I leased one of these in February 2017, a Pacific Blue SX AWD, and can say that I'm just as impressed as MotorWeek, if not more. It's powerful, spacious, feature-laden, and, above all, practical. The fuel economy numbers are disappointing, but I've routinely achieved 28+ on the highway. The only downfall is that Kia products have a tough time holding their value (although they're improving), which is why I leased. One brand new Optima SX before this taught me a valuable lesson about depreciation. But if someone is looking for a compact CUV and doesn't want to drive a slow, bland appliance (looking at you, RAV4/CR-V), the Sportage would be worth a look!
My stepson bought a used 2018 base LX fwd with the 2.4L engine. Even though it doesn't have a turbo, it still has plenty of power climbing hills without even downshifting. Front seat have plenty of legroom and back seat legroom is good too, cargo space is limited but still enough to accommodate a large purchase of food from Walmart. I like the cool blue daylight running headlights. With the 2.4L engine, the MPG is awesome. I give it high marks.
My aunt got a new 2017 Sportage LX 2 wheel drive in black just one month ago as the folks from Kia motors had offered to buy back her 2014 Soul +. She traded in her 2014 Soul because it's plagued by three recalls. It had more standard features (reclining rear seat, privacy glass, CD player with infotainment) than a Honda CR-V LX. I rode in her Sportage to a Columbia Fireflies baseball game on April 21, 2018 and it rides better than her Soul and my mother's 2004 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer V6 2wd combined.
My mom just bought a CPO used one today with 26K on the odometer. Heated seats and steering wheel, Android and Apple connectivity, Panoramic sunroof, alloys, Hyper red with black leather.
The 23 highway number is for the TURBO model. I drove it and the thing is quick, so much so that it is addicting to punch it. It was quiet, well balanced and fun. I was so ready to buy it but the better half said it didn't feel "heavy" enough. Yes I feel like a traitor not buying something "more" American, but the s Koreans really have a great product now-and they do honor their 10 year warranty. Oh well I do have a gt mustang and pay lots of taxes (relatively speaking).
I don't really drive a lot on the highway and it does take cheap gas. The SX is soooo much nicer to drive than one of the SUVs that just gets louder when you floor it. I'd have loved to have gotten an 8 or 9 speed because that would probably have gotten the better economy, but I wouldn't trade the quickness. It's very useful in traffic and the car has a lot of tire for it's size so it can actually turn. The interior in tan is nicer than any other small SUV interior I've found. Other than MPGs my only wish list would be for them to make the speedometer readout on the center LCD screen bigger (there is space to do that) and to put automatic windshield wipers in the thing. That little feature where the passenger mirror aims down when it's in reverse would also come in handy. Otherwise it's a great 2nd car for my family that already has a Honda Pilot for when we are all together for the day.
A lot of complaints about the mileage. The model tested in this video is the turbo. The volume engine for this SUV will be the NA 2.4L, which will get significantly better mileage.
I have a 2015 sx turbo awd. It gets 23-25 in the city and as high as 35 on the highway. That is Canadian mpg. The Crv and rav4 may get better mileage but the kia blows it away on performance. Had ours 3 years with no major issues.
Omg I just hate when people say “SPORTIGE” I have one of these and it’s so annoying when people say it that way. Something I love about this car is how put together and simple the Interior feels. It is also very comfortable to drive with soft seats. It’s also a lot faster than most cars in its class. Even without turbo.
I'm a 18 year old car guy and just bought a new 17 sportage ex in Pacific blue! the only crossover on the market that wasn't a baby buggy and that drives great besides the aging cx-5
+tete “hhn” Bbb u want to see a pic of it.. bought it from courtesy Kia in PA and traded in my chevy cruze.. i bought it bc my mother bought a 14 sportage and loves it, i work 45 hours a week and am a full time college student, just because others my age are to lazy to work for a nice vehicle doesn't mean i can't
23mpg HWY from a compact SUV. As much as I like this car, that's a major fail. Kia has trouble with good fuel economy numbers. They really need to work on that.
