2017 Kia Sportage: What's New, Specs & Features

Last updated August 4, 2026

The 2017 Kia Sportage is a full redesign and the first model year of its fourth generation. Its biggest change is a larger, stronger body paired with a completely redesigned cabin.

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About the 2017 Kia Sportage

4th generation (2017-2022), first year of the redesign.

Kia marketed the Sportage as a compact SUV for shoppers who wanted more style than the usual small crossover without giving up daily usefulness. Official materials stress its European-inspired design, roomy and well-finished cabin, flexible cargo area, and available turbo power. In plain terms, the Sportage’s role is to be a five-passenger family crossover that feels a little more upscale and a little more athletic than many mainstream rivals.

The LX is the practical entry trim, with a 2.4-liter engine, a 5-inch touchscreen, a rearview camera, and flexible cargo storage. The EX adds leather, heated front seats, and a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the SX Turbo serves as the performance flagship with a turbocharged engine, sport-tuned suspension, an 8-inch navigation screen, and a broad driver-assistance package.

What changed, by category

Structural

A longer wheelbase created more rear-seat and cargo room. The stronger body, added sound insulation, and revised suspension and steering were designed to make the Sportage quieter, smoother, and more controlled.

Powertrain

The 2.4-liter and turbocharged 2.0-liter engines were retuned. Every trim used a 6-speed automatic transmission and included selectable driving modes.

Styling

The Sportage received an all-new fourth-generation body and a redesigned, driver-focused dashboard.

Tech

The touchscreen layout was modernized across the range. The LX gained a standard 5-inch touchscreen with a rearview-camera display, while the EX and SX featured Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Safety

The LX gained a standard rearview camera. The SX Turbo added a standard driver-assistance package with blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and front and rear parking sensors.

2017 Kia Sportage specs and features by trim

Feature	2017 Kia SportageEX12 in stock	2017 Kia SportageLX14 in stock	2017 Kia SportageSX3 in stock
Engine	4-Cyl, GDI, 2.4 Liter	4-Cyl, GDI, 2.4 Liter	4-Cyl, Turbo, GDI, 2.0L
Transmission	Auto, 6-Spd OD Sptmatc	Auto, 6-Spd OD Sptmatc	Auto, 6-Spd OD Sptmatc
Drivetrain	FWD	FWD	AWD
Fuel Type	Gas	Gas	Gas
MPG City	22 mpg	22 mpg	21 mpg
MPG Highway	29 mpg	29 mpg	26 mpg
Horsepower	181 hp	181 hp	241 hp
Torque	175 lb-ft	175 lb-ft	260 lb-ft
Max Towing	2000 lb	2000 lb	2000 lb
Trunk/Cargo	30.7 cu-ft	30.7 cu-ft	30.7 cu-ft
Rear Legroom	38.2 in	38.2 in	38.2 in
Seats	5	5	5
Doors	4	4	4
Safety & Security
Automatic Headlights
Blindspot Sensors
Lane Departure Warning
Park Assist
Rear View Camera
Exterior Features
Alloy Wheels
Fog Lights
Heated Mirrors
LED Tail Lights
Panorama Moon Roof
Power Folding Exterior Mirrors
Rear Spoiler
Roof Rails
Entertainment & Electronics
Bluetooth
LCD Instrument Cluster
Navigation System
Premium Audio
Satellite Radio
Smartphone Interface
Touch Screen Monitor
USB Ports
Comfort & Convenience
Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror
Dual Power Front Seats
Dual-Zone Climate Control
Heated Front Seats
Heated Steering Wheel
Integrated Garage Door Opener
Leather Seats
Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
Power Driver Seat
Proximity Keyless Entry
Push-Button Engine Start
Remote Start
Ventilated Front Seats

How the 2018 Kia Sportage compares

The most important change for the 2018 Kia Sportage is that the EX gains standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Otherwise, this is a light trim-equipment update following the full 2017 redesign.

See the full 2018 changes

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2017 Kia Sportage a redesign?

Yes. The 2017 Kia Sportage is the first year of the fourth generation, with an all-new body, a redesigned cabin, a longer wheelbase, and revised suspension and steering.

How is the 2017 Kia Sportage different from the 2016 model?

The 2017 Sportage is a major change from the 2016 model. It has a larger and stronger body, more passenger and cargo room, a quieter cabin, retuned engines, modernized touchscreens, and expanded safety equipment.

Does the 2017 Kia Sportage have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?

Yes, on the EX and SX trims. The EX has a 7-inch touchscreen, while the SX has an 8-inch navigation touchscreen; both support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Which 2017 Kia Sportage trim has the turbocharged engine?

The SX Turbo has the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. It also adds sport-tuned suspension, larger brakes, paddle shifters, upgraded lighting, and an 8-inch navigation touchscreen.

What driver-assistance features are on the 2017 Kia Sportage SX Turbo?

The 2017 Sportage SX Turbo includes blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and front and rear parking sensors.

2017 Kia Sportage Reviews

What owners are saying about the 2017 Kia Sportage.

4.3

2017 Kia Sportage

(617 reviews)

5 stars (283)

4 stars (232)

3 stars (83)

2 stars (15)

1 star (4)

“My Kia is a no nonsense vehicle that comes with an excellent factory warranty above all.”

RGRudolph G.
2017 Kia Sportage - AWD

“I absolutely love my Kia and it has been a perfect vehicle for me and my family, from hauling equipment to taking us on family trips it is super comfortable.”

TBTravis B.
2017 Kia Sportage - AWD

“A good simple vehicle that has carried me through a variety of roads and environments. Easy car to underestimate, but has not let me down once yet. I call it my shuttlecraft. It doesn't look fancy, but always gets me where I need to be.”

KRKevin R.
2017 Kia Sportage - AWD