Say hello to the 2021 Kia Sportage, a crossover SUV with amazing performance, eye-catching style, and the comfort and convenience you demand. Kia has included all the latest technology, too, so you can stay connected no matter where your busy life leads. Here’s a rundown of why there really isn’t a better choice than the 2021 Kia Sportage.
Exterior Style for Miles
Kia’s Sportage stares you down with its chiseled hood flowing forward over a bold honeycomb grille framed by LED headlights up high and projector beam fog lamps below. Its raised fenders and sharp lines project the Sportage’s athleticism for all to see. The Sportage turns heads rolling by on 19-inch machined alloy wheels. A panoramic sunroof lets all the light and air in. LED taillights and a roof-mounted rear spoiler complete the bold design.
You can choose between eight exterior colors like Steel Gray, Pacific Blue, or Burnished Copper. An available hands-free power liftgate senses your key fob and opens automatically for easy access when your hands are full. The Sportage is often compared to the Hyundai Tucson, but the following should be enough to keep your interest in the Sportage.
Available Trims and Pricing
Four available trims give you options to match your lifestyle. The Sportage LX is the base model, but there’s nothing basic about it. Starting at $24,090 MSRP the Sportage LX features a powerful GDI engine, 17-inch alloy wheels, the latest in infotainment technology, and a suite of driver-assist systems to elevate your drive.
Next up is the Sportage S trim, which rolls on 18-inch Dark Gray Alloy wheels, an upgraded premium interior, roof rails, skid plates, and an expanded driver-assist suite. Plus you get access to the S Nightfall Edition packages with premium upgrades. The Sportage S starts at $26,590 MSRP.
The Sportage EX is next in line with the Smart Power Liftgate, 18-inch machined alloy wheels and a smart key system with push-button start standard. Additional interior upgrades like power-adjustable seating with heating, ventilation, and climate control add comfort and style. You have access to the EX Technology package to up your Sportage’s tech game. The EX starts at $27,390 MSRP.
Last, but certainly not least, is the Sportage SX Turbo trim. Upgrades under the hood include the turbocharged engine, while wheels jump to 19-inch machined alloy construction. The panoramic sunroof with sunshade is standard, along with premium interior seating materials. A high-end tech hub features a larger touch screen and a wireless charging pad. Starting MSRP on the Sportage SX Turbo is $33,750.
Powerful Performance
Two engines power the Kia Sportage lineup. The lower trims come with a 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine with dual overhead cams, 16 valves with continuously variable valve timing, and direct injection technology. Kia pairs this with an electronically controlled six-speed automatic transmission with Sportmatic technology. The result is a powertrain that puts out 181 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque.
The SX Turbo trim features a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine with dual overhead cams, 16 valves with continuously variable valve timing, and direct injection technology. Mated to the same Sportmatic six-speed automatic transmission, this powertrain impresses with 240 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque.
Drive Train
Front-wheel drive is standard on the Sportage lineup. You can upgrade to the Dynamax Full-Time All-Wheel-Drive system. This AWD system employs electronic sensors that continuously monitor driving conditions, wheel spin, engine torque, and steering input. The system automatically distributes power to the wheels that need it most for superior traction and control. A driver-activated locking center differential delivers additional traction in poor conditions at low-speed to keep you moving on your intended path.
Suspension, Steering, and Braking
An independent MacPherson front strut suspension with coil-over gas shock absorbers deliver sport-inspired precision performance. The rear suspension utilizes a rear torsion beam with coil springs with independent multi-link high-performance dampers for the smoothest ride yet.
Steering is a breeze with the electric motor-driven power steering system. The Sportage boasts a 34.8-foot turning circle diameter from curb to curb. On the front, you have 12.6-inch ventilated disc brakes, and 11.9-inch solid disc brakes for the rear.
Driver-Assist Technology
Your Sportage can be equipped with the latest driver-assist systems designed to keep you safer and make your drive easier. Systems include the Blind-Spot Collision Warning that uses radar mounted to the side view mirrors that track your blind spots. When a vehicle is detected in one of your blind spots you’ll receive directional visual and audio alerts to help you avoid a potential collision.
A Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection system uses similar technology to monitor the way forward for vehicles and pedestrians. Should the system detect a potential collision you’ll receive alerts. The system will provide emergency brake support if you fail to react in time to lessen the potential impact.
Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go uses a combination of radar and cameras to keep your Sportage at a preset speed and distance while in traffic. The system automatically slows you down as the traffic ahead slows, even to a complete stop. The system will return you to your preset speed and distance when the way ahead clears.
The Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning system scans behind you for passing vehicles while you are in reverse. You’ll receive visual and audio cues when a vehicle is detected. This is particularly useful in those busy parking lots. Your High Beam Assist system can detect oncoming headlights or the taillights of a vehicle you are approaching. It automatically switches to low beam when headlights or taillights are detected, and back to high beam when the way ahead is clear. These are just some of the technology features of the Sportage.
Test Drive a Kia Sportage Today
At Huffines Kia in McKinney, we have one of the largest Sportage inventories in Texas. We are conveniently located on North Central Expressway and our friendly, professional staff is ready to assist you with all your vehicle needs.
You can contact us online or drop in for a visit. A member of our sales team will be happy to show you our extensive inventory and let you take a Sportage for a test drive.
Image via Flickr by RL GNZLZ