Bang for your buck champ! @ $35,000 you'll be hard pressed to find another vehicle equally equipped. Panoramic sun roof, heated and vented seats with lumbar adjustments, heated steering wheel, touch screen nav, Harman Kardon sound system, and a 2.0T powering AWD. Gas consumption concerns about the Kia Sportage put into perspective: 15,000 @ 20 MPG = 750 gallons @ $2.00 = $1500 per year. Now let's say you buy another "crossover / SUV" that can average 25 mpg: 15,000 miles @ 25 MPG = 600 gallons @ $2.00 = $1200 per year. That means you're only spending $300 more per year in gas based on 15,000 miles. $300 / 12 months = $25 per month, that's less than the payment different of other vehicles with similar options!
This is beautiful. I can't even believe it's in the same category as that hideous Toyota Rav4. Kia/Hyundai has left Toyota and Honda in the dust. Glad to be the owner of my third Kia vehicle.
I'm a Kia fan, but that front end! OMG! I kept thinking that I was seeing it post crash test. I'm caIling it the "punched face look". I like the Tuscan better.
KIA really needs to change either their name or their badge, they can make their cars better and better (which they have) but it still looks tacky as hell.
Need more car reviewers who do affordable cars. I love seeing all the Supercars but i'll never afford one... keep it up Alex! You're the reason i bought a Forester XT manual babby!
So I just came from the Kia Dealership they want the Kia SX which drives beautifully. They want almost $36k for that car and the leasing would be 39 months with $2000 down monthly payments of $449 and purchase with around 20% the payments will be around $600 WHO THE HELL WOULD PAY THAT MUCH FOR A KIA!??!???!?! I can get a BMW X1 for less than that! And I make good money too. Hello no I aint paying that much for a KIA!!!!! Wait a year and get one with 10k miles on it it will be $6k less watch.
Yeah and that BMW x1 will be bone stock. That 36k KIA is fully loaded plus you can actually buy it, unlike the reliability of the BMW that will turn your investment into crap
Hi Alex. At 1:00, you said "The Sorento this replaces..." Interesting how they squeezed so much vehicle into something an inch shorter than a Mazda3 hatchback. Were you in Borrego Springs in Southern California? Great review.
Excellent review Alex. Any addition safety feature? Adaptive cruise control? Lane warning?Can the Sportage be compared to a Jeep Cherokee? I own the new Optima SXL and it's a big improvement from my Optima SX 2013.
The only thing I really might hate is the cheap plastic around the radio and on the dash. In the previous Kia's, cars and SUVs that cheap plastic dash material feels cheap and scratches easy. Also thier is a lot of gloss black trim right around the controls and will drive me nuts with how finger prints will immediately be a problem each and every day. Otherwise seems like a great redesign.
Hi Alex! As usual, great review. Personally, I find the Kia Sportage very ugly. I'm an average 27 year old guy from Pennsylvania and I really love the 2016 Hyundai Tucson and the 2016 Toyota RAV4. I guess styling is a subjective thing. A couple requests...please try to review the Mercedes GLE350 and/or the Chevy Equinox. That would be much appreciated! Thanks! Sincerely, Matt
100k, congrats! I thought I would only watch your videos on the Mazda3 and stop watching after I bought it, but I've been watching every single video even though I'm not in the market for a new car anymore. Good job on the consistency and thoroughness on your videos.
It actually looks good on the exterior until I see the front end . Kia should have gave the new Sportage the same front end as their new Niro Hybrid crossover.
Thank you Alex, you're the first to review the 2017 Sportage in the US. Wish I could see what the EX model has for an interior? Now I have to compare this vehicle with a Hyundai Tucson and believe it or not the Fiat 500X Lounge.
I like its back look, which looks like BMW, but its front look is really ugly. In general, I still prefer Mazda CX-5 in this category, which I believe includes Hongda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Nissan Rogue, and so on.
Great review. My first Kia is a 2013 Sportage and I love it. I have a LX and it’s perfect for my needs. My wife had a Kia and I switched from Honda to Kia and will purchase another in a few years. Great vehicle and you get a lot of car for your money. I don’t need all the extra bells and whistles.
And I thought it was just the Forte getting worse mileage with each new generation. Comparing Sportage design with Mazda Kodo design is almost an insult. I've seen wrecked cars with a nicer front than this. Good review as always!
All other automotive reviewers should take notes of the good job you are doing here or pack their bags and get off RUclips! Thank you Alex for the consistently great reviews!
