Kia Sportage: Full Review of Best Compact SUV Features

The Kia Sportage is a popular small SUV. Many families choose this car for daily use. It offers good space and smart features. The price is fair for what you get. This SUV has been around since 1993. Each new model gets better. Today’s kia sportage is very different from old ones. It looks modern and drives well.

What Makes the Kia Sportage Special

The kia sportage stands out in many ways. It has a bold look that catches your eye. The inside is roomy and comfortable. Technology features are easy to use. Safety is a top priority in this SUV. The warranty is longer than most cars. You get good value for your money.

Key benefits include:

• Modern design that looks expensive.
• Spacious cabin for five people.
• Easy-to-use touch screen.
• Many safety features come standard.
• Long warranty protects your purchase.
• Good fuel economy saves money.
• Reliable engine options.
• Comfortable seats for long trips.

Outside Look and Size

The kia sportage has a strong, bold appearance. The front has a large grille with chrome details. LED lights make it look modern. The body has smooth lines and curves. Side mirrors fold automatically. Roof rails help carry extra items.

Exact Size Details

The SUV measures specific dimensions. Length is 182.7 inches total. Width reaches 73.4 inches without mirrors. Height stands at 66.9 inches tall. The wheelbase spans 108.5 inches. Ground clearance gives 8.2 inches of space.

Complete Size Info:

Dimension	Measurement
Total length	183.5 inches
Body width	73.4 inches
Overall height	66.9 inches
Wheel distance	108.5 inches
Ground space	8.2 inches
Tire sizes	17 to 19 inches

Outside Features

The exterior has many nice touches. Chrome strips run along windows. Door handles match the body color. LED lights work during the day. The rear has a small spoiler. Parking is easier with cameras.

Design elements include:

• Tiger nose front grille.
• Full LED headlight system.
• Matching body colored parts.
• Chrome window trim pieces.
• Roof rails for cargo.
• Power heated side mirrors.
• Rear privacy glass.
• Integrated rear spoiler.

Inside Space and Comfort

The cabin feels open and airy. Five adults can sit comfortably. Front seats have plenty of room. Back seat passengers get good space too. The dashboard looks clean and simple. Materials feel soft to touch.

Room for People

Each seat position has specific measurements. Front passengers get the most space. Rear seats work well for adults. Headroom is good in both rows. Legroom allows comfortable seating.

Passenger Space Details:

• Front head space: 40.1 inches
• Front leg room: 41.3 inches
• Front shoulder width: 57.9 inches
• Rear head space: 38.2 inches
• Rear leg room: 38.2 inches
• Rear shoulder width: 56.4 inches
• Total seating: 5 people
• Door openings: Wide and tall

Storage Space

Cargo area holds lots of items. Behind rear seats you get 39.6 cubic feet. Folding seats gives 74.1 cubic feet total. The floor has hidden storage spots. Tie-down hooks keep items secure.

Storage features include:

• Large rear cargo area.
• Split folding rear seats.
• Under floor compartments.
• Side storage pockets.
• Cup holders throughout.
• Door bottle holders.
• Center console storage.
• Glove box space.

Interior Materials

The inside uses quality materials. Soft plastic covers the dashboard. Seats can have leather or cloth. Stitching adds a premium look. LED lights brighten the cabin. Climate control works in two zones.

Comfort features include:

• Soft touch dashboard.
• Available leather seats.
• Heated front seats.
• Power driver seat.
• Dual zone climate.
• LED interior lights.
• Quiet cabin design.
• Premium door panels.

Engine Choices and Power

The kia sportage offers two engine types. Both engines work with automatic transmission. You can choose front-wheel or all-wheel drive. Each engine has different strengths. Fuel economy varies by engine choice.

Main Engine Option

The standard engine is 2.5 liters in size. It makes 191 horsepower total. Torque reaches 181 pound-feet. This engine uses regular gasoline. An 8-speed automatic transmission comes standard. The engine is very reliable.

2.5L Engine Details:

• Engine size: 2.5 liters
• Power output: 191 horses
• Turning force: 181 lb-ft
• Fuel type: Regular gas
• Gears: 8 automatic
• Layout: 4 cylinders
• Fuel system: Multi-port
• Compression: 12.5 to 1

Turbo Engine Choice

The upgrade engine has a turbo. Size is smaller at 1.6 liters. Power reaches 187 horsepower. Turbo gives more torque earlier. This engine needs premium gasoline. Performance feels sportier than standard.

1.6L Turbo Specs:

• Engine size: 1.6 liters
• Power level: 187 horses
• Peak torque: 178 lb-ft
• Fuel grade: Premium gas
• Transmission: 8 speed auto
• Boost: Turbocharger
• Injection: Direct fuel

Driving Performance

Both engines provide good performance. The 2.5L engine feels smooth. The turbo engine responds quicker. Top speed reaches 120 mph. Towing capacity allows 2,000 pounds. Handling feels stable and secure.

