satellite radio, a 5-inch touchscreen, a 6-speaker stereo, rearview camera, 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic climate control, etc. In terms of safety, all the advanced driver-assist features are available on the EX trim and standard on the SX Turbo trim. There are many optional features available such as a heated steering wheel, Harman Kardon premium audio system, an 8-inch screen, etc.

Trim	LX	EX	SX Turbo
MSRP (FWD)	$23,200	$25,700	$32,700
MSRP(AWD)	$24,700	$27,200	$34,200
Key Features	5-inch touchscreen	Adds/ Upgrades to LX trim	Adds/ Upgrades to EX trim
	6-speaker stereo	7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto	Sport-tuned suspension
	Satellite radio	Push-button start	8-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system
	Rearview camera	Leather-trimmed seats & steering wheel	Heated steering wheel with paddle shifters
	Bluetooth connectivity	Heated front seats	Sensor-activated hands-free tailgate
	Automatic climate control	10-way power driver's seat	Auto-dimming rearview mirror
	Manually-adjustable front seats	Dual-zone automatic climate control	Ventilated front seats
	Keyless entry	Fog lamps	Power panoramic sunroof
			Voice-activated navigation system

We Recommend

We prefer going for the EX trim as it adds some key features such as a 7-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, push-button start, leather seats, and steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, a 10-way power driver's seat and fog lamps. Also, opt for the $2,100 EX Technology package that adds few driver-assist features, LED turn signals, heated, power-folding mirrors, LED ambient lighting, heated steering wheel, panoramic moonroof, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. 

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The 2017 Kia Sportage has a smooth ride and engaging handling for a compact SUV- Cars.USNews

2017 Kia Sportage Engine and Transmission

Two different engines are available for the Kia Sportage. A 2.4L four-cylinder engine powers the LX and EX trims. This engine makes 181 hp and 175 lb-ft. of torque. The top-end SX Turbo trim comes with a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 240 hp and 260 lb-ft. of torque. The power figure is specific to the FWD model, it's slightly less with the AWD model. 

Power is transferred through a 6-speed automatic and both FWD and AWD drivetrains are available regardless of engine choice. The power delivery in the base engine is nice to move around the town and explore the streets. The turbocharged engine is so refined, it's got a nice fat mid-range to it. There is a slight bit of a turbo lag but most people may notice it. 

Models	2017 Kia Sportage	2017 Honda CR-V	2017 Mazda CX-5	2017 Nissan Rogue
MSRP	$23,200	$24,045	$24,045	$23,820
Engine	2.4L  Inline-4	2.4L Inline-4	2.5L Inline-4	2.5L Inline-4
Drivetrain	FWD	FWD	FWD	FWD
Transmission	6-Speed Automatic	CVT	6-Speed Automatic	CVT
Power	181 hp @ 6,000 RPM	184 hp @ 6,400 RPM	187 hp @ 6,000 RPM	170 hp @ 6,000 RPM
Torque	175 lb-ft. @ 4,000 RPM	180 lb-ft. @ 3,900 RPM	185 lb-ft. @ 3,250 RPM	175 lb-ft. @ 4,400 RPM

The Mazda CX-5 makes the most power here and uses the same gearbox as the Sportage. On the other hand, the Honda CR-V and the Nissan Rogue use a CVT transmission for better fuel economy. Among its rivals, the Rogue is the least powerful SUV. 

2017 Kia Sportage Acceleration

The Kia Sportage isn't blindingly fast because it's a pretty heavy vehicle. It takes 9 seconds to complete the 0-60 MPH test while the quarter-mile run is finished in 16.9 seconds. The top speed is limited to 120 MPH. The turbo-4 engine is pretty quick and does the same in 8.1 seconds. The gearbox feels much livelier in the turbocharged engine. 

While the base engine is lackluster, the turbocharged engine is quick. It got a V6-like power band while the 6-speed automatic does a great job while shifting through gears. Switching to the Sport mode gives a nice quick rush and that enables you to take advantage of the paddle shifters, which are pretty snappy. 

Models	2017 Kia Sportage	2017 Honda CR-V	2017 Mazda CX-5	2017 Nissan Rogue
0-60 MPH	9.0 sec	8.6 sec	8.9 sec	9.4 sec
Quarter mile	16.9 sec	16.7 sec	16.6 sec	17.1 sec
Engine	2.4L	2.4L	2.5L	2.5L
Top Speed	120 MPH	120 MPH	125 MPH	122 MPH

Thanks to its low curb weight, the Honda CR-V has the quickest acceleration among its rivals. The performance stats of the Mazda CX-5 aren't that bad either. It performs much better than the Sportage. As itsname suggests, the Sportage doesn't display a sporty performance. As expected, the less powerful Nissan Rogue comes in last on the table. 