I own the Kia Sportage 2016 diesel 185 HP version 6 sp auto 4 wd in NZ , and have done 12.000 km , being an ex automotive diesel engineer , this is the best vehicle so far I had ( had many , many cars before ) ......I did get rid of my 2014 RAV 4 diesel .... this Kia 185 HP diesel leaves the Toyota diesels for dead . ( I had 4 Toyota diesels )
I am very happy with my Kia Sportage 2.0 diesel 4 WD , 6 sp auto an EX model in NZ , I have done to date 16,000km ...best car I ever bought ( and had many )
Thanks for the feedback! Do you do a lot of rural journey's or urban - or mixed? Just wondering if the diesel is worth the premium for open road cruising and the added power around town. cheers
I drive a mix of everything including over the beach here in NZ , I never buy a petrol car ( that was long ago I had one ) anymore.When you have driven this 2.0 lt turbo diesel you're hooked on it my " average fuel economy is 15 km per 1 ltr " fast and slow driving makes no difference .If you have the $$$ go for the EX 4wd auto version in NZ every $ well spend believe me ...P.S I don't work for Kia
Hello Alex, Always love your reviews. I'm trying to compare between this Kia Sportage and the new 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport model. Are you doing a review on the 2016 Outlander Sport anytime soon or any suggestion or opinion you may have? Thank you in advance Alex, Keep up the good work!!
In 6 months I'll be getting a crossover and this Kia is on my list. I wish they would review the mid and lower trims since that's where most shoppers are going to get. I know so far that the EX comes with leather and push start for just $26,300. I wish I could get the SX but it's past my 30k budget and I really want that turbo but Kia only offers it in its highest unlike most cars like Hyundai Tucson or cx5 should get the best engine almost since the beginning. what I like is Kias warranty, wao 10 years worry free and it's a new design that should last another 5 to 6. my second choice is the cx5, but I have a feeling is on its last year until it get redesign. what I don't like is its MPGS are really bad, I'll get the base engine and the low 22 it's kind of a drawback.
Good review. For style, I don't like how the grill is designed around the sheetmetal/bumper (should be more of an angle) and fog light design takes away from the headlight design (quad fogs should be smaller or possibly round). Lastly, $35K MSRP for a fully equipped Sportage....Seems Kia may be slipping away from being the value brand vs Toyota, Nissan or possibly Mazda.
Hey Alex, I have the last generation Kia Sportage with the 2.4L engine, with my 170 round trip commute, I average about 29MPG on 70% highway with pretty heavy traffic since I live in SOCAL. I would imagine with the new Sportage I might be able to get an extra MPG or 2 on my commute.
+Jarrett Moering Yeah I have a 2012 Tucson with a 2.4 AWD and I get usually over 30 HWY and about 23-24 city in summer (in Canada these numbers go out the window in winter...)
Did you mention the transmissions used in the Sportage? The Tucson has a 9 speed DSG, I was curious if they used a different transmission with the 2.0T in the Sportage.
Alex. What are you thoughts on a new small SUV at about the $25K MSRP price point? The models I am considering you have tested in your videos. 2017 Kia Sportage EX, 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan S and 2016.5 Mazda CX-5 Touring. Coming from a large SUV, I'm in my early 50's, no kids, but I want something fun to drive this time around with a comfortable driver's seat that also can carry stuff. What would be your ranking on these three? My thoughts so far? I note that the Mazda CX-5 is currently your most fun to drive winner in the small SUV category. I like the Kudo design of the Mazda. It always looks good. Handles great. Mazda is the driver's inexpensive small SUV. But the Touring trim CX-5 comes with cloth seats compared to the leather and leatherette on the other two. The Sportage EX comes with leather seats, push button start, Apple Car Play/Android Auto and 18" rims. The Volkswagen Tiguan S comes with that nice 2.0 liter turbo, leatherette seats, push button start, rain sensing windshield wipers, auto headlights, Apple Car Play/Android Auto and 4 window auto up/down. Tiguan has less cargo space than the other two. I have driven all three. I think the Tiguan is the most fun to drive of the three and VW seems to have thrown a lot of upscale standard features into their base model for it's final year in this version. The German feel and quality are definitely felt when driving. The Kia looks cool. I like the new design. Comes with real leather vs leatherette or cloth, I believe it has a better ride and more cargo room than the CX-5 and Tiguan. I know I can step up to the Sportage SX and get the 2.0 liter turbo, but trying to stay at about $25K MSRP and at that above $30K price of the SX trim, I would go up a class to an Sorento EX, Outback 3.6R or Acura RDX. So it's a tough decision. All about the same price. All have their highlights. Comments appreciated from other viewers comparing if they happen to read this.
Great Review! I do agree and still like the Mazda CX-5. I just wished they updated the style of the front end for the model refresh to be more in line with the CX3 and the new CX9, which have a more prominent/aggressive chrome accent.
