Kia Sportage 2024: Everything to Please

The Kia Sportage is one of the oldest vehicles from the brand still on the market. Quietly, the Korean manufacturer's SUV landed on the market in 1994. Today, five generations later, the model continues to please and meet the needs of many buyers. It must be said that the Sportage has strong arguments in its favor, starting with its excellent assembly quality and advanced technologies. Let's just say it's a vehicle that few people regret choosing.

For 2024, Kia has gone all out with an impressive mechanical diversity and a plethora of versions for the Sportage. The Korean SUV even tastes the off-road universe with X-Line versions boasting increased off-road driving capabilities. As always, the Sportage offers a sleek presentation and high-end features. Even though there aren't many changes to the model for 2024, it continues to be one of the most interesting vehicles in its category.

Category and Competition

The 2024 Kia Sportage operates in the compact SUV category, the most competitive segment in the market at present. Fortunately, the Korean manufacturer's SUV defends itself brilliantly with its futuristic look and advanced technologies. The Sportage is also one of the best-assembled vehicles in its category, giving it a significant advantage over the competition. Its overall experience is very pleasant. It may not be among the best-selling vehicles in its segment, but it remains one of the most intriguing models.

Rivals: Chevrolet Equinox, Dodge Hornet, Ford Bronco Sport, Ford Escape, GMC Terrain, Honda CR-V, Jeep Compass, Mazda CX-5, Mazda CX-50, Mitsubishi Outlander, Subaru Forester, Toyota RAV4, Volkswagen Tiguan

Range and Prices

The 2024 Kia Sportage offers one of the widest and most diversified ranges. In fact, the only thing missing is a performance version and a 100% electric version, as everything else is offered. It all starts with an LX version with two-wheel drive, starting at $33,266.50. This is the kind of entry-level version that practically no longer exists among the competition. In my opinion, it's a good thing that Kia decided to offer it here since some buyers don't ask for more.

Gasoline:

LX FWD - $33,266.50

LX - $35,266.50

X-Line - $38,866.50

EX - $40,566.50

EX Premium - $42,666.50

X-Line Limited - $46,066.50

HEV:

EX - $41,115.50

SX - $46,816.50

PHEV:

EX - $49,716.50

SX - $53,116.50

Design and Technologies

What particularly appeals to me about the 2024 Kia Sportage is that it doesn't resemble any other model currently available on the market. The Korean manufacturer has made the effort to create a vehicle that stands out from the crowd and offers such a unique aesthetic signature that it simply cannot be mistaken for another model. The current Sportage is very modern and advanced. Its design is characterized by its very angular and aggressive shapes.

The Korean manufacturer has done an excellent job with the interior. Normally, I'm not particularly fond of digital dashboards, but in the Sportage, it works. As for the rest, the ergonomics have clearly been well thought out. It's also a vehicle that offers plenty of comfort and a particularly spacious cargo area.

The Korean manufacturer's SUV is not lacking in terms of technology. Its multimedia system is simple and very pleasant to use. Navigation is also very smooth. As for the driving assistance technologies, they are effective without being too intrusive.

Performance

The 2024 Kia Sportage offers three options in terms of mechanics, starting with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine. It produces 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. This is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, but all-wheel drive is available as an option.

Next is the hybrid version, which offers a significantly more complex mechanics. It starts with a 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. This is coupled with an electric motor for a total output of 227 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This combination allows the Korean manufacturer's SUV to maintain an average consumption of 6.2 L/100 km. The plug-in hybrid version offers essentially the same mechanical combination. However, it benefits from a larger 13.8 kWh battery, which allows it to store enough energy to offer a range of 55 kilometers in 100% electric mode.

Weaknesses

I won't hide the fact that the gasoline-only mechanics are by far the least interesting of the bunch. The driving lacks a bit of sportiness.

Strengths

It's a competent SUV in almost everything. Its level of technology is very impressive. The Sportage never fails to turn heads as it passes by. It offers excellent value for money and impeccable finishing.

Signature Element

The Kia Sportage is a vehicle that excels in everything it does.

Final Word

Every vehicle has its strengths and weaknesses. However, in the case of the Kia Sportage, we're talking more about a success across the board or almost. In the end, all this to say that there isn't much to criticize about the Korean manufacturer's small SUV. It's for this reason that it is among the vehicles I recommend the most, not only in its segment.

Jean-Sébastien Poudrier