The only way to buy this car is get the base model, grind to 15 to 20% off MSRP with out buying any other dealer upsells. Any more expense you're better off with a Honda or Toyota that holds a better resale. When the tires wear out, go up one size. This is basic trans for that kids going off to school or a new career where a family doesn't want to deal with used.
And the inside console and dash design is best in class hands down. The engines for all cars in class are pretty much the same with different variations of power vs fuel economy. It's basically the same thing with different tradeoffs.
Major problem.brake lights.the brake lights are low in the bumper.when in traffic and driving a semi like I do,you can not see them.if the third brake light goes out,that's deadly.
I think the 2011-2014 versions of the sportage looks better especially the front. They are doing too much with the headlights(Especially the fog lights on the bumper) and it will be a pain on the customer trying to replace bulbs. I see this often on newer cars where the led lights go out after a few months.
I am looking to get a used AWD drive under $18,000. Came across this car 2017 kia sportage lx suv 40,073 miles at $16,126 I want to negotiate it down to $15,000 You think this car would last past 150,000 miles? I have only driven a honda civic. Great car never had a major issue, but its terrible in the snow. Was also looking at a Honda CRV 2011 with 71,000 miles selling for 13,496 looked up value in blue book 11,728- 13,867 range would like to try to get it at $12,937
been driving a 2002 V6 that gets 30 mpg on the hwy with a 4 speed automatic. Why can't Kia and Hyundai engineers crawl out of the stone ages with their 4 cylinder engines?
My 2015 Forester doesn't have all the bells & whistles this car has but I will not buy anything other than a Subaru going forward. I get good mileage, much larger cargo room inside and it's unbeatable in the snow.
It's good on oil and the headlights work just fine. The driver's seat however... the seat on my wife's 2009 Nissan Versa hatchback is much better than mine.
I bought one of this and now wish I didn’t. I got no warranty support from the dealership and heard nothing from Kia America. This is a bitter disappointment.
You sit up a little higher for better road visibility so comfortable to get into especially for taller folks or those with back problems rather than in a low sedan where you'd have to bend in the suv you basically just slide in onto the seat. To each his own.
+Isaac Kamau If everybody drives a SUV then the "visibility argument" is ruled out... Those cars do not hold the road as well as a standard car, do not offer much room and have lower fuel economy.
+Jert1000 Like I said, to each his own meaning I'm not right in everyone's opinion... Of course SUVs are much heavier than sedans (bigger chassis or stronger engines) than a regular sedan because they are mostly meant for off-road capabilities thus the higher ground clearance & 4 wheel option on most (Yes I know some sedans got 4 wheel too & strong v6/v8 engines). So obviously they consume more gas hauling around almost twice the weight of a typical sedan. They don't appeal to everyone like I mentioned in my original comment so it's about what options, capabilities or likes and budgets a customer wants. Myself I hate big suvs like chevy suburban, Yukon Denali & Caddilac Escalade but adore midsized ones like the Kia Sportage, Nissan Rogue, Hyundai Tucson, Honda Crv and such. I like the small compact style but some folks prefer the larger ones. You mentioned better grip on the road -yes of course the lower the vehicle, the better center of gravity and grip on the road so suvs aren't to be driven as fast as smaller cars as they are more prone to rollovers esp at corners. That's common sense. lol. I'd rather sit/take a long trip in a Kia sportage than in a Crystler Sebrig or Mazda miata as I prefer to sit up higher and it's a more comfortable position for me. Whatever vehicle appeals to you. It's a free country.
Almost $34k for a compact crossover!? Yeesh. 21mpg is also deplorable. It's a nice looking vehicle and everything, but I'd still rather have a wagon, and one without all those bells, whistles, and infotainment options that make my home Hi-Fi system look like a boom box. Or maybe I'm just getting old.
I'm not impressed. Honestly, with these prices and for what its trying to accomplish, trying to me a more up level entrant, the tired yet still refined VW Tiguan would be my top choice over this. All trim levels have good build quality and all are good steers.