Glad I came across this review. I loved driving my SX Turbo AWD. My 23 Sportage SX Hybrid AWD isn't nearly as much fun on a back country road. However, the gas consumption is about 1/2.
Marketers and yes-men stylists trump basic engineering when it comes to CUVs. No engineer in his right mind would ever design a bumper covered with a thin, painted, body colored plastic shell, because it would REDUCE utility with no offsetting benefit to the consumer, not even weight reduction.
Holy! It's hideous 😂😂 they smoking the good stuff over at Kia or what?? Who in their right mind thinks THIS thing is better than a rav4 or a Honda CR-V ??? This car is trying wayyy to hard imo.
nice looking cuv, dislikes are the heavy use of the piano black plastics that look cheap and scratch easily through out the cabin in all Kia's and the fact that you have to use the infotainment system to see the temperature settings for the AC/Heat..the number read out should be on the AC/HVAC knobs or on an integrated screen adjacent to the knobs. This was a problem on the previous gen Lexus IS cars too so when the headunit when bad..your screwed in more ways then one when setting /adjusting the AC/Heat.
It's a pity you don't have the 2.0 l turbo diesel as we have in New Zealand , as this is a different story in the power ( 185 HP ) torque and fuel economy .
Just traded in my 2014 kia Sorento SX Limited for a 2017 Sportage SX AWD in black. I feel lucky that I am one of the first people driving this car. It is in such high demand, and I think it looks great. In saying that, it was hard to get a good deal but I did my best. I leased, and their first offer was $600 a month before tax. I was like WTF!!!!. I was able to work the lease down to $480 a month. Still would have liked it to be lower, but it is an over $35,000 car. I have had 4 KIAs since 2010, and they are amazing cars that offer luxury at an affordable price. Yes this car is pricey, but the competition doesn't offer anything close for this price.
I've seen quite a few people review vehicles on youtube, but I have to admit you jam a lot of product information and comparison to other similar vehicles in there with even comparisons of options groups / price points. Great job! Love the mention the of its AWD system which as you point out is a strong advantage of the Kia especially compared to Rav4 and CRV and Escape and most others at that price point. I have an optima SX with the 2.0 turbo and it hauls azz, this thing must be rocket.
+Alex on Autos : If you compare Sportage SX with Grand Touring CX-5 (with all packages), which one would you go for? I'm coming off a turbocharged car (sedan) and used to 0-60 in about 6.2-6.3 range. I need that initial oomph because I live in a place where it's all highways, so I need to get up to speed exceedingly fast. I like CX-5 a little bit more at this point, but just hoping I can wait long enough for the 2017 to come out and have them add some more features. I just feel that CX-5 is a little too slow and the Sportage is just not fast enough either (considering the sacrifice in the MPG department). In any case, I hope you reply with your opinion. Thanks!
Maybe it is a great vehicle but I just can't help myself when I see their brand names are so ubiquitously plastered on the vehicle. Why can't they change it to AKI, IKA, IAK, or simply design a new logo. I remember Bridgestone Tires back in the 70s used to have a logo with the abbreviation "BS"! I can certainly imagine their sales weren't good back then!
I'm looking this in comparison with the new CR-V. The CR-V still has no front ventilated/heated seats, and panoramic roof. the recline on these backseats are much better than the CR-V. This audio system is perfect compared to that trash Honda audio. This has much more engine power too. This must be test driven before buying that CR-V.
I'm bouncing back and forth between this Sportage and the last generation of VW Tiguan (when it still had 200 hp). This has some nice features and great warranty, but that MPG though...is terrible!! =\
don't get mad at me-it's the truth, kia is a cheep brand it dose not hold it's value, cheap vehicle = cheap quality that's why people buy it because they think it is a good deal. Think about it, if you had 30- $40,000 to spend, would you buy a brand that looses most of it's resale value??? Same thing when you have to fix it, not worth the money. like I said before find out for your self.
The lack of a hefty back bumper is very dicey.For the record out there, I drove a Subaru Forester XT. Very quiet, bad gas mileage,for me the seat back is painful after a week. Otherwise great vehicle
Hi Alex, I'm I'm the market for a compact suv, looked at a few and the Kia sportage caught my eye, wasn't sure if I should buy it or not but after looking at your video it's definitely on my shopping list now, thank you Alex.
That will be fun to fill up the tank every 300 miles or so. Hope owners like gas station corn nuts, monster drinks and cigarettes. I prefer to skip the gas station as long as possible, especially in winter time.
Very informative and detailed review. Thanks for not pronouncing the name "Sport-arj", like it was some French word! That's what it's called in Australia and it makes me cringe.
do all 4 doors have a sensor unlock? after finding out that this is present with the Ford Edge i realized that this is a must have for any family driver. oddly enough not all car makers specify this as a feature much less and option.