2017 Kia Sportage Ride and Handling

Handling-wise, the Kia Sportage keeps its composure well through the bends without going all soft and wallow. The chassis doesn't really get upset very easily when you put it into a curve. Also, the body lean is well controlled around the corners. The steering is well-weighted and has a nice precise feel to it.

The suspension is soft enough to absorb bumps in the road but it's a different story out on the rougher pavement. It is a little bit harsh on gravel roads and the ride gets bouncy, especially with the 19-inch wheels. Also, the panoramic roof does get a lot of rattling and creaking over some of the rougher bumps. 

2017 Kia Sportage Braking

Behind the wheels of the Kia Sportage, you may find 12-inch ventilated discs in the front and 11.9-inch discs at the back. These brakes work in unison to achieve a braking distance of 114 feet when stopped from 60-0 MPH.  The Sportage has one of the shortest braking distances in its class despite weighing almost 3,600 pounds.

The SX Turbo model gets larger ventilated discs at the front that measures 12.6 inches. But instead, it takes 118 feet to come to a smooth stop, which is considerable due to the additional weight of the turbocharger. The brakes doesn't fade much after repeated use. The strong pedal and responsive brakes give confidence to the driver. 

Models	2017 Kia Sportage	2017 Honda CR-V	2017 Mazda CX-5	2017 Nissan Rogue
Brake Front	12.0 in	11.1 in	11.7 in	11.8 in
Brake Rear	11.9 in	10.2 in	11.9 in	11.7 in
Curb Weight	3,596 lbs	3,307 lbs	3,527 lbs	3,424 lbs
60-0 MPH	114 ft.	117 ft.	126 ft.	124 ft.

Unlike the Sportage, the braking performance of its rivals is not impressive. Although similarly weighted as the Sportage, the Mazda CX-5 takes the longest braking distance which clearly indicates it has weak brakes. The low curb weight of the Honda CR-V helps it to stop sooner than the CX-5. The brakes of the Nissan Rogue aren't that good either. 

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The 2017 Sportage gets respectable fuel economy ratings; but if you shop with mpg in mind, you might be a little disappointed- The Car Connection

The Kia Sportage is not particularly efficient when compared to its class leaders. When equipped with the base engine, the Sportage returns 22 MPG in the city, 29 MPG on a highway, and 25 MPG combined. With the optional AWD system, the city and highway ratings fall to 21 MPG and 25 MPG respectively and have a combined mileage of 23 MPG. 

 The turbocharged engine is rated at 21 MPG in the city, 26 MPG on a highway, and 23 MPG combined. Switch to AWD configurations and those numbers 20 MPG in the city, 23 MPG on a highway, and 21 MPG combined. Owing to the 16.4-gallon fuel tank, the Sportage delivers 418 miles with the 2.4L engine and 385 miles with the 2.0L engine, both in FWD guise. 

Models	2017 Kia Sportage	2017 Honda CR-V	2017 Mazda CX-5	2017 Nissan Rogue
MPG (City)	22	26	24	26
MPG (Highway)	29	32	31	33
MPG (Combined)	25	28	27	29
Fuel Tank Capacity (Gallon)	16.4	14.0	14.8	14.5
Range (City/Highway/Combined; Miles)	361/476/418	364/448/406	355/459/407	377/479/428

The Nissan Rogue is the most fuel-efficient SUV here with a combined mileage of 4 MPG more than the Sportage. The Honda CR-V follows the trails of the Rogue in terms of efficiency. The Mazda CX-5's fuel economy is not bad either but its efficiency is less than Honda and Nissan. The Sportage loses the battle of fuel economy to its rivals. 

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The 2017 Sportage's interior is impressively executed- Edmunds

2017 Kia Sportage Seating and Comfort

Kia's design team has laid out the cabin in a thoughtful fashion. The interior and material quality is generally good though hard plastics still make an appearance. Both cloth and leather upholstery are available in the Sportage. The front seats provide a good deal of comfort and refined stitching. The EX and SX Turbo trim come with power-adjustable fronts seats with heated and ventilated functions. The driving position is very much like a sedan although you sit a bit higher.

You also get a massive sunroof and the power shade slides all the way back at a push of a button. The rear doors are designed to provide full side openings to the cabin. The Sportage is not absolute roomiest but it is plenty spacious. Like the front seats, the back seats are a comfortable place to sit. Head and legroom are more than fine for an average-sized adult. The rear seatbacks also recline to lounge worthy levels but do not slide forward or backward. 

