Used 2017 Kia Sportage EX

2017 Kia Sportage: A Practical and Stylish Compact Crossover

The 2017 Kia Sportage represents a significant evolution for Kia's popular compact crossover, offering a blend of distinctive styling, a comfortable interior, and a strong value proposition. This generation marked a redesign, bringing more sophisticated design language and enhanced technology. It aimed to compete in a crowded segment by providing a well-rounded package for individuals and families alike.

Highlights

• Engine Options: The 2017 Sportage offered two primary powertrain choices, catering to different priorities:

  • 2.4L Naturally Aspirated Inline-4: This engine provided adequate power for everyday driving and city commuting, delivering a smooth and predictable performance. It was the standard engine for most trims.
  • 2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4 (SX Turbo trim): This option significantly boosted performance, offering quicker acceleration and a more engaging driving experience. It was reserved for the top-tier SX Turbo trim, making it the enthusiast's choice within the lineup.

• Safety Features: Kia prioritized safety in the 2017 Sportage, equipping it with a suite of active and passive safety systems:

  • Standard Safety Equipment: All trims came equipped with a robust set of airbags, anti-lock brakes, stability control, and traction control, providing a solid foundation for occupant protection.
  • Available Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS): Higher trims or optional packages offered a range of forward-thinking safety technologies:
    • Forward Collision Warning (FCW): Alerts the driver to potential frontal collisions.
    • Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB): Can automatically apply the brakes to avoid or mitigate a frontal collision.
    • Lane Departure Warning (LDW): Warns the driver if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane.
    • Lane Keeping Assist (LKA): Can actively steer the vehicle back into its lane.
    • Blind-Spot Monitoring (BSM): Detects vehicles in the driver's blind spots.
    • Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA): Warns of approaching traffic when reversing.
    • Backup Camera: Standard across all trims, aiding in low-speed maneuvering.

• Trim Summary: The 2017 Sportage was offered in three distinct trim levels, each building upon the previous with increasing levels of features and amenities:

  • LX: The entry-level trim, providing essential comfort and convenience features for a sensible daily driver. It offered a good balance of features for its class.
  • EX: The mid-tier trim, enhancing the LX with more premium materials, upgraded infotainment, and additional comfort features like heated front seats and a power-adjustable driver's seat. This trim often represents the sweet spot for many buyers.
  • SX Turbo: The top-of-the-line trim, distinguished by its powerful turbocharged engine and a comprehensive list of luxury and technology features. This trim included premium audio, a panoramic sunroof, and the most advanced safety systems.

• Other Notable Aspects:

  • Distinctive Exterior Styling: The 2017 Sportage featured a bold and polarizing design, characterized by its "tiger-nose" grille and "ice cube" fog lights, setting it apart from more conservative rivals.
  • Refined Interior: The cabin offered a well-laid-out and user-friendly interior with good quality materials for its segment. The driver-focused cockpit and available premium touches contributed to a pleasant ownership experience.
  • User-Friendly Infotainment: Kia's infotainment systems were generally praised for their intuitiveness and responsiveness. Available features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto enhanced connectivity.
  • Comfortable Ride: The Sportage provided a comfortable and compliant ride, absorbing road imperfections well, making it suitable for longer journeys.

What to Expect

Owning a 2017 Kia Sportage generally translates to a predictable and positive ownership experience. Kia has built a reputation for reliability, and the Sportage typically follows suit. Routine maintenance, such as oil changes, filter replacements, and tire rotations, will be standard for any vehicle of this age and class. Many owners find Kia's maintenance schedules to be reasonable and accessible at various dealerships and independent repair shops.

Insurance costs for the 2017 Sportage are generally competitive within the compact SUV segment. Factors such as your driving record, location, and chosen coverage levels will influence the final premium. It's always advisable to get quotes from multiple insurance providers to ensure you're getting the best rate. Long-term reliability is a strong suit for Kia, and the Sportage should offer dependable service with proper care.

Potential Considerations

While the 2017 Kia Sportage is a strong contender, there are a few points buyers should be aware of:

• Polarizing Exterior Design: The distinctive styling, while a highlight for some, may not appeal to everyone. The front-end design, in particular, was a departure from previous generations and received mixed reactions.
• Less Engaging Handling (Non-Turbo): While comfortable, the standard 2.4L engine and suspension setup prioritizes comfort over sportiness. Those seeking a more dynamic driving experience might find the non-turbo models a bit uninspired. The SX Turbo addresses this, but it comes at a higher price point.
• Rear Seat Space: While the front seats are comfortable and spacious, rear-seat legroom can be slightly tighter compared to some of its rivals, especially for taller adults.
• Road Noise: Some reviews noted that road and wind noise could be more noticeable at highway speeds than in certain competitors, impacting the overall cabin refinement for some drivers.

Overall Summary

The 2017 Kia Sportage stands out as a practical, stylish, and feature-rich compact crossover. It successfully blends distinctive design with a comfortable and well-appointed interior, offering a compelling package for its segment. With two capable engine options, an array of available safety technologies, and Kia's commitment to value, it provides a solid ownership experience. While its bold styling may be a matter of personal taste and rear-seat space could be tighter for some, the 2017 Sportage remains a sensible and attractive choice for those seeking a well-rounded and reliable daily driver.