The LA Auto Show saw the reveal of the all-new fourth-generation 2017 Kia Sportage which brings a new design direction, a stronger safer structure, better performance and more technologies on the options list.
Kia design chief Peter Schreyer continues his transformation of the brand with the latest theme evolution of the tiger nose look. The 2017 Sportage gets a new face with a much richer feel that’s almost Porsche like.
It gets upscale details in its grille-work, available ice-cube LED fog lights, and skid plate design elements. And for this year, the two-wheel drive and all-wheel-drive Sportage will get unique front fascias for better approach angle off-road.
While the side profile is somewhat familiar, the rear flanks are new with LED tail lights A larger rear glass and smaller C-pillar Kia says will aid in better rearward visibility, as will its backup camera. The redesigned rear gate has a lower lift over height when open and is available with a power opener.
The new 2017 Kia Sportage is larger with a 1.2-inch increase in wheelbase and a 1.6-inch increase in overall length. This pays off inside where the passenger space gets roomier here and there, particularly in the rear seat which has a floor now 1.6-inches lower for better seating position.
The cabin gets redesigned with new dash, door panels, seating and materials. Upscale feel is the goal with an all-black or two-tone choice of themes which all sport metal tone trims and soft touch materials.
Notable design touches are a new D-Shaped steering wheel on the SX and an available panoramic glass roof. And, the new 2017 Kia Sportage is also the first to have the next generations UVO3 infotainment systems available.
Kia says it will be much quieter and refined inside courtesy of a strengthened body structure, new chassis bushings, and a slew of added sound-absorbent materials in the lower floor areas. That new structure by the way is stronger, which Kia expects to earn it a Top Safety Pick + rating from the IIHS.
Contributing to that will be a new suite of available driver-assistance and crash-prevention systems that include lane departure warning, autonomous emergency braking, blind spot monitor with rear cross traffic alert and more.
Handling will be improved as well with an all-new front suspension design, and a rear suspension which is a more sophisticated multi-link design for both front-wheel and all-wheel-drive models.
Power for 2017 will come by way of two engines, the standard mill being a 2.4-liter four-cylinder with 181 horsepower found in the LX and EX. In the sporty SX is the 2.0-liter turbocharged four which has a class competitive 241 horsepower. Both come with a six-speed automatic transmission.
Like the outgoing Sportage, the 2017 model will be built in Korea and arrives here in the States some time next year. Pricing and official mpg estimates will be announced closer to its arrival.
