The Kia Sportage is a small crossover SUV with a spacious interior and many standard features. For 2018, Kia made some extra safety systems available as options on the base model and standard on the higher trims. The SX Turbo trim now has an electronic parking brake, and a new Sport Appearance package adds features to the EX. Here are some more of the features that make the 2018 Kia Sportage the best crossover.
The Engine Choices and Performance
The base engine for the Sportage LX and EX is a capable 2.4-liter four-cylinder that delivers 181 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque. The SX Turbo comes with a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder that generates 240 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque with the front-wheel drive system and 237 horsepower when equipped with all-wheel drive. Front-wheel drive comes standard, but you can opt for all-wheel drive regardless of the trim. This SUV is one you can take on any trip without breaking the bank at the pump no matter which engine it has. The 2.4-liter engine will get up to 23 miles per gallon in the city and 30 mpg on the highway with front-wheel drive, and the turbo engine will get up to 21 miles per gallon in the city and 26 mpg on the highway with front-wheel drive.
The Technology
Even the base model Sportage comes well-equipped with technology. You’ll get a 5-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth, and a stereo system with six speakers, satellite radio, and a USB port. Add the Popular Package for a larger 7-inch screen, Kia Uvo infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and remote services. A Technology package includes an 8-inch screen, navigation, and an upgraded stereo system, and if you add this package on an all-wheel drive vehicle and it also comes with heated rear seats.
The Safety Features
All the trims come standard with a rearview camera and a full suite of airbags. The LX Technology package adds advanced safety systems including forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, a lane departure warning system, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high beams. The EX Technology package adds both front and rear parking sensors.
The Interior Comfort and Space
Inside the Sportage, you’ll find comfortable seats both in the front and back, and plenty of head and leg room. Many small compartments throughout the cabin provide convenient storage, including deep pockets in the doors and a large center console bin. Behind the rear seats you’ll find almost 31 cubic feet of cargo space, and with the seats folded down, it opens up to over 60 cubic feet. The rear seats even fold down flat making it easy to get cargo in and out, and you can lift the cargo floor up to reveal a storage space underneath.
The 2018 Sportage is an excellent crossover vehicle for any situation. The spacious interior comfortable seats tall adults, there is plenty of technology to keep you connected, and the choice of engines provides a peppy ride.
“Photo” by DomAlberts licensed under Creative Commons CC0 | Cropped from original