It's hard to find style and versatility in the same place, but the redesigned Kia Sportage delivers on both counts. You'll like the number of features that Kia has packed into this small crossover, too. It's one of our top choices for 2017.When a vehicle's been around for a few generations, as the Sportage has, its basic characteristics are usually well-established, so you know what to expect from the next one. But for the fully redesigned 2017 Sportage, Kia directly addressed two of our primary complaints about the previous model. First, the formerly cramped backseat is now remarkably roomy, to the point that a family might not need anything more. And second, the formerly firm ride is now relatively compliant. If there's one thing that still holds the Sportage back, it's lackluster fuel economy, which we called out last year and must underscore again for 2017 despite mild improvements. This is a predictable problem, as both available engines and the mandatory six-speed automatic transmission are largely carryover items from the outgoing Sportage.
Pros Rides smoothly over bumps Quiet interior at highway speeds Spacious seating front and rear Attractive dashboard layout with many appealing features Feels nimble around turns.
Cons Fuel economy isn't as good as some top rivals Relatively modest cargo capacity Optional turbocharged engine doesn't pack a big punch
We won’t call the redesigned 2017 Kia Sportage ugly, but it is an odd-looking sort of Korean Peugeot. Leading with a Gallic nose, it’s handsome enough along the sides and in back and hardly forgettable. While such bold restyling does not always guarantee notable advancements underneath, this new model is another case of the Korean manufacturer making meaningful generation-over-generation improvements. The new front end flirts with the “quirky” label, what with its collection of seemingly disparate styling elements, including the so-called “ice cube” running lights below the headlamps. Kia product planners note that it’s increasingly difficult to stand out in the crowded compact-crossover field, which prompted some liberation from me-too design constraints. And if quirky is the right word, well, Kia has already proved that while it might be a gamble, it’s not necessarily a liability. Consider the boxtastic Soul, Kia’s second-bestselling model.
The 2017 Kia Sportage isn’t quite the most spacious, the sharpest-performing, or the most fuel-efficient vehicle in its class. But it’s shaping up to be the one that’s just right—sporty-driving, but without a sacrifice in ride; versatile and accommodating in all the right ways; and far quieter and more refined than its predecessor. Kia has made quite a name for itself with its Optima mid-size sedan and Sorento crossover; and now the brand has brought some of the same refinement magic that’s graced recent redesigns of thos models into the Sportage, Kia’s compact crossover model that takes on models such as the Toyota RAV4, Subaru Forester, Honda CR-V, and Ford Escape.
Pros Quiet cabin Standout styling Strong turbocharged engine option Spacious, well-designed interior
Cons Transmission hunts on hills Far from class-leading mpg
All-new for 2017, the Kia Sportage compact SUV is sharply dressed inside and out, boasts loads of technology, safety and comfort amenities, and continues to offer one of the best warranties in the business. As a rival to best-selling crossover SUVs such as the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 and Ford Escape, the Kia Sportage more than holds its own. Introduced over two decades ago, the Sportage is Kia's long-running nameplate, but this new, 4th-generation model is further proof of Kia’s setting the pace or at least keeping right on top of it in a competitive segment. The Sportage touts good value, great looks and a strong roster of available features, but trails others in fuel economy, especially when outfitted with the uplevel turbocharged engine.
Likes If you want a small SUV with high style, an excellent warranty and the latest safety features like automatic emergency braking, put the Kia Sportage on your shopping list. Available features like climate-controlled seats, harman/kardon audio system and turbocharged engine can make this mainstream SUV feel like a premium one.
Dislikes The Sportage is neither the most fuel-efficient nor most spacious compact crossover SUV. The Honda CR-V tops it in both. If you need a smaller SUV with three rows of seating, try the Mitsubishi Outlander or the Kia Sorento. If efficiency is most important, wait for the forthcoming Kia Niro hybrid.
For 2017, the Toyota RAV4 gains a host of driver assistance features as standard equipment, including a forward collision mitigation system, lane departure warning, automatic high beams and adaptive cruise. The range-topping Platinum trim level is new this year.
Pros Quiet demeanor on the road makes it a pleasant commuter vehicle Rides smoothly in a variety of conditions Plenty of cargo space for its size High-tech safety features come standard
Cons Modest acceleration from the sole engine offering Fewer easily accessible storage compartments than most competitors
The 2017 Toyota RAV4 ranks 11 out of 18 Compact SUVs. The 2017 RAV4 faces stiff competition in the compact SUV class. It trails several rivals in terms of style and performance, but it has impressive safety features in all trims and one of the most spacious cabins in its class.
Pros Impressive list of standard features Easy-to-use infotainment system Spacious cabin
Cons Unimpressive acceleration Plastic-heavy interior
There's a RAV4 for just about everyone, and while we applaud Toyota for adding more safety technology for 2017, the competition is worth a good look, too. The 2017 Toyota RAV4 is the latest in a long line of compact crossover SUVs to grace the automaker's showrooms.
Pros Upgraded, roomy interior Lots of standard safety tech Wide range of models available Improved ride and handling Hybrid is intriguing
Cons Not the most polished crossover to drive No third row Unimpressive fuel economy Quirky styling