Models	2017 Kia Sportage	2017 Honda CR-V	2017 Mazda CX-5	2017 Nissan Rogue
Passenger Capacity	5	5	5	5
Front Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)	39.3/57.1/41.5	40.1/57.9/41.3	39.7/57.1/41.0	41.6/56.6/43.0
Second Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)	39.1/55.1/38.2	39.2/55.6/40.4	39.0/54.8/39.6	38.5/55.9/37.9

The Nissan Rogue offers less rear legroom than its rivals but offers excellent legroom up front. Tall passengers will love the rear row of the Honda CR-V as there is plenty of legroom. The space levels in the Mazda CX-5 is almost the same as the Sportage. When it comes to materials quality, the Rogue is on the downside while the CX-5's layout is somewhat pleasing to the eye. 

2017 Kia Sportage Infotainment System

At the center of the dashboard is Kia's infotainment system called UVO. The base screen is 5 inches but 7 and 8-inch touchscreens are available. Both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are optional on the LX trim and standard on the EX and SX Turbo trims. The infotainment setup is angled a bit towards the driver and we appreciate that. 

Sound duties are handled by a 6-speaker stereo on lower trims and an 8-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system on the SX Turbo trim. The UVO interface has a very sensible layout, easy-to-read fonts, and crisp graphics. The physical controls on the center stack are very tactile and everything's right where you expect it. 

2017 Kia Sportage Interior Features

The cabin of the Kia Sportage is filled with a lot of valuable comfort and technological features. Some of them are mentioned below:

• Tilt & telescopic multi-function leather steering wheel
• Power front seats with heated & ventilated functions
• Cloth & leather upholstery
• Panoramic sunroof
• LED Ambient lighting
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror
• Dual illuminating vanity mirrors
• Push-button start
• Power liftgate
• 7-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• 8-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system

2017 Kia Sportage Cargo Capacity

Stand behind the rear of the vehicle and the power liftgate in the SX Turbo trim automatically opens revealing 30.7 cubic feet. Cargo space doubles to 60.1 cubic feet when you drop the rear seats. There are no seat releases available in the cargo area. That means you'll have to walk around the side of the vehicle and manually fold the seatbacks.

That's a respectable cargo capacity but it's far from the pack. The Sportage's cargo area has an interesting feature. The cargo floor is adjustable. You can have it down low or a little bit higher. Underneath the load floor, there's plenty of storage area too. The boxy shape and flat loading lip of the Sportage make things easier while loading. 

Models	2017 Kia Sportage	2017 Honda CR-V	2017 Mazda CX-5	2017 Nissan Rogue
Cargo Capacity (cu-ft.)	30.7	39.2	30.9	32.0

The Honda CR-V is a leader in this field as it offers a maximum cargo space of 75.8 cubic feet. The closest to it is the Nissan Rogue with 70 cubic feet while the Mazda CX-5 offers slightly less cargo volume than the Sportage. Therefore, if cargo space is our priority, you may want to look elsewhere than the Sportage. 

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The Kia Sportage retains its athletic stance and sloping roof, but it’s different enough from the outgoing model to draw interest- Kelly Blue Book

2017 Kia Sportage Dimension and Weight

The Kia Sportage has been fully redesigned for 2017. Looking at the front-end styling, it looks like it has taken inspiration from the Porsche Macan. The FWD models have an extra air inlet below the brand's signature dog-bone grille while the AWD models don't get one. The headlights in the lower trims are halogen while the SX Turbo trim gets HID headlamps with light-bending technology, as they call it. Down below, there are ice-cube-shaped LED fog lights only on the SX Turbo trim. The Sportage has a low ground clearance but that's adequate for an SUV. 

The Sportage sits on 17 and 19-inch alloy wheels, depending on the trim levels. These wheels are spread apart from each other at 105.1 inches. From the side view, the window line wraps back in a nice formal sedan-like way yet it's somewhat avant-garde. The roofline rounds off into a pretty handsome rear vie. A lot of that are set together by the LED taillights that are tied together with nice red and chrome strips in the middle. On the lower fascia, you would find dual exhaust chrome tips only in the SX Turbo trim. 

Models	2017 Kia Sportage	2017 Honda CR-V	2017 Mazda CX-5	2017 Nissan Rogue
Curb Weight (lbs)	3,596	3,307	3,527	3,424
Length (in)	176.4	180.6	179.1	184.5
Width (in)	73.0	73.0	72.5	72.4
Height (in)	64.4	66.1	65.3	66.3
Ground Clearance (in)	6.4	8.2	7.6	7.8
Wheelbase (in)	105.1	104.7	106.3	106.5
Track Width (in) F/R	63.5/64.0	63.0/63.7	62.8/62.8	62.8/62.8

The Honda CR-V has a high ground clearance in this segment. It measures 1.8 inches more than the Sportagebut that doesn't imply it is an off-roader. A good ride height benefits a comfortable ride. The Mazda CX-5's wheelbase is slightly wider than the Sportage. Hence, its rear legroom is spacious. With an overall length of 184.5 inches, the Nissan Rogue is a big car.  