In your dreams both the CX 5 and the Escape handle better and the Escape eco boost is faster. The CX-9 which is 1000lbs heavier is only a hair slower and the NX200t is just as fast as the Kia. Try again
They rip off of so many other cars, for example, the fog lights are in the same way Porsche has theirs, and the Led strips underneath the fog lights are the same style Porsche has theirs, and the headlights are reminiscent of the Cayenne's headlights. The Optima's bumper intakes are very similar to the M3/4's intakes and there's a lot more left. All in all, it's still a pretty good car and looks good too.
Kia/Porsche Sportage? Well, it does suck gas like Porsches do, so it must be related. I'd rather get the Prius Eco that gets 56 mpg highway instead of 23 mpg highway like this FUEL PIG gets.
I leased one of these in February 2017, a Pacific Blue SX AWD, and can say that I'm just as impressed as MotorWeek, if not more. It's powerful, spacious, feature-laden, and, above all, practical. The fuel economy numbers are disappointing, but I've routinely achieved 28+ on the highway.
The only downfall is that Kia products have a tough time holding their value (although they're improving), which is why I leased. One brand new Optima SX before this taught me a valuable lesson about depreciation.
But if someone is looking for a compact CUV and doesn't want to drive a slow, bland appliance (looking at you, RAV4/CR-V), the Sportage would be worth a look!
My stepson bought a used 2018 base LX fwd with the 2.4L engine. Even though it doesn't have a turbo, it still has plenty of power climbing hills without even downshifting. Front seat have plenty of legroom and back seat legroom is good too, cargo space is limited but still enough to accommodate a large purchase of food from Walmart. I like the cool blue daylight running headlights. With the 2.4L engine, the MPG is awesome. I give it high marks.
I'm an Audi guy...my mum got one of these. I was wowed by it.
It's designed by Audi's former head of design and it shows.
I like the look! KIA has come a long way!
Yeah. At first I liked that vehicle. Then they mentioned how much it sucks gas and I said "No way!"
If I had the money, I can spec it like a luxury car. If I'm on a budget, I can spec it base, so that I can afford it. That's really nice of Kia.
Kia was smart enough to snagged Peter Schreyer who use to design cars for Audi. Have you notice you can see the Audi influence on the Kia lineup.
Nice to see Kia finally offering daytime running lights.
Mandatory in Canada. Still ahead of you guys 😉
That moment when you realize it's as quick in a straight line as most 10 year old sports cars...
the 2011-2015 generation hit 60 in 6.2, they had 20+ more horsepower. I'm not sure why Kia/Hyundai reduced horsepower in the 2016+ models.
Emissions
@@jamesp504it was so unreliable that you could make a hole in the engine at 80,000 miles!
I have a 2020 SX Turbo and i love it. Minor electronic glitches and a coolant smell sometimes, no leaks. Still feels solid after 25k km.
My aunt got a new 2017 Sportage LX 2 wheel drive in black just one month ago as the folks from Kia motors had offered to buy back her 2014 Soul +. She traded in her 2014 Soul because it's plagued by three recalls. It had more standard features (reclining rear seat, privacy glass, CD player with infotainment) than a Honda CR-V LX. I rode in her Sportage to a Columbia Fireflies baseball game on April 21, 2018 and it rides better than her Soul and my mother's 2004 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer V6 2wd combined.
My mom just bought a CPO used one today with 26K on the odometer. Heated seats and steering wheel, Android and Apple connectivity, Panoramic sunroof, alloys, Hyper red with black leather.
The love child of a Kia Soul and Subaru Tribeca
The 23 highway number is for the TURBO model. I drove it and the thing is quick, so much so that it is addicting to punch it. It was quiet, well balanced and fun. I was so ready to buy it but the better half said it didn't feel "heavy" enough. Yes I feel like a traitor not buying something "more" American, but the s Koreans really have a great product now-and they do honor their 10 year warranty. Oh well I do have a gt mustang and pay lots of taxes (relatively speaking).
also a 4wd model.
My friends C4 corvette gets better mpg
I'm American born and raised. I've owned 3 Hyundais now. I've no loyalty to Detroit crap cars that fall apart at 50K miles.
