Just spent a week, 500 miles, with the 2017 Kia Sportage AWD. Overall, I liked it and you get a lot for your money.
First, after reviewing the nearly $44K Chinese Buick Envision of exactly the same size! This Kia was a NET positive, big time. Everything I disliked about the Buick, the Kia has also. The gutless 4 cylinder engine, the relatively cramped interior, the fuel economy, the small size, etc. HOWEVER, this Kia can be had for nearly $20,000 less money. And you know what? For that price, it's a downright bargain. In the Sportage, you paid only for a reasonably high tech 4 cylinder engine and you get exactly what you pay for, along with all the undesirable 4 cylinder traits, in abundance. Guessing 0-60 is in the 9 second range. About like an older Prius.
It's every bit as fast as the Buick, which is to say, rather slow, but just a touch more engine noise gets in. (the Buick has active noise cancellation to trick 4 cylinder owners into thinking it's a luxury vehicle with a real engine)
It also drove better than the Buick, in overall city/highway traffic. It was more responsive and the brakes were just right (unlike the Buick) . The driving feel was exactly what you would expect from a modern vehicle. Accurate, precise and quick enough to be a pleasant. Nice!
The suspension was generally capable, rode well, and could only be upset by enthusiastic driving. At which point, it fell a bit short and skittered over the bumps.
MPG indicated 19 in the city and 24.5 in mostly highway driving. Not horrible, not fantastic.
The front cloth seats were comfortable, adjustable and easy to sit in during those extended NYC traffic jams. The interior is well appointed and had a very nice, quality look to it. In my opinion, as nice as the Buick, with the exception of the Buick's real leather seats.
The base model audio system was inadequate for audiophiles and enthusiasts. Typical of modern base model cars. Not awful, but missing the power and frequency response required for enjoyment of anything other than NPR news. If you want to "rock out" upgrade the stereo!
Overall, I enjoyed driving it. Not just because it was cheap, but it drove well.
First, after reviewing the nearly $44K Chinese Buick Envision of exactly the same size! This Kia was a NET positive, big time. Everything I disliked about the Buick, the Kia has also. The gutless 4 cylinder engine, the relatively cramped interior, the fuel economy, the small size, etc. HOWEVER, this Kia can be had for nearly $20,000 less money. And you know what? For that price, it's a downright bargain. In the Sportage, you paid only for a reasonably high tech 4 cylinder engine and you get exactly what you pay for, along with all the undesirable 4 cylinder traits, in abundance. Guessing 0-60 is in the 9 second range. About like an older Prius.
It's every bit as fast as the Buick, which is to say, rather slow, but just a touch more engine noise gets in. (the Buick has active noise cancellation to trick 4 cylinder owners into thinking it's a luxury vehicle with a real engine)
It also drove better than the Buick, in overall city/highway traffic. It was more responsive and the brakes were just right (unlike the Buick) . The driving feel was exactly what you would expect from a modern vehicle. Accurate, precise and quick enough to be a pleasant. Nice!
The suspension was generally capable, rode well, and could only be upset by enthusiastic driving. At which point, it fell a bit short and skittered over the bumps.
MPG indicated 19 in the city and 24.5 in mostly highway driving. Not horrible, not fantastic.
The front cloth seats were comfortable, adjustable and easy to sit in during those extended NYC traffic jams. The interior is well appointed and had a very nice, quality look to it. In my opinion, as nice as the Buick, with the exception of the Buick's real leather seats.
The base model audio system was inadequate for audiophiles and enthusiasts. Typical of modern base model cars. Not awful, but missing the power and frequency response required for enjoyment of anything other than NPR news. If you want to "rock out" upgrade the stereo!
Overall, I enjoyed driving it. Not just because it was cheap, but it drove well.
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