KIA Sportage 2019 reviews

1. Introduction

Designed in Frankfurt, Germany, the Sportage outclasses its class in terms of refinement and contemporary design. It is without a doubt a beautiful vehicle and always impresses friends and random passersby when they see it in the driveway or out and about. It is the highest-selling global model for Kia Motors, and the refreshed 2019 model is poised to continue this success with an array of enhancements to the brand's reputation for quality, innovation, and value. The compact SUV market is full of great choices. Stepping into the driver's seat and taking the Sportage for a ride, immediately noticeable this is a quiet and smooth ride. All 2019 models feature an updated steering wheel, eco-friendly heated/fan ventilation driver and passenger seats, and the latest in driver assist technology, ushering in a host of new driver conveniences. The SX Turbo also receives an updated, more vibrant Supervision cluster and full LED interior lighting. On the outside, the SX is further differentiated with a new wheel design. Emergency Stop Signaling (ESS) has also been added to all models for an extra level of safety. At its core, the Sportage is a roomy, comfortable, and feature-packed crossover SUV at a great value; with the 2019 Kia Sportage, this statement is truer than ever. Refined from the inside out, the Sportage boasts an impressive combination of performance, capability, technology, and comfort in a very competitively-priced package. This is seen no better than in the EX and SX trims which offer increased luxury and convenience features. A tremendous warranty program and a Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety are also key selling points. Depending on what you are looking for in a small SUV, the Sportage likely has something for everyone. Read through the rest of this Kia Sportage owner's manual to learn everything you need to know. (Goddard et al., 2022)

1.1. Overview of the Kia Sportage 2019

This multitude of trim and equipment combinations will allow buyers to find the perfect Sportage to suit their needs at a competitive price.

The SX is the top-of-the-line model and includes a turbocharged engine, 18-inch alloy wheels, a sports-tuned suspension, bi-xenon HID headlights, a unique front grille, metal-look skid plates, LED tail lights, a power adjustable passenger seat, a heated steering wheel and shift knob, a paddle shifter, and an eight-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system. The SX starts at around $33,000 and offers an $1,800 SX touring package which includes a panoramic sunroof, navigation, ventilated front seats, a heated rear bench, and a compact spare tire.

The EX model starts at around $28,000 and adds LED running lights, fog lights, and exterior mirrors with turn signal indicators. The EX also gets a smart key with push button start, a 7-inch color touchscreen with UVO eServices telematics, along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, dual-zone climate control, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and a 10-way power adjustable driver's seat. The EX's $2,400 technology package adds a panoramic sunroof, power liftgate, and blind spot detection with rear cross-traffic alert. Visit our Introduction to Kia Ownership Benefits to learn More about Kia Sportage vs Sorento.

Available in LX, EX, and SX trims, the Sportage has a starting price of just under $24,000. Standard equipment on the LX includes a six-speed automatic transmission, air conditioning, 17-inch alloy wheels, a tilt-and-telescoping steering column, power windows and door locks, privacy glass, keyless entry, a 60/40 split-folding rear seat, and a four-speaker audio system with iPod/USB interface and satellite radio. All-wheel drive is available as an option. The popular equipment package adds a rearview camera, Uvo voice-activated infotainment, and a power driver's seat with lumbar support.

The Kia Sportage 2019 is a compact SUV designed for busy people with big ideas. An eye-catching exterior design, a host of convenience features and creature comforts, and advanced technology make the Sportage an exceptionally well-rounded package.