I don't really drive a lot on the highway and it does take cheap gas. The SX is soooo much nicer to drive than one of the SUVs that just gets louder when you floor it. I'd have loved to have gotten an 8 or 9 speed because that would probably have gotten the better economy, but I wouldn't trade the quickness. It's very useful in traffic and the car has a lot of tire for it's size so it can actually turn. The interior in tan is nicer than any other small SUV interior I've found. Other than MPGs my only wish list would be for them to make the speedometer readout on the center LCD screen bigger (there is space to do that) and to put automatic windshield wipers in the thing. That little feature where the passenger mirror aims down when it's in reverse would also come in handy. Otherwise it's a great 2nd car for my family that already has a Honda Pilot for when we are all together for the day.
Nice looking vehicle. Shame about the fuel economy though.
This man is a legend
Agreed. I don't get why some people don't give John Davis respect. He's still a great host and narrator for these road tests
A lot of complaints about the mileage. The model tested in this video is the turbo. The volume engine for this SUV will be the NA 2.4L, which will get significantly better mileage.
I have a 2015 sx turbo awd. It gets 23-25 in the city and as high as 35 on the highway. That is Canadian mpg.
The Crv and rav4 may get better mileage but the kia blows it away on performance. Had ours 3 years with no major issues.
I wonder how reliable these cars are in the long run?
But what is the fuel economy, acceleration numbers on the non-AWD in 2.4 & 2.0L?
You get 29 MPG HWY on regular 2017 Sportage . This one gets lower mpg because it's 4WD version. Interesting how Motorweek didn't point that out.
And the Turbo version. Although, let's be honest here: A Porsche Macan S with 340 HP gets similar MPG numbers... Kia has to do better.
AWD
Omg I just hate when people say “SPORTIGE” I have one of these and it’s so annoying when people say it that way. Something I love about this car is how put together and simple the Interior feels. It is also very comfortable to drive with soft seats. It’s also a lot faster than most cars in its class. Even without turbo.
I'm a 18 year old car guy and just bought a new 17 sportage ex in Pacific blue! the only crossover on the market that wasn't a baby buggy and that drives great besides the aging cx-5
liar
+tete “hhn” Bbb u want to see a pic of it.. bought it from courtesy Kia in PA and traded in my chevy cruze.. i bought it bc my mother bought a 14 sportage and loves it, i work 45 hours a week and am a full time college student, just because others my age are to lazy to work for a nice vehicle doesn't mean i can't
post a video
+tete “hhn” Bbb i dont have to prove anything to a stupid troll.. but ur lucky im not busy
okay liar
7.1 seconds to 60 for real? Is that the same time it took the BMW 330i E46?
Horrible gas mileage. It is a shame Kia opted not offer the 1.6T / 7 speed combo.
I only watch these videos because this guys voice soothes me...
i like this front bumper!
Edward Reyez That's the only plus about the car
23mpg HWY from a compact SUV. As much as I like this car, that's a major fail. Kia has trouble with good fuel economy numbers. They really need to work on that.
That's for the AWD version, the FWD gets 26 HWY, and the EX gets 29 HWY (also FWD). But yes, MPG is the single largest issue it has.
incorrect they are good with there mpg its just you got ot drive the veichle more than they do and your mpg will get better
The only way to buy this car is get the base model, grind to 15 to 20% off MSRP with out buying any other dealer upsells.
Any more expense you're better off with a Honda or Toyota that holds a better resale.
When the tires wear out, go up one size.
This is basic trans for that kids going off to school or a new career where a family doesn't want to deal with used.
Please show us where you can get 20% off, hell even 15% off is almost impossible, at least in SoFLA.
Forgot to mention the base model kia sportage fe. Below the lx
The gas milage tests on these cars is wrong.
I have a 15 with the 2.0t engine with AWD. It always gets 27 to 33 mpg on the highway.
It's a KIA, but they are stepping up their 🎮. I like it. 👍
Pretty nice looking SUV.
23mpg highway? (._. )
What about carbon build ups?
This is one of the best European cars.
did they move South-Korea west?
Olaf Hermans
Rather they took over the key positions of Hyundai - Kia and they transferred technology to South Korea.
Is this U.S. version? In EU isn't 240 hp model. And it looks like wider then EU model
Vadmagyarpanda 237 horses for 2018 model. It is a 2.0 Turbo Sportage
21mpg combined?!
