The new generation Kia Sportage was officially unveiled at the Los Angeles Motor Show, and it appears that the Koreans are looking to appeal to a wider audience with the new look.
The 2017 Kia Sportage redesign boasts a sportier look and comes available with upgraded materials on the inside, as well as a host of new and improved safety tech and features.
Kia has revealed it has used more high-strength steel in the construction of the Sportage 2017 body, which will improve the model’s safety ratings.
Kia Sportage changes
The biggest Sportage changes can be found at the front of the vehicle, where the Kia signature tiger nose grille now has a lower placement on the front fascia.
That gives the face a mouth-like appearance that is finished off by the swept-back headlights.
The 2017 Kia Sportage has a lower and wider front clip to help with engine cooling, as well as to add a little more volume to the front fascia.
Where the surfaces of the outgoing model were flatter, this one features more curves and creases, especially on the hood and door panels.
The roofline is sloped and the spoiler lengthened to deliver a more aggressive stance.
2017 Sportage inside
The Sportage cabin comes with the option of black, two-tone gray or black-and-beige color schemes, as well as soft-touch materials and metal elements.
Kia has done a good job of improving some of the shortcomings of the previous interior.
The new Sportage also has improved visibility, thanks to thinner A- and C-pillars, as well as side mirrors that have been mounted lower.
NVH levels have been reduced by improving the suspension, and by adding more sound-absorbent materials. Thicker front glass and a lip seal for the sunroof also help.
2017 Kia Sportage specs
The engine options of the Kia Sportage model remain the same as previously.
The 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder engine is used in the 2017 Sportage SX Turbo model, and delivers 241 horsepower and 260-lb.-ft. of torque.
The 2.4L 4-cylinder GDI unit that cranks out 181-hp and 175-lb.-ft. of torque can be found in the base Sportage LX and mid EX trims.
The outgoing model was a little behind the pack in terms of fuel economy, and one of the biggest knocks on it was how it performed at highway speeds.
Kia has done all they can to address those issues, and are promising a better quality of ride on the improved suspension. They also believe that the Sportage 2017 – model year – will be more stable and better equipped to handle changes in road surfaces.
There are a number of available safety features added, including lane departure warning, autonomous emergency braking, bi-xenon high-intensity discharge headlights, and rear cross-traffic alert.
Make sure to check our 2017 Kia Sportage pricing details in our previous blog post.
Kia Sportage 2017 model for sale already?
Yes, the 2017 Kia Sportage AWD is already on sale at your local car dealerships!