1.2. Key Features and Advantages

Standard safety features Our first standout feature is a rear camera display located on the 7, 8 or 10-inch AV screen display, depending on the variant chosen. A dynamic parking guidance system moves the rear camera display to show drivers the best angle and path for parking a car. When in reverse, this system will show the car's projected path and will illustrate the wheel track with a colored line. Reverse sensors are available on all grades and will give an audible warning if you get too close to an object. For the Si Premium grade and above, we offer front parking sensors to make it easier to avoid low-speed accidents which can occur in tight parking spots. Both GT-Line grades provide peace of mind for drivers with a front and side view monitoring system which activates with the car's left or right indicator and will display on the cluster the car's proximity to the curb or any objects – perfect for avoiding potential damage to your Kia. This is all in addition to the standard safety features across all grades which can be viewed in the Safety and technology section. (POSTERS)

1.3. Why the Kia Sportage 2019 Stands Out in the Market

Designed to help users make confident decisions online, this website contains information about a wide range of products and services. Certain details, including but not limited to prices and special offers, are provided to us directly from our partners and are dynamic and subject to change at any time without prior notice. Though based on meticulous research, the information we share does not constitute legal or professional advice or forecast, and should not be treated as such. Whether you're just coasting or seeking adventure, the 2019 Award Winning Kia Sportage has you covered. With four different trims and three powerful engines, the Sportage is an ideal crossover SUV designed with both style and function. Any model you choose is designed to give you the utmost comfort and luxury while upholding the highest performance standards. So why does the 2019 Kia Sportage stand out in the market today? Allow us to explain. (Hindam, 2020)

2. Performance and Efficiency

Performance without handling capabilities is like having a wide receiver with speed, but no hands; it just doesn't quite cut it. The Sportage has struck an ideal balance between ride comfort and handling agility. If you have a family, chances are safety is a key concern when deciding on a new vehicle. Rest assured knowing that Sportage has a high-strength steel foundation that offers improved body rigidity helping to provide better safety, ride quality, and handling. With safety being the primary concern, the vehicle was built and tested in Nürburgring, Germany to ensure top-tier performance and safety in its handling capabilities. To an enthusiast, the thought of an SUV being track tested may seem intimidating, but the end result was a vehicle that boasts superior ride and handling. Now in simpler terms, the Sportage is as safe as houses and handles like a dream.

As a 2.4L inline-4 engine option available for the LX and EX trims, you're guaranteed an unrivaled performance on the road. This engine option delivers a healthy 181-hp and 175 lb.-ft. of torque, making this compact SUV an athletic sensation while passing other vehicles on the interstate. Coming in a close second is the 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 powertrain which is available on the SX Turbo trim. Whether it is the need for speed or just pure exhilaration, this second engine option offers just that with 240-hp and 260 lb.-ft. of torque. The standard FWD can be exchanged with Dynamax™ AWD, featuring locking center differential that includes increased traction. Much like how a quarterback feels protected by his offensive line, the Sportage will leave you with a sense of security and confidence when steering through harsh weather conditions. These engine and drivetrain options truly embody Kia's motto of "the power to surprise".

2.1. Powerful Engine Options

The Sportage’s refined, powerful engine options epitomize its dynamic performance. Kia’s popular 2.0-liter CRDi (Common-Rail Direct injection) diesel engine has been updated for the Sportage. It produces 184 ps and 400 Nm of torque, making it the most powerful in the Sportage range. The 2.0 CRDi engine is now available with a new 8-speed automatic gearbox, and is also offered with all-wheel drive. A new mild-hybrid 2.0 CRDi powertrain is also available on the all-wheel drive model, featuring a 48-volt lithium-ion battery that stores energy captured during deceleration and provides electric power assistance under acceleration. This reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, while the standard 2.0 CRDi benefits from the new 8-speed automatic gearbox as well. Last but not least, is Kia’s new efficient and responsive 1.6-litre CRDi engine, which replaces the popular 1.7-litre CRDi engine in the Sportage line-up. Available with front-wheel drive, the U3 engine is the cleanest diesel engine ever produced by Kia, consisting primarily of aluminium and weighing 18 kg less than the engine it replaces. The U3 1.6 CRDi is the first engine to be launched as part of Kia’s new diesel powertrain electrification strategy. In addition to all this diesel power, the Sportage is available with a 1.6 GDi petrol engine, now available with Kia’s all-new 7-speed DCT, which replaces the six-speed automatic. The 1.6 GDi engine has also been updated to meet the latest Euro 6d emissions standard. This wide range of advanced, efficient powertrains provides Sportage customers with the perfect blend of performance and economy to suit their driving needs.