The only total comprehensive review channel over the internet, this guy is a rock star whenever comes to car review, keep up the amazing and unique work that you do Alex!
Kia makes great cars but the lack of auto emergency braking is a big omission. Why are they so behind with active safety while Hyundai has it in most of their cars?
Alex, another great review, glad to be a subscriber of your channel. Since you've reviewed the Q3, X1 and now the Sportage SX, how does the Sportage stack up against the others? The X1 and Sportage have very similar exterior and interior dimensions, as well as fairly similar engine output, so to me are natural competitors, though the bimmer is considered luxury performance and Kia is not. Prices aren't too far off either (at least not here in Canada). BTW, will you be doing a week long review of the Sportage? Thanks.
Thanks for the review Alex! Do you like the Tuscon Turbo or this Sportage better overall if price and options structure wasn't a factor? You clocked a faster 0-60 in that 1.6 turbo with DCT... p.s. I hate the Subaru Tribeca front end design on this Sportage!
+Alex on Autos Other than cargo area, which is important, why would that be your choice? Sportage offers more power, better handling, and seems about the same in other areas (other than price). The Tucson seems like a good choice, but more mundane. Not many vehicles offer handling like this anymore.
Im looking to buy either sportage or rav4 i dont care about gas saving but i do want a better performance and power so which one will be good for me ? Anyone?
breath taking design, porsche look alike but still different and original, I must admit KIA has good cars in the recent decade
Bang for your buck champ! @ $35,000 you'll be hard pressed to find another vehicle equally equipped. Panoramic sun roof, heated and vented seats with lumbar adjustments, heated steering wheel, touch screen nav, Harman Kardon sound system, and a 2.0T powering AWD.
Gas consumption concerns about the Kia Sportage put into perspective:
15,000 @ 20 MPG = 750 gallons @ $2.00 = $1500 per year.
Now let's say you buy another "crossover / SUV" that can average 25 mpg:
15,000 miles @ 25 MPG = 600 gallons @ $2.00 = $1200 per year.
That means you're only spending $300 more per year in gas based on 15,000 miles. $300 / 12 months = $25 per month, that's less than the payment different of other vehicles with similar options!
Great point. I'd take the better options and lose approx $300 max per year
The front has a Porsche Cayenne look and feel to it. I have the 2.0 GT Line model. Very pleased with it, and replaces my 2013 Sportage nicely.
This is beautiful. I can't even believe it's in the same category as that hideous Toyota Rav4. Kia/Hyundai has left Toyota and Honda in the dust. Glad to be the owner of my third Kia vehicle.
As a new owner, the look is subjective but I definitely like it, especially over other competitors like you mentioned.
i know I'm pretty randomly asking but do anyone know of a good website to watch new movies online?
@Bentlee Remy try flixzone. You can find it by googling :)
@Franco Zayne Definitely, have been watching on Flixzone for months myself :D
@Franco Zayne thanks, I went there and it seems like they got a lot of movies there :) I appreciate it !!
Hey Alex, you are almost at 100k subscribers congrats brother, keep up the great work.
love this vehicle and appreciate they put the 2.oL turbo instead of the 1.6L turbo. Kind of surprised at the 0-60 time though
I'm a Kia fan, but that front end! OMG! I kept thinking that I was seeing it post crash test. I'm caIling it the "punched face look". I like the Tuscan better.
ALSO WHY IS TRUNK COMFORT A THING, I mean at least you care about the comfort of who you kidnap
+Alex on autos you're getting very creative with your cinematography now. The mammoth!!!
Excellent review as always.
KIA really needs to change either their name or their badge, they can make their cars better and better (which they have) but it still looks tacky as hell.
looks like the Porsche SUV
Need more car reviewers who do affordable cars. I love seeing all the Supercars but i'll never afford one... keep it up Alex! You're the reason i bought a Forester XT manual babby!
So I just came from the Kia Dealership they want the Kia SX which drives beautifully. They want almost $36k for that car and the leasing would be 39 months with $2000 down monthly payments of $449 and purchase with around 20% the payments will be around $600 WHO THE HELL WOULD PAY THAT MUCH FOR A KIA!??!???!?! I can get a BMW X1 for less than that! And I make good money too. Hello no I aint paying that much for a KIA!!!!! Wait a year and get one with 10k miles on it it will be $6k less watch.
Yeah and that BMW x1 will be bone stock. That 36k KIA is fully loaded plus you can actually buy it, unlike the reliability of the BMW that will turn your investment into crap
I always wondered who actually buys BMWs instead of leasing. You must have the money for the insane upkeep/maintenance and depreciation.
