Video: 2017 KIA Sportage SX Review

But in higher trim levels like this SX model here, it packs features that wouldn't be out of place in a luxury SUV. The Sportage is about the same size as its predecessor, but it adopts new styling. And the biggest changes are in front, which has a more upright design and a new version of Kia's corporate grill. The styling is a little busy to my eyes and that's because of all these different lighting elements competing for your attention, especially these led fog light clusters. And I also don't like how the automatic emergency braking sensor really disrupts the grill styling. Our editors appreciated two exterior features in particular, the panoramic moon roof and the hands-free tailgate. The massive moon roof wow'd. And then you get its full effect when sitting in the backseat. We also like that it includes a fully opaque sunshade because not all of them do. The hands-free lift gate, on the other hand, which opens automatically when the key fobs been detected for a few seconds nearby, made both grocery runs and camping trips easier. The Sportage offers a choice of two, four cylinder engines and the SX model gets the more powerful one. It's a turbocharged two liter four cylinder engine that makes 237 horsepower in all wheel drive versions. And it works with a six speed automatic transmission. While the initial acceleration is gradual. When you press the gas pedal more deliberately, you get strong power and the responsive automatic transmission makes quick kick downs for high-speed passing. Even in its most efficient form, the Sportage's EPA estimated 25 miles per gallon and combined driving trails estimates from cars like the RAV4, CR-V, and Nissan rogue. And when you get the turbo charge engine and all wheel drive, it drops to 21 miles per gallon. One of the things we like about the all wheel drive system is its ability to seamlessly shift available engine torque to the wheels with the most grip, even when accelerating hard on loose surfaces. Kia has improved the Sportage's steering feel, and even though ride quality remains firm, it doesn't feel as busy as it's predecessor did. Just like the new front end design, the Sportage's redesigned dashboard has a more upright appearance. Materials quality is good overall with nicely grained plastics and soft touch surfaces where you'd like to see them. But one feature that's designed to be upscale, this stitching on the dashboard just really falls flat in this car. Other features, however, could be right out of a luxury car, including heated and ventilated, front seats, heated steering wheel, and an eight inch touchscreen navigation system. The touchscreen supports Android auto smartphone mirroring of select apps. And it's scheduled to add apple car play later this year for Iphones. Kia did a nice job with a Sportage's backseat which is roomy and comfortable for adult passengers. The back rest reclines, which gives you an even better view of the panoramic moonroof. And if you need more cargo space, the backrest folds flat with the cargo floor. The Kia brand has come a long way from its economy car rootes in the last 15 years and the 2017 Sportage is proof of that. With the shift to more luxurious feature offerings though, have come bigger sticker prices in the nearly $35,000 as tested price for this well-equipped Sportage is case in point. Are compact SUV shopper's ready for that? We'll know soon enough. (car truck shutting)