2.2. Smooth and Responsive Handling

An SUV may provide more space, cargo room, and ground clearance than a typical midsize/compact car, but the deal-breaker is always the driving quality. You lose the feel of a car when you are in a typical truck-based SUV. The KIA Sportage changes that with its high-performance, low-emission engine, which boasts increased power and better fuel economy. The improved fuel economy, accompanied by a lightweight 2.7-liter DOHC V6, translates into the feeling of driving a car while not sacrificing the power and space of an SUV. By no means is this an "off-roader". The KIA Sportage has been designed with on-road performance as the primary focus. With firm shocks that allow just the right amount of pliancy over bumps, which competitors may find too harsh, paired with this and best-in-class handling, wide torque range, and throttle response, it ensures your safety in even the most hazardous of conditions. This is aided by the option of full-time all-wheel drive with a locking center differential, activating when acceleration across slippery surfaces is detected. This would potentially get you out of a jam. The KIA Sportage is the closest thing to an SUV for those who don't want or like SUVs. Step back into the world of a car while remaining in the body of a V6 compact SUV. (Synák et al., 2021)

2.3. Impressive Fuel Efficiency

Performance isn't always about power, however, and the fuel efficiency of the Sportage is really impressive. There has been a general trend for manufacturers to offer smaller, more efficient cars as a way to improve fuel consumption. The Sportage's goal is to provide a more fuel-efficient option without going down this route, and it has achieved this. This is perfect for those people who have an active lifestyle and require an SUV to meet their needs, such as towing, but still want good fuel economy. The 2WD variants come with a 2.0L turbocharged diesel engine or 2.0L and 2.4L petrol engines, all showing great efficiency given the performance on offer. Those after the most economical Sportage should consider the 2.0L diesel, providing the best fuel economy within the diesel range. The diesel also provides an alternative to the all-wheel drive (AWD) system available in the 2.4L petrol, by offering an on-demand all-wheel drive option with the Dynamax intelligent AWD system. This system always operates in front-wheel drive to improve fuel economy and can automatically distribute torque to rear wheels when AWD is required to enhance traction and stability. This is a similar story for the 2WD petrol variants featuring the same AWD system. Finally, the flagship Sportage GT Line model tops off the fuel-efficient, powerful engine options offered for the 2WD by providing a 2.4L petrol engine with a very efficient 6-speed automatic.

This power is balanced with true on-road efficiency. You see, Kia has worked to create a powerful and smooth driving experience through a range of engine options. The new Kia Sportage's engine lineup differentiates it from its competitors by providing a wider range of choice to suit different driving styles and driver needs. With the volume petrol engine, diesel, or the powerful new GT line model, there is a Sportage to suit everyone's requirements. At the same time, the smooth and responsive handling that can be attributed to the Sportage is not compromised regardless of the engine type - providing an effortless and enjoyable driving experience.

3. Stylish Design and Comfort

The Sportage has been praised for its 'distinctive' design and range of colour choices. Its dynamic curve bending headlights and front grill give the car a bold look that is easily noticed. The side profile of the car is simple yet elegant, with a high belt line accentuating the Sorento's dynamic and robust appearance. The rear of the car is defined by a muscular shoulder line and a highly sculptured rear tailgate, giving the Sportage a more aggressive look. The 'GT-Line' model adds unique features such as distinct chrome dual exhaust tip finish, metal finish skid plates, red brake calipers, 19-inch alloy wheels, slim line sports bumper, and much more, all adding to the all-round sportier looking car. The Kia Sportage has 11 different exterior colour choices to choose from, and each one of them has a premium finish. This gives customers a broad range of choice, something not many cars on the market have these days. With that, the Kia Sportage is fun to personalise and recreate to what the customer really desires. With an attention to detail like no other, the Kia Sportage is the benchmark of a compact SUV. (Synák et al., 2021)