With invoice and incentives price should be closer to $32k. NEVER pay sticker!
I just bought one for 32
The front looks like a Subaru Tribeca
You're a Subaru Tribeca
+ormand3000 eye check please.
+newballin that is funny
+ormand3000 Yeah the first gen
at first, I thought it looked like the Juke, but I retract that.
Great styling although the fog light design seems out of place and detracts from the looks.
Funny, the fog lights are my favorite part of the frontend.
This is the strangest looking vehicle I've seen since the Nissan Rogue.
KIA/Hyundai are Honda/Toyota of yesterdays.....very good reliable cars, well equipped..
Hi Alex. At 1:00, you said "The Sorento this replaces..." Interesting how they squeezed so much vehicle into something an inch shorter than a Mazda3 hatchback. Were you in Borrego Springs in Southern California? Great review.
Darn it! I knew one would slip by me
+cadsux Alex also says Sorento at the 6:40 mark.
Alex-
As of right now, you're at 100,005 subscribers! Congrats on surpassing 100k!
Excellent review Alex. Any addition safety feature? Adaptive cruise control? Lane warning?Can the Sportage be compared to a Jeep Cherokee? I own the new Optima SXL and it's a big improvement from my Optima SX 2013.
Take a breath between sencences
Thanks Alex another great review with good information.
The only thing I really might hate is the cheap plastic around the radio and on the dash. In the previous Kia's, cars and SUVs that cheap plastic dash material feels cheap and scratches easy. Also thier is a lot of gloss black trim right around the controls and will drive me nuts with how finger prints will immediately be a problem each and every day. Otherwise seems like a great redesign.
Alex, please make breaks between the info presented. It is extremely hard to digest all the information presented because it just keeps on pouring.
Zhukov Studios - Portraits & Weddings by Sergei Zhukov You can always PAUSE
The first thing I thought of when I saw the front end was a Porsche so bravo for that styling choice Kia. Overall, looks like a solid car
Hi Alex! As usual, great review. Personally, I find the Kia Sportage very ugly. I'm an average 27 year old guy from Pennsylvania and I really love the 2016 Hyundai Tucson and the 2016 Toyota RAV4. I guess styling is a subjective thing.
A couple requests...please try to review the Mercedes GLE350 and/or the Chevy Equinox. That would be much appreciated! Thanks!
Sincerely,
Matt
100k, congrats! I thought I would only watch your videos on the Mazda3 and stop watching after I bought it, but I've been watching every single video even though I'm not in the market for a new car anymore. Good job on the consistency and thoroughness on your videos.
I believe this car is growing on me
Maybe on me too
+Nr1 sweds Jeep is better, even in Lulea Sweden.
+Paul Wicklund Lulea say what
First thing on my list of mods to do when i get this baby... RE-badge with infamous "K" lol.
It actually looks good on the exterior until I see the front end . Kia should have gave the new Sportage the same front end as their new Niro Hybrid crossover.
looks like a frog
+ant sala haha
+ant sala
lmao
+ant sala and omg that's what people are calling this car in korea too. LOL
Ehgus Rnjs
I bought this car, it's great
+Paradox o_0 I also did, and I agree it is great.
I remember I went to see these when they first came out and most of the models at the dealer had misaligned gas cap covers, how times have changed!!
Amazing review. Instant sub.
Hii, I couldn't find any review regarding the new outlander 2016, if you didn't do it, would you review it in a near future??
Thank you Alex, you're the first to review the 2017 Sportage in the US. Wish I could see what the EX model has for an interior? Now I have to compare this vehicle with a Hyundai Tucson and believe it or not the Fiat 500X Lounge.
I like its back look, which looks like BMW, but its front look is really ugly. In general, I still prefer Mazda CX-5 in this category, which I believe includes Hongda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Nissan Rogue, and so on.
Great review. My first Kia is a 2013 Sportage and I love it. I have a LX and it’s perfect for my needs. My wife had a Kia and I switched from Honda to Kia and will purchase another in a few years. Great vehicle and you get a lot of car for your money. I don’t need all the extra bells and whistles.
Better handling than the CX5? Sacrilege , Heresy lol
Hi Alex. I am looking forward to your week with this one.
to cadsux- this is a Sportage. The 30 cubic ft cargo (Sorento), Alex means Sportage I think.
I caught that too during the cargo segment
I did'nt get much info as the man is too talkative, features were not shown fully.
And I thought it was just the Forte getting worse mileage with each new generation. Comparing Sportage design with Mazda Kodo design is almost an insult. I've seen wrecked cars with a nicer front than this.
Good review as always!
Amazing looking car! Best in this category
This is the best looking mid size SUV out there right now, l just wish the mpg were a little better. This vehicle reminds me of a Porsche Cayenne !!!