It's a thirsty engine!
Good package but man that fuel mileage is bad. The ford escape 2.0L T is better.
But the Kia 2.0 is more reliable.
And the inside console and dash design is best in class hands down. The engines for all cars in class are pretty much the same with different variations of power vs fuel economy. It's basically the same thing with different tradeoffs.
Average interior is much better and overall quality , reliability.
We're getting about 16 MPG in our Ford.
26-27 mpg (according to the onboard computer) in my second week of owning it ;)
2011: Audi Pike Peak Quattro/Audi Q7 inspired.
2016: Porsche Mecan inspired.
2020 (China only KX5): Ford Edge/Ford Explorer/Mercedes-Benz EQC inspired.
I love it!
Major problem.brake lights.the brake lights are low in the bumper.when in traffic and driving a semi like I do,you can not see them.if the third brake light goes out,that's deadly.
I clicked on this not expecting a braking test. I'm happy to be wrong.
I think the 2011-2014 versions of the sportage looks better especially the front. They are doing too much with the headlights(Especially the fog lights on the bumper) and it will be a pain on the customer trying to replace bulbs. I see this often on newer cars where the led lights go out after a few months.
I am looking to get a used AWD drive under $18,000. Came across this car 2017 kia sportage lx suv 40,073 miles at $16,126 I want to negotiate it down to $15,000
You think this car would last past 150,000 miles? I have only driven a honda civic. Great car never had a major issue, but its terrible in the snow.
Was also looking at a Honda CRV 2011 with 71,000 miles selling for 13,496 looked up value in blue book 11,728- 13,867 range would like to try to get it at $12,937
been driving a 2002 V6 that gets 30 mpg on the hwy with a 4 speed automatic. Why can't Kia and Hyundai engineers crawl out of the stone ages with their 4 cylinder engines?
Gregarious Solitudinist no Honda is better
I think it looks fantastic.
Blood Stained Sinner NO! OLDER VERSONS LOOKED BETTER
If you thought the Nissan Juke was FUGLY now KIA goes ahead and kills the style. The Tucson looks so much nicer.
My 2015 Forester doesn't have all the bells & whistles this car has but I will not buy anything other than a Subaru going forward. I get good mileage, much larger cargo room inside and it's unbeatable in the snow.
And an oil burner with crappy headlights..
It's good on oil and the headlights work just fine. The driver's seat however... the seat on my wife's 2009 Nissan Versa hatchback is much better than mine.
Own one and then talk ... you are parroting what you heard from haters.
not by Mazda
Ken Saber whats your point?
We have a 2011 SX Sorento, great vehicle. I love the looks of this Sportage, I just don't like the mileage. My 3.5 Sorento gets better.
For some reason, the previous generation Sportage that had 260 HP got better gas milage!
The last one was handsome, this I don't know how to describe...
She ain't got a pretty face for sure...
yea, the front is just hideous...the back is very handsome Imo tho
that front, i hate it that's what keeps me from considering this vehicle. even though im a kia lover.
CHANGONATION Hyundai = trash
Honda+VTEC = good car
I bought one of this and now wish I didn’t. I got no warranty support from the dealership and heard nothing from Kia America. This is a bitter disappointment.
What's the point of having a SUV? :)
I don't see the appeal either. I would take a station wagon any day instead.
You sit up a little higher for better road visibility so comfortable to get into especially for taller folks or those with back problems rather than in a low sedan where you'd have to bend in the suv you basically just slide in onto the seat. To each his own.
+Isaac Kamau If everybody drives a SUV then the "visibility argument" is ruled out... Those cars do not hold the road as well as a standard car, do not offer much room and have lower fuel economy.
