2017 Kia Sportage: First Impressions
Kia’s redesigned 2017 Sportage compact SUV has an angry look about it on the floor of the 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show. The headlights have migrated to the top of the front fenders and are angled toward the wide mesh grille. Both the headlights and fog lights on the top SX trim level have distinct lighting elements, making it look like there are miniature stadium lights showing you the way.
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The redesigned cabin has a vertical dashboard and, in SX trim, high-grade materials are found in your line of vision with hard plastics lower in the cabin, including on the center console. The dashboard touch-screen’s graphics are crisp, but the buttons below for climate and media functions are all a similar size, making them hard to tell apart by touch alone. Front-seat cushioning is firm but comfortable, and over-shoulder visibility is good thanks to large side windows.
Those same large rear side windows offer good views for backseat passengers, though the high beltline makes it feel like you’re sitting extra low. Backseat space is good for adults, and the rear seatbacks reclines.
Like the prior Sportage, the redesigned version has really big rear doors. They provide a large opening for getting in and out of the SUV, but they seem made for dinging cars — either in parking lots or in your own in your garage — by an energetic child exiting the car.
