2020 Kia Sportage Overview
Photo: Kia
The Kia Sportage made its debut in 1993 and was originally considered a compact SUV until 2004, when it was re-categorized as a compact crossover SUV. Since its inception, the Sportage has undergone a few facelifts and is now in its fourth generation. The 2020 Kia Sportage was unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show in February and is available at dealerships nationwide.
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What’s new for the 2020 Kia Sportage?
The subtle but noteworthy changes on the outside of the 2020 Sportage include a new metallic Steel Grey exterior color, new headlights with available LED turn indicators, and new front and rear fascias. The projector-beam fog lights, exhaust tip, skid plate, alloy wheels, air intakes, front grille, rear bumper, and tail light trim have all been upgraded. On the inside, new SOFINO leatherette seating is available on the S trim while the steering wheel has been newly designed along with the vent bezels.
Exterior
As mentioned, the new Kia Sportage received some minor upgrades and adjustments for the 2020 model year. However, when it comes down to separating the four trims — LX, S, EX, and SX Turbo — there are some varying features to choose from.
On the base LX trim, the 2020 Sportage is equipped with a Matte Black and Bright Chrome grille, power-adjustable mirrors, a heated rear windshield, LED Daytime Running Lights, and High Beam Assist. Moving up to the S trim, you’ll get a heating element added to the power-adjustable mirrors while the EX trim offers a windshield wiper de-icer. The top-of-the-line SX Turbo trim is where you’ll find an incredible panoramic sunroof with a power sunshade as well as LED lighting from front to back.
Interior
Comfort and convenience go hand-in-hand on any vehicle, and Kia made sure the 2020 Sportage’s cabin was filled with helpful and plush features. If you’re looking for ease of comfort in the driver’s seat, you’ll want to skip the LX and S trims and move up to the EX trim, where you’ll get a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with two-way power lumbar support. However, don’t cast the S trim aside just yet; it comes with a leather-wrapped steering wheel, paddle shifters, and alloy sport pedals. Ultimate comfort is presented in the SX Turbo trim with its leather seating, eight-way power-adjustable front passenger’s seat and heated steering wheel.
Technology is vital in any modern vehicle. The LX trim of the new Sportage comes with an 8-inch touch screen, Bluetooth, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. If you’re hoping to get an orchestra of sound in the cabin, opt for the SX Turbo trim and its harman kardon premium surround sound system with Clari-Fi and eight speakers. You’ll also get Voice-Command Navigation and SiriusXM Satellite Radio and Traffic when you choose this top trim.
Performance
The first three trims (LX, S, and EX) of the 2020 Kia Sportage are all equipped with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electronically controlled six-speed automatic transmissions with Sportmatic. Combined, this powertrain can produce up to 181 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque. However, you’ll find a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder under the hood of the SX Turbo trim. When paired with the same six-speed automatic, the Sportage can get up to 240 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque.
Efficiency
As expected, depending on the model you choose, you’ll get varying fuel economy estimates. With the 2.4-liter four-cylinder on the LX, S, and EX trims, the Sportage gets 23 mpg in the city, 30 mpg on the highway, and 26 mpg combined when equipped with front-wheel drive. Efficiency drops slightly for all-wheel drive models, getting 22 mpg in the city, 26 mpg on the highway, and 23 mpg combined.
The SX Turbo trim and its turbocharged engine are more about power than efficiency. As such, the front-wheel drive model can get an estimated 20 mpg in the city, 28 mpg on the highway, and 23 mpg combined. The lowest fuel economy numbers are present on the all-wheel drive models, which get 19 mpg in the city, 24 mpg on the highway, and 21 mpg combined.
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Safety
You’ll find a collection of standard safety features starting on the base LX trim of the 2020 Sportage, like an advanced suite of airbags, a rear view camera, anti-lock brakes, and stability control systems. However, when you move up the trims, you have the ability to add even more driver-assistive enhancements along the way.
For example, Blind-Spot Collision Warning and Rear Cross Traffic Collision Warning are standard on the S trim, giving you an extra set of eyes when you’re attempting to change lanes or heading in reverse. And when you choose the SX Turbo trim, a Front and Rear Parking Assist System will alert you if you’re getting too close to an object when parking.
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