3.1. Eye-Catching Exterior Design

The Design Center at Namyang, Korea is the birthplace of all designs for Kia vehicles, where 350 skilled designers work on model cars. The main focus is so that customers can feel and see the true difference between a Kia vehicle standard and the competition. Kia's designers are improving the visual communication of its brand and ensuring its vehicles are instantly recognizable. With an ambitious endeavor to become a global leader in automotive design, Kia is set to engineer future vehicles that further enhance consumer appeal. Core to this vision is an ethos to introduce a greater variety of vehicle types while more effectively catering to the specific needs and desires of different global regions.

Kia Motors industry represents an incredible and astonishing eye-catching design of a powerful car. Kia Motors Corporation moved its vision into the design-motion stage in 2004 and has been gripping it since. With the involvement of Chief Design Officer Peter Schreyer, Kia and its affiliated partner Hyundai are aiming for Europe, Asia, and the United States for a greater brand image and awareness in the hope of achieving success. The idea was to focus on suitable sections of a car, evolving the design of a vehicle to make it more attractive.

3.2. Spacious and Luxurious Interior

The Kia Sportage 2019 provides the luxury of space to stretch out. So go ahead, push back and relax. With ample head and leg room for all passengers, the front and rear seats have been improved to offer a more comfortable ride. The driver's seat with power lumbar support and the front passenger's seat are available with a ventilation system, designed to keep you cool on a hot day. With the available panoramic sunroof, you get one more way to take in the open air and enjoy the spacious cabin. In any configuration, the Sportage is a comfortable place to be. The Sportage's supple ride and quiet cabin further boost its strong comfort score. It's a pleasant highway cruiser with a roomy interior that offers enough space for adults to sit comfortably in both the front and rear seats. The Sportage's 60/40-split folding rear seats aren't as easy to operate as the flat-folding units in some competitors, but they make it easy to expand the cargo area. All models feature a tilt-and-telescoping steering column and height-adjustable driver seat, so it's easy for most drivers to get comfortable, helped by the nicely arranged controls and good visibility out the front. High-quality materials and modern design give the cabin an upscale vibe that does justice to the top-touring SX and SX Turbo. No matter which trim level you choose, it's one of the classiest cabins in the compact SUV segment. (Колотило, 2020)

3.3. Advanced Technology and Infotainment Features

There is definitely no shortage of advanced technology in the 2019 Kia Sportage. Technology is smartly integrated throughout the vehicle, making the driving and riding experience more convenient, easy, and fulfilling. The vehicle's UVO infotainment system comes with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and is available with an 8-inch touchscreen. It is also available with UVO eServices, which includes features to help drivers keep track of their parking locations, vehicle diagnostics, and active safety features. Overall, the UVO system is intuitive and easy to use, with simple menus and good responsiveness to touch inputs. The standard display audio system with a 5-inch touchscreen is less impressive, with no option for a navigation system. The Sportage is available with a 320-watt Harman Kardon audio system, which turns the vehicle into a moving concert with Clari-Fi restoration technology and eight speakers. The vehicle can be equipped with a wireless charger for compatible smartphones and a 7-inch LCD cluster ionizer. Dual-zone automatic climate control and rear vents are a must, perfectly complementing the automatic rear liftgate. Additional technology features include a Smart Welcome system, which detects your key and automatically opens the liftgate once the key is within range for three seconds. The Sportage offers plenty of driver assistance technology as well. Autonomous emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, blind spot detection, and rear cross-traffic alert are available in the LX and EX Premium packages at a minimum. Higher packages add on autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection, dynamic bending lights, front and rear parking sensors, a supervisory driver mode for young drivers, and an electronic parking brake. With the exceptions of the LX and EX FWD and AWD models, all trims come standard with a backup camera.