Performance numbers:

• Zero to 60: 8.1 seconds (2.5L)
• Zero to 60: 7.8 seconds (turbo)
• Drive modes: Multiple settings
• Steering: Electric assist
• Suspension: Independent design
• Braking: Power assisted

Fuel Economy Numbers

The kia sportage gets good gas mileage. City driving uses more fuel. Highway driving is more efficient. All-wheel drive lowers fuel economy slightly. The fuel tank holds 16.4 gallons.

MPG Ratings

EPA tests give official numbers. Front-wheel drive gets better mileage. The 2.5L engine is most efficient. Premium gas costs more for turbo. Range exceeds 400 miles per tank.

2.5L Engine MPG:

• City driving: 25 miles per gallon
• Highway travel: 32 miles per gallon
• Mixed driving: 28 miles per gallon
• AWD city: 23 miles per gallon
• AWD highway: 30 miles per gallon
• AWD combined: 26 miles per gallon
• Tank size: 16.4 gallons
• Fuel type: Regular gasoline

1.6L Turbo MPG:

• City use: 23 miles per gallon
• Highway use: 30 miles per gallon
• Average use: 26 miles per gallon
• AWD city: 22 miles per gallon
• AWD highway: 29 miles per gallon
• AWD mixed: 25 miles per gallon
• Gas grade: Premium only

Saving Fuel

Several features help save gas. Eco mode adjusts engine settings. Stop-start turns off at lights. Aerodynamic shape cuts wind resistance. Low rolling tires help efficiency.

Efficiency helpers:

• Idle stop and go system
• Eco driving mode
• Aerodynamic body shape
• Low resistance tires
• Active grille shutters
• Smart cruise control
• Regenerative braking
• Drive mode selector

Technology and Screen Features

Modern technology fills the kia sportage. The main screen is easy to use. Your phone connects without wires. Voice commands work well. Multiple USB ports charge devices. Wi-Fi can be added.

Screen System

The base system has an 8-inch screen. Touch controls work smoothly. Radio includes satellite channels. Bluetooth connects your phone automatically. USB ports are located conveniently.

Standard Screen Setup:

• Screen size: 8 inches diagonal
• Touch response: Quick and smooth
• Radio types: AM FM HD Satellite
• Phone link: Bluetooth wireless
• Charging: USB ports included
• Voice control: Basic commands
• Steering controls: Audio buttons
• Display: Clear and bright

Premium Screen Option

Higher trims get a bigger screen. Size jumps to 12.3 inches total. Navigation shows real-time traffic. Premium audio has 12 speakers. Wireless charging pad included.

Advanced Screen Features:

• Large screen: 12.3 inches
• Navigation: Built-in GPS
• Audio: Harman Kardon system
• Speakers: 12 total count
• Wireless: Apple CarPlay Android Auto
• Charging: Wireless phone pad
• Updates: Over the air
• Memory: Multiple user profiles

Smart Connection Features

The kia sportage connects to your life. Remote start works from your phone. Door locks control remotely. Vehicle health gets monitored. Emergency help is available.

Connected services include:

• Remote engine start.
• Door lock and unlock.
• Vehicle location finder.
• Health monitoring alerts.
• Emergency assistance call.
• Roadside help service.
• Maintenance reminders.
• Security notifications.

Safety Features and Protection

Safety is very important in the KIA Sportage. Many systems help prevent crashes. Airbags protect in collisions. Strong steel surrounds passengers. Electronic systems add stability.

Basic Safety Items

Every kia sportage has important safety gear. Airbags surround all passengers. Seatbelts have pretensioners. Child seat anchors are included. Anti-lock brakes prevent skidding.

Standard Safety Equipment:

• Front airbags for driver passenger.
• Side impact airbags both rows.
• Curtain airbags full coverage.
• Knee airbag for driver.
• Three-point belts all seats.
• Child seat LATCH anchors.
• Anti-lock braking system.
• Electronic stability control.

Smart Safety Systems

Advanced systems help avoid crashes. Forward collision warning alerts drivers. Blind spot monitors watch sides. Lane keeping helps stay centered. Automatic emergency braking activates when needed.

Drive Wise Safety Suite:

• Forward collision avoidance assists.
• Blind spot collision warning.
• Rear cross traffic alert.
• Lane keeping and following.
• Driver attention monitoring.
• Smart cruise with stop go.
• High beam assist automatic.
• Safe exit warning system.

