All-New 2017 Kia Sportage Debuts in North America at the LA Auto Show

Kia has unveiled the all-new 2017 Sportage in U.S. specification

Following its world debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2015, the fourth-generation Kia Sportage has arrived in North America as well, with the local premiere taking place at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

Going on sale in the U.S. in 2016, the new model looks just like the European-spec version, sporting the same “tiger-nose” grille, redesigned bumpers, new headlights and taillights as well as design details that remind of the previous generation model, such as the sloping roofline and sharply raked rear window. The longer, more aerodynamic spoiler, the chrome touches surrounding the windows and bolder wheel arches give the compact crossover a more dynamic appearance.

The top-of-the-line SX Turbo model features more visual enhancements including the new “ice cube” LED fog lamps, HID headlamps, LED taillights, satin exterior trim, metal-look skid plates, and 19-inch alloy wheels.

Inside, the all-new 2017 Kia Sportage offers more room, luxury and technology, according to Kia. The increased room is due to the new Sportage’s larger footprint: compared to its predecessor, the 2017 model has a 1.2-inch longer wheelbase (now 105.1 inches), while overall length has grown by 1.6 inches to 176.4 inches. The width has remained the same at 73 inches. Cargo capacity behind the second row has also grown from 26.1 cu-ft to 30.7 cu-ft.

The interior is available either in a single-tone (black) or two-tone (Dark and Light Grey or Black and Beige) design, combined with metalwork accents and soft-touch materials. The EX and SX Turbo models add leather upholstery, while the SX Turbo also includes a D-shaped, heated and leather-wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters, piano black trim along the center console, aluminum alloy pedals, and authentic stitching on the dashboard.

The North American-spec Kia Sportage has a completely different engine lineup compared to the European model. The LX and EX grades get an upgraded normally aspirated 2.4-liter four-cylinder unit that produces 181 hp and 175 lb-ft (237 Nm) of torque, while the range-topping SX Turbo is equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder rated at 241 hp and 260 lb-ft (352 Nm) of torque. All grades are offered with either front- or all-wheel drive, both coupled with a six-speed Sportmatic transmission.

The 2017 Kia Sportage brings a number of new on-board technologies, beginning with the LX grade which is equipped with a standard 5.0-inch color touchscreen that features Bluetooth hands-free phone operation and streaming audio, SiriusXM satellite radio, and rear-camera display.

The EX trim features a 7-inch capacitive touchscreen with the latest version of Kia’s telematics and infotainment system, UVO3, which debuts on the all-new Sportage. Complete with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay (late availability), and UVO eServices, UVO3 features up to 8 GB of music storage, access to onscreen apps such as Pandora and Soundhound and Wi-Fi tethering capability. The SX Turbo replaces the 7-inch touchscreen with an 8-inch unit and adds onboard navigation.