Kia Sportage

Ergonomic and elegant, the Kia Sportage cabin is easily one of the most upscale options out there, given the price. The center console design is practical yet attractive, the seats comfy yet supportive, and there’s plenty of head and legroom to enjoy, even in the rear seats. Boasting quality fit and finish all around, the new-gen Sportage has a steering wheel-equipped audio remote control, large panoramic sunroof opening, and 4.2-inch color TFT LCD serving as the instrument panel. As for the infotainment system itself, it’s got auxiliary, USB and Bluetooth connectivity and six great-sounding speakers to top it all off. For 2020, the cabin carries a new leatherette upholstery called 'Sofino.’ The steering wheel design has also been tweaked slightly with real crash pad stitching, as does the trim around the HVAC vents. Rear seats fold completely flat to transport cargo more easily and safely.

The refreshed Sportage features a new front and rear fascia that display a more aggressive look, continuing to evoke the European sleekness that has characterized the crossover since the introduction of the fourth generation in 2015. Though the updates are relatively mild, the biggest changes are centered in the front lower front fascia—starting with the sliver of chrome that connects one driving light to the next. The grille is also given a sportier look. Meanwhile, the upgraded headlamps feature new LED turn signals that add some style and dimension to the overall package. At the back, design tweaks are noted in the rear bumper, taillights, and exhaust tip. The wheelbase is at 2,670 mm, and ground clearance is at 172 mm.

True to its name, the Kia Sportage is as sporty as you can expect. Delivering hatchback maneuverability with SUV smarts, the crossover’s ride and handling are both surprising and impressive, given the relatively sizable dimensions. Thanks to improved suspension, the new Sportage offers even more stability at high speeds for better safety and enhanced driving comfort. Likewise, the smart rear-spoiler side garnish reduces the drag coefficient for improved fuel efficiency while a state-of-the-art wheel air curtains to improve the flow of air around the front wheels. Level equilibrium is the name of the game for the new Sportage, a quality that makes it an ideal companion when traversing PH’s oft-uneven roads. That said, the added stiffness does lead to some unnerving noise when the Sportage hits some bumps.

The new-gen Sportage comes in three variants—one gasoline and two diesel. A 2.0-liter VGT CRDi engine powers the upper variants, with power ratings at 185 hp and 400 Nm. As for the gasoline power mill driving the lowest trim, it’s a 2.0-lite Dual CVVT engine that’s good for 153 hp and 192 Nm of torque. Both engines are coupled with an 8-speed automatic transmission that propels this front-wheel-drive crossover forward.

The Sportage is primarily a people hauler, and so it comes with a lot of standard safety features for driver and passengers alike. Its brake system consists of discs both for the front and rear, which can be equipped with wheels between 17-inches and 19-inches. As for safety features, all the basics are accounted for—dual and curtain airbags, child safety locks, ISOFIX child anchors, keyless entry with a burglar alarm, and the all-important ABS with EBD. The top of the line GT-Line trim comes with extra goodies such as immobilizer, electronic stability control, auto cruise control, and parking assist system.

If you’re in the market for a five-seater crossover SUV that offers great equipment, terrific infotainment and connectivity, and a genuine urban attitude, the Kia Sportage is immediately a noteworthy choice. With three trims to choose from and an affordable price range of PHP1,290,000 to PHP1,820,000, the Kia Sportage easily fits the budget of most car buyers in its class. The fact that it’s filled to the brim with upscale features doesn’t hurt its case, to say the least.