The 2017 Kia Sportage has been named one of Autotrader’s 2017 Must Test Drive vehicles. The prestigious consumer-focused program showcases the best new vehicles shoppers need to experience prior to making a purchase. Award winners are selected by Autotrader’s editorial experts and have the potential to change the way a consumer perceives an entire segment or brand.
“Winning an Autotrader 2017 Must Test Drive Award is further testament to the transformation of the Kia brand and marks another accolade for the Sportage, our longest-running nameplate,” said Orth Hedrick, vice president, product planning Kia Motors America (KMA). “Sportage balances world-class craftsmanship and outstanding design, while delivering a host of standard features at a low starting price.”
To be honored as a Must Test Drive award winner a vehicle must be of the current or next model-year and available to purchase at the time of the awards announcement, have a base price under $75,000 and offer a significant value. Vehicles also must score no lower than a 3.5 on Autotrader’s five-point scale.
“The redesigned Kia Sportage is on our Must Test Drive list mainly because it’s so good at so many things. The Sportage has a wide range of prices and options, has a unique look and comfortable interior. The 240 horsepower Sportage SX turbo is simply a blast to drive, something we were not expecting from a small SUV,” said Brian Moody, executive editor at Autotrader.
The 2017 Sportage, an IIHS Top Safety Pick + (when equipped with optional front crash prevention) wraps a contemporary design around a structure that is both stiffer and more spacious than ever before. Advanced driver assistance technologies, significant suspension and steering improvements, and available intelligent AWD improve the Sportage’s driving dynamics while premium materials create a class-up experience. The 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four found on the FWD SX Turbo makes 240 horsepower (237 on AWD models) and 260 lb.-ft. of torque, while LX and EX trims use a normally aspirated 2.4-liter engine that produces 181 horsepower and 175 lb.-ft. of torque.
