Powering the LX and EX trims is a 2.4-liter inline 4-cylinder (I4) engine that produces 181 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque. The SX Turbo has a turbocharged 2.0-liter I4 that produces 237 horsepower if linked with the standard front-wheel drive or 240 horsepower if linked with the optional Dynamax All-Wheel Drive. Its torque is measured at 260 lb-ft. Linked to each engine is a 6-speed automatic transmission that comes with a Sportmatic shifter to simulate more control over gear shifing. Depending on the configuration, the Sportage can peak at 23 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway, as well as tow up to 2,000 lbs. Inside the vehicle is seating for five, with up to 60.1 cubic feet of cargo space. Upgrade to the EX to add front-seat heating capability, 10-way power adjustability with power lumbar support on the driver's seat, and leather seat trim. On the SX Turbo, KIA upgrades the Sportage with front-seat cooling capability, steering-wheel heating capability, and 8-way power adjustability on the front passenger seat. At the base level, the Sportage provides infotainment through its six-speaker stereo system, which is accompanied by a 5-inch touchscreen. Added on the EX are Android Auto and Apple CarPlay interfaces so that you can control the infotainment system with your smartphone, and the 5-inch display is replaced by a 7-inch color touchscreen. An eight-speaker Harman Karon system with an 8-inch color touchscreen, HD Radio, a SiriusXM radio subscription, and a navigation system welcomes you on the SX Turbo. For comfort and convenience, the Sportage starts off with cruise control, Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free phone operation and streaming audio, remote keyless entry, a rearview camera as a parking and backing out aid, and controls mounted on the steering wheel. On the EX, Kia adds push-button engine start, dual-zone automatic climate control with an auto defog system, and a USB 2.1 port for fast-charging smartphones. The SX Turbo gets paddle shifters on the steering wheel for increased gear shifting control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror for taming headlights from behind the vehicle, and a universal transceiver for remote-controlling garage doors. |