Kia really should fire whoever designed those front fog lights!
And Kia needs a new logo too!
Administrator LIES front fog lights look great
All other automotive reviewers should take notes of the good job you are doing here or pack their bags and get off RUclips! Thank you Alex for the consistently great reviews!
I own the Kia Sportage 2016 diesel 185 HP version 6 sp auto 4 wd in NZ , and have done 12.000 km , being an ex automotive diesel engineer , this is the best vehicle so far I had ( had many , many cars before ) ......I did get rid of my 2014 RAV 4 diesel .... this Kia 185 HP diesel leaves the Toyota diesels for dead . ( I had 4 Toyota diesels )
I am looking at exactly the same car! How have you found living with it? - I am looking at the entry level (EX) trim
I am very happy with my Kia Sportage 2.0 diesel 4 WD , 6 sp auto an EX model in NZ , I have done to date 16,000km ...best car I ever bought ( and had many )
Thanks for the feedback! Do you do a lot of rural journey's or urban - or mixed? Just wondering if the diesel is worth the premium for open road cruising and the added power around town. cheers
I drive a mix of everything including over the beach here in NZ , I never buy a petrol car ( that was long ago I had one ) anymore.When you have driven this 2.0 lt turbo diesel you're hooked on it my " average fuel economy is 15 km per 1 ltr " fast and slow driving makes no difference .If you have the $$$ go for the EX 4wd auto version in NZ every $ well spend believe me ...P.S I don't work for Kia
Hello Alex, Always love your reviews. I'm trying to compare between this Kia Sportage and the new 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport model. Are you doing a review on the 2016 Outlander Sport anytime soon or any suggestion or opinion you may have? Thank you in advance Alex, Keep up the good work!!
In 6 months I'll be getting a crossover and this Kia is on my list. I wish they would review the mid and lower trims since that's where most shoppers are going to get. I know so far that the EX comes with leather and push start for just $26,300. I wish I could get the SX but it's past my 30k budget and I really want that turbo but Kia only offers it in its highest unlike most cars like Hyundai Tucson or cx5 should get the best engine almost since the beginning. what I like is Kias warranty, wao 10 years worry free and it's a new design that should last another 5 to 6. my second choice is the cx5, but I have a feeling is on its last year until it get redesign. what I don't like is its MPGS are really bad, I'll get the base engine and the low 22 it's kind of a drawback.
I have to disagree on Honda riding softer that kia cars, I have accord its riding harsh , bumpy on any road
Good review. For style, I don't like how the grill is designed around the sheetmetal/bumper (should be more of an angle) and fog light design takes away from the headlight design (quad fogs should be smaller or possibly round). Lastly, $35K MSRP for a fully equipped Sportage....Seems Kia may be slipping away from being the value brand vs Toyota, Nissan or possibly Mazda.
Alex when it comes to snow and rain sportage or rav4 cause im buying but want the better thanks
Hey Alex, I have the last generation Kia Sportage with the 2.4L engine, with my 170 round trip commute, I average about 29MPG on 70% highway with pretty heavy traffic since I live in SOCAL. I would imagine with the new Sportage I might be able to get an extra MPG or 2 on my commute.
+Jarrett Moering Yeah I have a 2012 Tucson with a 2.4 AWD and I get usually over 30 HWY and about 23-24 city in summer (in Canada these numbers go out the window in winter...)
i like that headlight look
Excellent review.
Best review for Kia Sportage!!!! I like the way you compare the vehicles from the same category, keep focusing on the kia. Good job!!!
Did you mention the transmissions used in the Sportage? The Tucson has a 9 speed DSG, I was curious if they used a different transmission with the 2.0T in the Sportage.
The Tucson uses a 7-speed dct, the same as the optima and sonata Eco models. This used a standard 6-speed auto.
+Alex on Autos Yes, I stand corrected, 7 speeds dct on the others.
