2024 Kia Sportage: A Stylish Contender with Room for Improvement

The 2024 Kia Sportage rockets into the compact SUV arena with a bold redesign, a spacious interior, and a long list of standard features. But is its style enough to outshine a few shortcomings under the hood? Let's take a closer look.

Standing Out in a Crowd

Kia went all-in on aesthetics for the 2024 Sportage. The boxy silhouette of previous generations is gone, replaced by a sleek, futuristic design. The boomerang-shaped taillights and the aggressive front fascia with its wraparound LED headlights definitely turn heads. Love it or hate it, the Sportage won't blend into the background.

Inside, the transformation continues. The cabin boasts a modern, upscale feel with quality materials and a driver-centric layout. The curved panoramic touchscreen takes center stage, housing the infotainment system and climate controls. While some reviewers found the physical button reduction frustrating, others appreciated the clean, minimalist aesthetic.

Spacious and Feature-Packed

One area where the Sportage excels is passenger and cargo space. This SUV offers ample legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers, making it a comfortable choice for families. Folding down the rear seats unlocks nearly 75 cubic feet of cargo space, perfect for road trips or hauling gear.

Kia didn't skimp on standard features either. Even the base LX trim comes loaded with goodies like an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning. Higher trims offer additional luxuries like a panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated seats, a wireless charging pad, and a surround-sound audio system.

A Smidge Underpowered

The biggest critique of the 2024 Sportage lies in its base engine. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder delivers a modest 187 horsepower, which some reviewers found underwhelming. While it's sufficient for daily commutes, it struggles with passing power and feels sluggish on the highway.

The good news is that Kia offers alternatives. The Sportage Hybrid pairs the 2.5-liter engine with an electric motor for a significant boost in power and impressive fuel economy. The top-of-the-line Sportage PHEV (plug-in hybrid) takes it a step further, offering additional electric driving range for those who prioritize eco-friendliness.

A Smooth Ride with Off-Roading Options

The Sportage prioritizes comfort over sporty handling. The suspension delivers a smooth, quiet ride, making it a great choice for cruising and long journeys. While it won't win any awards for agility, it handles corners predictably and offers a composed driving experience.

For those who crave a bit of adventure, the X-Line and X-Pro trims offer all-wheel drive and a slightly increased ride height. However, don't expect a hardcore off-roader – the Sportage is better suited for light trails and dirt roads.

The Verdict: A Strong Contender with Reservations

The 2024 Kia Sportage is a compelling option in the compact SUV segment. It boasts a head-turning design, a spacious and comfortable interior, and a long list of features. However, the base engine's lackluster performance might leave some drivers wanting more.

If you prioritize power and efficiency, the Sportage Hybrid or PHEV are excellent choices. But for those who value style, comfort, and a plethora of standard features at a competitive price point, the 2024 Kia Sportage is definitely worth considering.  Just take it for a test drive to see if the engine pep matches your needs.