2017 Kia Sportage Exterior Features

Some cool exterior features of the Kia Sportage are:

• HID headlamps
• LED taillights, fog lamps & DRLs
• Door courtesy lights
• Power-folding, heated exterior mirrors
• Chrome door handles
• Dual exhaust chrome tips
• Chrome accents on the front & rear bumper
• Rear roofline spoiler
• Chrome window trim
• 17 & 19-inch alloy wheels

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The Sportage is considered a 2017 Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS- MotorTrend

The Kia Sportage scored great ratings in the crash tests conducted by NHTSA. It received an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars. In the frontal and rollover crash tests, the Sportage got 4 stars whereas it received 5 stars in the side-impact crash test. The detailed NHTSA ratings of the Sportage are mentioned below:

NHTSA Rating

Overall rating	5 stars
Overall frontal barrier crash rating	4 stars
Frontal barrier crash rating driver	4 stars
Frontal barrier crash rating passenger	5 stars
Overall side crash rating	5 stars
Side barrier rating	5 stars
Side pole rating driver front seat	5 stars
Combined side rating rear seat	5 stars
Side barrier rating driver	5 stars
Combined side rating front seat	5 stars
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat	5 stars
Rollover rating	4 stars

Even IIHS gave top ratings to the Sportage. It was awarded the 'Top Safety Pick' designation, which is considered the highest rating from the agency. In all the crash tests, it received a 'Good' rating' while the front crash prevention was rated 'Superior'. However, the headlights received a 'Poor' rating. 

IIHS Rating

Crashworthiness
Small overlap front driver side	Good
Small overlap front passenger side	Good
Moderate overlap front	Good
Side	Good
Roof strength	Good
Head restraints & seats	Good
Front crash prevention	Superior
Headlights	Poor
Child seat anchors (LATCH)	Acceptable

In conclusion, the Sportage is a safe vehicle. There are several driver-assist features available in the Sportage that can avoid crashes. However, these features are standard on the SX Turbo trim and optional on the EX trim. The base LX trim comes with only a rearview camera and therefore, is devoid of advanced safety features. 

The list of safety features available in the Sportage are:

• Lane Departure Warning
• Automatic Emergency Braking
• Pedestrian Detection
• Lane Change Assist
• Blind Spot Monitoring
• Front & Rear Parking Sensors
• Rear Cross-Traffic Alert

2017 Kia Sportage vs 2017 Honda CR-V

Starting at $24,045, the Honda CR-V has excellent handling characteristics and punchy acceleration in its class. Its fuel ratings are one of the best in the segment. The main highlight of this SUV is its spacious rear seats and class-leading cargo capacity. With regards to safety, the CR-V is the best pick here as it won the 'Top Safety Pick+' award and also hosts a long list of driver aids. 

2021 Kia Sportage vs 2017 Mazda CX-5

The engine in the Mazda CX-5 is slightly more powerful and hence, its acceleration is a tad faster than the Sportage. The driving dynamics of the CX-5 are also more engaging. In terms of fuel economy, the CX-5 stays ahead but when it comes to interior quality and practicality, the Sportage is a clear winner. For people who prioritize safety features, the CX-5 is the go-to choice as it offers plenty of safety techs. 

2017 Kia Sportage vs 2017 Nissan Rogue

The Nissan Rogue is the least powerful SUV in this competition. On the flip side, that low power turns out to be an advantage in terms of fuel economy. Its cabin doesn't feel much upscale as the Sportage but it earns some points with its excellent cargo capacity. The Rogue has also earned top safety ratings but it also adds adaptive cruise control, 360-degree camera and lane keep assist while the Sportage doesn't. 

The compact crossover category is full of compelling entries. But, in a packed field, the Kia Sportage stands out, provided you are dazzled by things like a long warranty, value features, and a sensible interior. There's no doubting the fact that the new Sportage remains near the top of the compact SUV class. It strikes a nice balance between comfort and value for money. Mix that with 5-star safety ratings and it's no surprise to see that there's plenty of them on the road. 

 

2017 Kia Sportage FAQs

Are there any recalls on the 2017 Kia Sportage?

Yes, there are 3 recalls registered for the Kia Sportage according to NHTSA. 

How reliable is a 2017 Kia Sportage?

In the J.D. Power reliability test, the 2017 Kia Sportage scored 82 out of 100 and ranks fourth on the list. 

Do the Kia Sportage seats fold flat?

Yes, the rear flat does fold flat to expose 60.1 cu-ft. of cargo space. 

How many miles will a 2017 Kia Sportage last?

If properly maintained, the 2017 Kia Sportage can last up to 200,000 miles. 

What problems does the Kia Sportage have?

The most common problems associated with the Kia Sportage are due to affected components in the powertrain, electrical system, fuel propulsion and brakes.