Alex. What are you thoughts on a new small SUV at about the $25K MSRP price point? The models I am considering you have tested in your videos. 2017 Kia Sportage EX, 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan S and 2016.5 Mazda CX-5 Touring. Coming from a large SUV, I'm in my early 50's, no kids, but I want something fun to drive this time around with a comfortable driver's seat that also can carry stuff. What would be your ranking on these three? My thoughts so far? I note that the Mazda CX-5 is currently your most fun to drive winner in the small SUV category. I like the Kudo design of the Mazda. It always looks good. Handles great. Mazda is the driver's inexpensive small SUV. But the Touring trim CX-5 comes with cloth seats compared to the leather and leatherette on the other two. The Sportage EX comes with leather seats, push button start, Apple Car Play/Android Auto and 18" rims. The Volkswagen Tiguan S comes with that nice 2.0 liter turbo, leatherette seats, push button start, rain sensing windshield wipers, auto headlights, Apple Car Play/Android Auto and 4 window auto up/down. Tiguan has less cargo space than the other two. I have driven all three. I think the Tiguan is the most fun to drive of the three and VW seems to have thrown a lot of upscale standard features into their base model for it's final year in this version. The German feel and quality are definitely felt when driving. The Kia looks cool. I like the new design. Comes with real leather vs leatherette or cloth, I believe it has a better ride and more cargo room than the CX-5 and Tiguan. I know I can step up to the Sportage SX and get the 2.0 liter turbo, but trying to stay at about $25K MSRP and at that above $30K price of the SX trim, I would go up a class to an Sorento EX, Outback 3.6R or Acura RDX. So it's a tough decision. All about the same price. All have their highlights. Comments appreciated from other viewers comparing if they happen to read this.
I would be helpful if you could do a review of the LX or EX trim since those are what most people would buy.
One word. UGLY.
(2014 Kia Sportage owner)
Great Review! I do agree and still like the Mazda CX-5. I just wished they updated the style of the front end for the model refresh to be more in line with the CX3 and the new CX9, which have a more prominent/aggressive chrome accent.
Glad I came across this review. I loved driving my SX Turbo AWD. My 23 Sportage SX Hybrid AWD isn't nearly as much fun on a back country road. However, the gas consumption is about 1/2.
Just purchased a used 2017 Ex model with 57k miles and we love it! That panoramic rooftop 🙌🏼
Marketers and yes-men stylists trump basic engineering when it comes to CUVs.
No engineer in his right mind would ever design a bumper covered with a thin, painted, body colored plastic shell, because it would REDUCE utility with no offsetting benefit to the consumer, not even weight reduction.
Holy! It's hideous 😂😂 they smoking the good stuff over at Kia or what?? Who in their right mind thinks THIS thing is better than a rav4 or a Honda CR-V ??? This car is trying wayyy to hard imo.
Thank you
nice looking cuv, dislikes are the heavy use of the piano black plastics that look cheap and scratch easily through out the cabin in all Kia's and the fact that you have to use the infotainment system to see the temperature settings for the AC/Heat..the number read out should be on the AC/HVAC knobs or on an integrated screen adjacent to the knobs. This was a problem on the previous gen Lexus IS cars too so when the headunit when bad..your screwed in more ways then one when setting /adjusting the AC/Heat.
Great review.
my choice is Kia sportage thats becuz its a nice car with longer warranty and light price tag.
Love your reviews! I get more info from 20mins watching you than I do wasting an hour watching 3 others. So is there a "BEST" compact crossover?
i like the FWD front end better than that of the AWD.. Why did they switch it? FWD front fascia looks more aggressive by a mile.
It's a pity you don't have the 2.0 l turbo diesel as we have in New Zealand , as this is a different story in the power ( 185 HP ) torque and fuel economy .
I wish Kia makes their interior look cleaner like new Audi's. Let Hyundai design like it does now, and Kia follow simple clean looks.
Just traded in my 2014 kia Sorento SX Limited for a 2017 Sportage SX AWD in black. I feel lucky that I am one of the first people driving this car. It is in such high demand, and I think it looks great. In saying that, it was hard to get a good deal but I did my best. I leased, and their first offer was $600 a month before tax. I was like WTF!!!!. I was able to work the lease down to $480 a month. Still would have liked it to be lower, but it is an over $35,000 car. I have had 4 KIAs since 2010, and they are amazing cars that offer luxury at an affordable price. Yes this car is pricey, but the competition doesn't offer anything close for this price.
Yay 100,000 subs! I always wait to watch your new videos, they are among the best out there. Congratulations, Alex, you've earned it. Here's to 200k!
I've seen quite a few people review vehicles on youtube, but I have to admit you jam a lot of product information and comparison to other similar vehicles in there with even comparisons of options groups / price points. Great job! Love the mention the of its AWD system which as you point out is a strong advantage of the Kia especially compared to Rav4 and CRV and Escape and most others at that price point. I have an optima SX with the 2.0 turbo and it hauls azz, this thing must be rocket.
+Alex on Autos : If you compare Sportage SX with Grand Touring CX-5 (with all packages), which one would you go for?
I'm coming off a turbocharged car (sedan) and used to 0-60 in about 6.2-6.3 range. I need that initial oomph because I live in a place where it's all highways, so I need to get up to speed exceedingly fast.
I like CX-5 a little bit more at this point, but just hoping I can wait long enough for the 2017 to come out and have them add some more features. I just feel that CX-5 is a little too slow and the Sportage is just not fast enough either (considering the sacrifice in the MPG department).
