2017 Kia Sportage Release Date

The 2017 Kia Sportage marks the fourth generation of the compact SUV, one of the longest-running models in the automaker's lineup. Notably, the exterior receives a comprehensive makeover inspired, Kia says, by modern jet fighter design. The new look will probably spark some debate when the new Sportage arrives in the U.S., with its busy front end (LED foglight clusters, headlights perched high on the hood) and a rear end that looks like a mash-up of Ford, Lincoln and BMW small crossover efforts. Taste being a subjective matter, we'll just say that the Sportage is shaping up as one of the more distinctive designs in its class.

What Unique Features Will It Have?

The 2017 Sportage will be 1.6 inches longer than its predecessor, which Kia says opens up more rear legroom, more headroom (slightly more than a half-inch in the rear seats) and room for a lowered second-row floor for easier entry and exit. There's also more space for stuff, as cargo room behind the rear seats increases to nearly 31 cubic feet.

A new suspension design and more rigid chassis also promise to preserve the Sportage's sporty character while refining comfort and ride quality.

Inside, the Sportage evolves with higher-quality materials, seats, trim and additional insulation to quell road noise and vibration. There's also new technology like wireless phone charging. Thinner reinforcement pillars promise better visibility, and even the panoramic sunroof is wider.

Base models (LX) will get a standard 5-inch touchscreen infotainment display, Bluetooth hands-free phone and streaming audio, while the EX model brings leather upholstery, a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, WiFi hotspot capability, and the latest version of Kia's Uvo 3 package of connected apps and services.

The SX Turbo model will include all of the above, but with an 8-inch touchscreen, navigation system and 19-inch wheels among the upgrades. Options will include heated front seats, an automatic opening liftgate and a premium eight-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.

What's Under the Hood? 

The new Sportage may look inspired by jets, but its power source will be more Cessna than F-35. A pair of four-cylinder engines carries over from the current model, with a 2.4-liter rated at 181 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque available as the base engine. A turbocharged 2.0-liter is also available, rated at 241 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are down on power slightly from today's engines, presumably in the name of better fuel economy (Kia hasn't announced EPA efficiency ratings yet) 2017 Kia Sportage Release Date.

Both engines pair with a six-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive an available option. The 2017 Kia Sportage represents a ground-up redesign of the model, adopting a more rounded look compared to the crossover it replaces. The tiger-nose grille makes it instantly recognizable as a Kia. And though it clearly takes a different design approach, its upright quirkiness (to our eyes) makes it a more suitable bridge between (and distinct stablemate to) the unconventional Soul and the larger Sorento .

Now entering its fourth iteration, the new Sportage stretches 1.6 inches longer than its predecessor and rides on a 1.2-inch longer wheelbase, but maintains the same width. That means a more spacious cabin for both occupants and cargo, done up with more upscale materials and with the latest technologies buyers have come to expect. The increased use of high-strength steel helps optimize rigidity and weight in the latest iteration of Kia's longest-running nameplate, helping it launch a more concerted assault on the increasingly competitive compact crossover market  2017 Kia Sportage Release Date..

Buyers will be able to choose between three trim levels, labeled LX, EX, and SX Turbo. The first two derive their power from a 2.4-liter four good for 181 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque, while the latter steps up to a 2.0-liter turbo kicking out a more prodigious 241 hp and 260 lb-ft. Both promise improved efficiency, and can be had in front- or all-wheel drive, but either way they transmit their power to the road through a six-speed automatic transmission. Pricing for each model is set to be announced closer to their arrival in showrooms sometime in the new year.