The 2017 Kia Sportage arrived as a bold redesign of Kia’s compact SUV, and even years later, it remains one of the most talked-about models in the used-car market. With its distinctive styling, improved cabin quality, and a choice of two engines—including a punchy turbocharged option—the 2017 Sportage managed to stand out in a segment dominated by the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Mazda CX-5. Whether you’re buying your first compact SUV or searching for a reliable family vehicle, this 2017 Kia Sportage overview breaks down everything you need to know: trims, performance, fuel economy, features, safety ratings, and long-term dependability.
A Quick Look at the 2017 Kia Sportage
The 2017 Sportage introduced the fourth generation of Kia’s popular compact crossover. Its redesigned front fascia—with a high-mounted headlamp setup and wide “tiger nose” grille—gave it a sportier, more European look. But the improvements went deeper than styling. Kia enhanced its structural rigidity, upgraded cabin materials, added advanced driver-assistance features, and refined both available powertrains.
The Sportage competes directly with the Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue, Mazda CX-5, and Ford Escape, offering a blend of technology, comfort, and value that still holds strong today.
Key Specifications at a Glance
Before diving into trims and features, here’s a quick overview of the 2017 Kia Sportage specs most buyers look for:
- Seating capacity: 5
- Cargo space: 30.7 cu ft behind rear seats; 60.1 cu ft with seats folded
- Engines:
- 2.4L 4-cylinder (LX & EX) – 181 hp / 175 lb-ft torque
- 2.0L Turbo (SX Turbo) – 240 hp FWD / 237 hp AWD
- Drivetrain: FWD standard; AWD optional on all trims
- Transmission: 6-speed automatic
- Fuel economy:
- 2.4L FWD: 23 city / 30 highway
- 2.0L Turbo FWD: 21 city / 26 highway
- Towing capacity: Up to 2,000 lbs
Trim Levels Explained: LX vs EX vs SX Turbo
Kia simplified the 2017 Sportage lineup into three trims, each catering to different types of drivers.
Kia Sportage LX (Base Model)
The LX trim keeps things practical and affordable. It includes:
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- Rearview camera
- Bluetooth, USB, and 5-inch touchscreen
- Cloth upholstery
- Drive Mode Select
- Optional AWD
This trim suits buyers looking for a dependable, well-equipped compact SUV without unnecessary frills.
Kia Sportage EX (Most Balanced)
The EX is the sweet spot for most buyers, offering:
- Leather-trimmed seating
- 7-inch touchscreen with Android Auto & Apple CarPlay
- Keyless entry with push-button start
- Heated front seats
- 18-inch wheels
It combines value with modern tech, making it the most recommended trim for used-SUV shoppers.
Kia Sportage SX Turbo (Performance Model)
If you want a compact SUV with a hint of adrenaline, the SX Turbo delivers:
- 2.0L turbocharged engine
- 19-inch alloy wheels
- LED fog lights
- Enhanced suspension tuning
- Navigation + premium audio
- Hands-free liftgate
It’s one of the more athletic options in the segment, rivaling the Mazda CX-5 and Ford Escape 2.0T.
Exterior Design: Stylish, Bold, and Attention-Grabbing
The 2017 Sportage made headlines for its unconventional front-end design. The wide lower grille, separated high-position headlights, and optional quad LED fog lights gave it a modern European appearance inspired by the Porsche Macan.
The rear features sharp taillights connected by a sleek metallic strip, and the sloping roofline adds to the crossover’s sporty character. Buyers can choose between 17-, 18-, and 19-inch wheels, depending on trim. Overall, it’s one of the more distinctive designs in the compact SUV class.
Interior, Comfort & Technology
Inside, the 2017 Kia Sportage takes a more premium approach than many rivals. Soft-touch materials, an angled dashboard, and solid build quality help it feel like a more expensive SUV. The seats are supportive on long drives, and the cabin is surprisingly quiet thanks to additional insulation and improved chassis rigidity.
Infotainment & Features
- 5-inch or 7-inch touchscreen
- Apple CarPlay / Android Auto (EX and up)
- UVO eServices
- Bluetooth streaming
- Available navigation system
- Optional Harman/Kardon premium audio
Rear-seat space is comfortable for adults, though cargo capacity is slightly smaller than the Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4. Still, its flexibility, flat-folding seats, and smart under-floor storage make the Sportage practical for daily use.
Performance & Driving Experience
The 2.4L engine offers smooth, predictable power suitable for city and highway driving. Most buyers find it perfectly adequate for commuting and family trips.
The SX Turbo’s 2.0L engine, however, transforms the Sportage into a lively, responsive SUV. It accelerates quickly, overtakes confidently, and provides a more engaging drive than many mainstream competitors.
Ride & Handling
- Well-balanced suspension
- Precise steering
- Optional AWD with locking center differential
- Confident cornering for a compact SUV
The Sportage leans slightly more toward sportiness compared to the Toyota RAV4 or Nissan Rogue, making it a great choice for drivers who value road feel.
Fuel Economy & Ownership Costs
Fuel economy varies by engine and drivetrain, but the Sportage tends to deliver slightly lower MPG numbers than top rivals.
Real-world estimates:
- 2.4L FWD: ~25–27 mpg combined
- 2.0T AWD: ~21–23 mpg combined
Routine maintenance costs remain reasonable, and used models with consistent service records tend to hold value well in most markets.
Safety Ratings & Driver-Assistance Features
The 2017 Sportage earned strong crash-test scores, including the IIHS Top Safety Pick when equipped with optional safety systems.
Available safety features include:
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Blind-spot detection
- Lane-departure warning
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Parking sensors and rear camera
These systems—especially on EX and SX Turbo trims—make the Sportage a strong pick for families and daily commuters.
Reliability, Common Issues & Long-Term Ownership
Overall, the 2017 Kia Sportage ranks above average in reliability, although owners have reported a few recurring issues:
Commonly reported concerns:
- AC system glitches
- Occasional engine noise on older 2.4L units
- Infotainment system freeze-ups
- Premature brake wear on higher-mileage SX Turbo models
To avoid surprises, always check:
- Full service history
- Recall status using the VIN
- Condition of turbo components (on SX Turbo)
With proper maintenance, the 2017 Sportage is known to easily reach 150,000–200,000 miles.
2017 Kia Sportage vs Rivals
Compared with the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Mazda CX-5, the Sportage stands out for:
- Better interior quality than many competitors
- Stronger turbo performance
- More European-inspired design
- Long warranty (in certain markets)
Where it trails slightly:
- Smaller cargo space than CR-V
- Lower fuel economy
- Some reliability fluctuations across engines
Related: 2016 Kia Sportage Overview
Is the 2017 Kia Sportage a Good Used SUV?
Absolutely—if you choose the right trim and verify maintenance history. The EX offers the best balance of price, features, and reliability, while the SX Turbo is the pick for drivers who want sportier performance. With its strong safety scores, upscale cabin, and competitive feature set, the 2017 Kia Sportage remains one of the most compelling used SUVs in its class.