In any case, I hope you reply with your opinion.
Thanks!
I still can't understand why the north American model doesn't offer electronic parking brake.
Maybe it is a great vehicle but I just can't help myself when I see their brand names are so ubiquitously plastered on the vehicle. Why can't they change it to AKI, IKA, IAK, or simply design a new logo. I remember Bridgestone Tires back in the 70s used to have a logo with the abbreviation "BS"! I can certainly imagine their sales weren't good back then!
Very well done !! I am in for a Sportage. I believe this is the first model to beat the Toyota legacy.
I'm looking this in comparison with the new CR-V. The CR-V still has no front ventilated/heated seats, and panoramic roof. the recline on these backseats are much better than the CR-V. This audio system is perfect compared to that trash Honda audio. This has much more engine power too. This must be test driven before buying that CR-V.
Alex, you mentioned you would be reviewing the Kia UVO system. Has that been published yet? @Alex_on_autos
I'm bouncing back and forth between this Sportage and the last generation of VW Tiguan (when it still had 200 hp). This has some nice features and great warranty, but that MPG though...is terrible!! =\
don't get mad at me-it's the truth, kia is a cheep brand it dose not hold it's value, cheap vehicle = cheap quality that's why people buy it because they think it is a good deal. Think about it, if you had 30- $40,000 to spend, would you buy a brand that looses most of it's resale value??? Same thing when you have to fix it, not worth the money. like I said before find out for your self.
Help me decide... 2017 Kia Sportage premium package or 2016 Toyota RAV4 HYBRID. I drive it mostly city driving/highway. Please reply thanks.
What is Eco Dynamics?.Are all Kia Sportage 4th Gen 2017 models "Eco Dynamics" certified?.
The lack of a hefty back bumper is very dicey.For the record out there, I drove a Subaru Forester XT. Very quiet, bad gas mileage,for me the seat back is painful after a week. Otherwise great vehicle
Hi Alex, I'm I'm the market for a compact suv, looked at a few and the Kia sportage caught my eye, wasn't sure if I should buy it or not but after looking at your video it's definitely on my shopping list now, thank you Alex.
That will be fun to fill up the tank every 300 miles or so. Hope owners like gas station corn nuts, monster drinks and cigarettes. I prefer to skip the gas station as long as possible, especially in winter time.
Very informative and detailed review. Thanks for not pronouncing the name "Sport-arj", like it was some French word! That's what it's called in Australia and it makes me cringe.
do all 4 doors have a sensor unlock? after finding out that this is present with the Ford Edge i realized that this is a must have for any family driver. oddly enough not all car makers specify this as a feature much less and option.
Heads up to the editor of this video. Your right aside jump buttons do not work on android phone as the android buttons over ride them. take care.
The only total comprehensive review channel over the internet, this guy is a rock star whenever comes to car review, keep up the amazing and unique work that you do Alex!
Kia makes great cars but the lack of auto emergency braking is a big omission. Why are they so behind with active safety while Hyundai has it in most of their cars?
The Sportage has it available in EX and standard on SX
Alex, another great review, glad to be a subscriber of your channel. Since you've reviewed the Q3, X1 and now the Sportage SX, how does the Sportage stack up against the others? The X1 and Sportage have very similar exterior and interior dimensions, as well as fairly similar engine output, so to me are natural competitors, though the bimmer is considered luxury performance and Kia is not. Prices aren't too far off either (at least not here in Canada). BTW, will you be doing a week long review of the Sportage? Thanks.
Thanks for the review Alex! Do you like the Tuscon Turbo or this Sportage better overall if price and options structure wasn't a factor? You clocked a faster 0-60 in that 1.6 turbo with DCT...
p.s. I hate the Subaru Tribeca front end design on this Sportage!
+arifisik I wasn't on the same surface in the same weather so it is hard to compare. I suspect I'd still take the Tucson.
+Alex on Autos Other than cargo area, which is important, why would that be your choice? Sportage offers more power, better handling, and seems about the same in other areas (other than price). The Tucson seems like a good choice, but more mundane. Not many vehicles offer handling like this anymore.
I'm running on too little sleep, I meant: ill take the sportage.
+Alex on Autos Kia names seem to give everyone trouble. About half the reviews have at least one.
God damn this thing is ugly. What the hell happened? The previous one looked good.
old players like ford chevy gmc vw all have some kind of major problems but it's a surprise that Korean cars are doing very well in the market..
1.7 turbo diesel is a best engine for Sportage
Im looking to buy either sportage or rav4 i dont care about gas saving but i do want a better performance and power so which one will be good for me ? Anyone?
Kia Sorento is not in the compact suv class. Its considered a full sized suv.