+Jert1000 Like I said, to each his own meaning I'm not right in everyone's opinion... Of course SUVs are much heavier than sedans (bigger chassis or stronger engines) than a regular sedan because they are mostly meant for off-road capabilities thus the higher ground clearance & 4 wheel option on most (Yes I know some sedans got 4 wheel too & strong v6/v8 engines). So obviously they consume more gas hauling around almost twice the weight of a typical sedan. They don't appeal to everyone like I mentioned in my original comment so it's about what options, capabilities or likes and budgets a customer wants. Myself I hate big suvs like chevy suburban, Yukon Denali & Caddilac Escalade but adore midsized ones like the Kia Sportage, Nissan Rogue, Hyundai Tucson, Honda Crv and such. I like the small compact style but some folks prefer the larger ones. You mentioned better grip on the road -yes of course the lower the vehicle, the better center of gravity and grip on the road so suvs aren't to be driven as fast as smaller cars as they are more prone to rollovers esp at corners. That's common sense. lol. I'd rather sit/take a long trip in a Kia sportage than in a Crystler Sebrig or Mazda miata as I prefer to sit up higher and it's a more comfortable position for me. Whatever vehicle appeals to you. It's a free country.
So you can like... do sport utility like... stuff
21MPG combined, um?
Are u kidding only 23 hwy wooow
Almost $34k for a compact crossover!? Yeesh. 21mpg is also deplorable. It's a nice looking vehicle and everything, but I'd still rather have a wagon, and one without all those bells, whistles, and infotainment options that make my home Hi-Fi system look like a boom box. Or maybe I'm just getting old.
LoveMyZJ I am a gen z kid and I prefer an ford LTD or chevy chevette over a modern car
I'm not impressed. Honestly, with these prices and for what its trying to accomplish, trying to me a more up level entrant, the tired yet still refined VW Tiguan would be my top choice over this. All trim levels have good build quality and all are good steers.
Darryl Henry The VW Tiguanpis not a Good car as it seems to be.I have a new 2017 Kia Shortage and I'm ver happy with that car.
Been in the tanning booth? You might want to lay-off the cancer capsule. There's an orange sheen happening.
But the bad thing the HP for that car is lower than 200Hp
No, that's the MPG for the AWD version with the 240 HP turbo model.
Should be 23 city 29 highway at LEAST
The non turbo is
I like the back, but the front..not so much
sooooon my love
3>
23 HWY ? That's terrible
Yes it is
For a 240 HP turbo,, no it's better than average.
Please the Subaru XT Mazda CX-9 and the Lexus nx 200t gets better HW miles and the Mazda is bigger and heavier, so no the Kia's mileage stinks
Sorry Mark,, the Kia out performs them.
You get what you pay for.
In your dreams both the CX 5 and the Escape handle better and the Escape eco boost is faster. The CX-9 which is 1000lbs heavier is only a hair slower and the NX200t is just as fast as the Kia. Try again
They rip off of so many other cars, for example, the fog lights are in the same way Porsche has theirs, and the Led strips underneath the fog lights are the same style Porsche has theirs, and the headlights are reminiscent of the Cayenne's headlights. The Optima's bumper intakes are very similar to the M3/4's intakes and there's a lot more left. All in all, it's still a pretty good car and looks good too.
Putrid mpg
Subaru tribeca
Why in the world is that idiot driver wearing a helmet? Does he want to take off into space? One can really overdo it...
More like the Kia shortage HAHAHAHAHAHAH.... Am-am I fired?
>3
Kia/Porsche Sportage? Well, it does suck gas like Porsches do, so it must be related. I'd rather get the Prius Eco that gets 56 mpg highway instead of 23 mpg highway like this FUEL PIG gets.
+Ben W wtf u talking about. I'm very successful. I have a cadillac cts, a Porsche cayenne turbo, and this to haul the family in. please....gtfo.
Horrible gas mileage.
First!
porsche should sue kia.
Just get a forester xt, bigger,faster,better on gas and just about everything else
Connor Dunckel
The Subaru is much uglier, as well...come on, man!
not really, especially the newer ones, this thing has more of an alien look and is overall a decent car just not quite the animal of the subaru
Connor Dunckel
I actually like the new Tucson the most.
they actually do look nice, like a grown up mazda cx 5 just with no sporty options yet
KIA is more reliable than Subaru's, according to Consumer Reports:
www.consumerreports.org/car-reliability/car-brands-reliability-how-they-stack-up/
Damm.....that thing is ugly.
SPNFENDER agree