Available Trim Levels

The kia sportage comes in four main versions. Each level adds more features. Price increases with each step up. Choose based on your needs and budget.

LX Base Level

The LX is the starting trim. It includes all basic features needed. Price stays affordable. Many safety features come standard. This trim offers great value.

LX trim includes:

• 17 inch alloy wheels.
• LED headlights and taillights.
• Cloth seat surfaces.
• 8 inch touchscreen display.
• Dual zone climate control.
• Complete safety suite.
• Remote keyless entry.
• Push button start.

S Sport Level

The S trim adds sporty touches. Wheels grow to 18 inches. Suspension gets sport tuning. Interior has unique accents. All-wheel drive becomes available.

S trim additions:

• 18 inch sport wheels.
• Sport tuned suspension.
• Unique interior trim.
• Available all-wheel drive.
• Enhanced audio system.
• Roof rail crossbars.
• Privacy glass rear.
• Sport styling cues.

EX Comfort Level

The EX level focuses on comfort. Wheels reach 19 inches in size. Seats get leather surfaces. Power adjustments are included. Heating warms seats and steering wheel.

EX comfort features:

• 19 inch alloy wheels.
• Leather appointed seats.
• Power adjustable driver seat.
• Heated front and rear seats.
• Heated steering wheel.
• Premium audio upgrade.
• Wireless device charging.
• Memory seat settings.

SX Turbo Top Level

The SX Turbo is the highest trim. It gets the turbo engine. Interior materials are premium. Technology reaches the highest level. Panoramic sunroof opens wide.

SX Turbo premium items:

• 1.6L turbocharged engine.
• Premium interior materials.
• Ventilated front seats.
• 12.3 inch navigation screen.
• Harman Kardon audio.
• Panoramic sunroof.
• Paddle shift controls.
• Sport exhaust system.

How Kia Sportage Beats Others

The kia sportage has clear advantages over competitors. The warranty lasts much longer. Standard features exceed others. Technology comes at lower prices. Quality materials surprise buyers.

Warranty Advantage

Kia offers the best warranty coverage. Most brands give 3 years only. Kia provides 10 years on engines. Basic coverage lasts 5 years. Roadside help included for years.

Warranty Coverage Details:

• Engine coverage: 10 years 100,000 miles
• Basic warranty: 5 years 60,000 miles
• Rust protection: 5 years 100,000 miles
• Roadside help: 5 years 60,000 miles
• Battery warranty: 8 years (hybrid)
• Transferable: Helps resale value
• No deductible: Full coverage
• Nationwide: Service anywhere

Design Differences

The kia sportage looks different from others. The tiger nose grille is unique. LED lights create signatures. Interior quality surprises many buyers. Attention to detail shows everywhere.

Design advantages:

• Distinctive tiger nose grille.
• Full LED lighting package.
• Premium interior materials.
• Careful fit and finish.
• Modern contemporary styling.
• Available two tone colors.
• Unique wheel designs.
• Signature light patterns.

Value Benefits

You get more for your money. Standard equipment exceeds competitors. Technology comes at base levels. Safety features are included. Total cost stays lower over time.

Value proposition includes:

• More standard features.
• Lower total ownership cost.
• Strong resale value retention.
• Competitive pricing structure.
• Transparent pricing policy.
• No hidden fees or charges.
• Inclusive feature packages.
• Better equipment levels.

Maintenance and Costs

The kia sportage costs less to maintain. Service intervals are reasonable. Parts prices stay fair. Dealer network covers everywhere. Warranty reduces repair costs significantly.

Service Schedule

Regular maintenance keeps costs down. Oil changes every 7,500 miles. Most services happen annually. Major services spread out over years. Follow the schedule for best results.

Maintenance Timeline:

• Oil changes: Every 7,500 miles
• Tire rotation: Every 7,500 miles
• Air filter: Every 30,000 miles
• Cabin filter: Every 15,000 miles

Ownership Costs

Total costs stay reasonable over time. Annual maintenance averages $400 to $600. Repair costs are lower than luxury brands. Parts availability keeps prices fair. Insurance rates stay competitive.

Cost expectations:

• Annual maintenance: $400 to $600
• Repair costs: Below average
• Parts availability: Excellent nationwide
• Insurance rates: Competitive segment
• Fuel costs: Good efficiency
• Resale values: Above average
• Extended warranty: Available options
• Service network: Wide coverage

Conclusion

The kia sportage offers great value in small SUVs. It has modern looks and good features. Safety comes standard with long warranty protection. Engine choices fit different needs well. Interior space works for families perfectly. Technology is easy to use daily. Fuel economy saves money over time. Maintenance costs stay reasonable always. Quality materials surprise many buyers completely. This SUV competes well against expensive alternatives while costing much less overall.