4. Safety and Reliability

Top Ratings and Awards for Safety The safety features in the vehicle also correlate to top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA. The vehicle's overall rating in the IIHS received a 'good' in 6 categories, and an 'acceptable' in the small overlap front: driver side category. The vehicle also received a 5-star overall rating in the NHTSA, including five 5-stars in frontal crash, side crash, and rollover. Awards given to the vehicle include the 2018 IIHS top safety rating award, and the 2019 NHTSA five-star safety qualifications. These accolades stand as evidence that the Kia Sportage is a safe vehicle to travel in.

Comprehensive Safety Features Because safety is prioritized for both the driver and passenger, Kia made sure to give the best protection in any circumstances. The body of a car is important when considering safety. The vehicle utilizes an ACE body structure which disperses frontal impact energy through a wider area. This structure is also engineered to displace frontal impact away from the passengers. Inside the vehicle, there is an array of airbags to protect the head, front, and sides of passengers. Seat belt reminders are also included, as well as child safety features such as childproof rear door locks, and LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children). Engineers also kept in mind to avoid vehicles from rolling over, thus including features for vehicle stability assist, and a 4-wheel drive assist lock.

4.1. Comprehensive Safety Features

Kia’s are known to be safe vehicles, and the new 2019 Kia Sportage steps it up even further with some great new active safety technology. With features like AEB (autonomous emergency braking) being standard on all models, this is a move in the right direction and will benefit all Kia drivers. An extra feature on the GT-Line is the addition of lane departure warning and BSD (blind spot detection). This new technology expands the range of scenarios in which the car can assist with accident prevention and minimization. The new lane-keeping assist uses the camera to detect the lane the vehicle is in and will apply steering torque to move the vehicle back into the lane if it senses the vehicle is veering. A very handy tool, especially for long-distance driving. The crash avoidance features are designed for higher speed driving and are also a great addition to the Sportage’s safety design. AEB operates the same way as the FC system, but it will apply the brakes if the system determines the risk and potential severity of a collision. This works in unison with the new forward collision warning system and the pedestrian AEB. Both will warn you of a potential impact and apply the brakes. These features have been tested in this year's ANCAP crash safety assessments and have contributed to a 5-star safety rating for the 2019 Kia Sportage. Feels safer already!

4.2. Top Ratings and Awards for Safety

Kia has always been built with safety in mind. The Sportage is no different, and in case of any doubts, it's nice to see that the Sportage has received excellent safety ratings across the board. It has received 5 stars in the Euro NCAP (New Car Assessment Program) crash tests. It was also awarded the 'Top Safety Pick' from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). This is great recognition for a vehicle, as the IIHS are the people who pay close attention to vehicle safety in the United States. They perform crash tests to vehicles and have acceptable, marginal or poor ratings based on performance. The Sportage came out with the highest rating possible in its crashworthiness tests, an 'acceptable' rating for the small overlap front test, and a 'good' rating for its headlight performance. Speaking of the Safety Pick designation and headlights, it's worth mentioning that the designations will only be awarded to vehicles that have certain specifications of optional equipment, and for small SUVs like the Sportage, it needs to have acceptable headlights and front crash prevention with an 'advanced' or 'superior' rating. So some of the improved ratings from the Sportage's 2017 facelift models and 2019 models may have been down to having new safety add-ons, rather than modification in the structure of the vehicle. Despite that, it's clear that the Sportage is serious about its safety!

4.3. Long-lasting Durability and Dependability

Engineers have also addressed the need for dependability in stop and go traffic. The clutch in a manual transmission vehicle is the direct link to a driver's control over the engine. Wear on the clutch can cause a significant degradation in performance and fuel economy. The Sportage has been tested in worst case scenarios, repeatedly starting and stopping on a 30 degree incline with the trailer attached. This test represents conditions in heavy urban traffic, as well as the strain of towing. The aim is to perfect the friction point of the clutch to minimize slippage and heat build up, ensuring that no matter what the conditions the vehicle will start with ease and maintain performance for the life of the vehicle. The same effect on durability has been revisited in the development of the 6-speed automatic transmission. High and low-speed durability testing will simulate 150,000 miles of driving to ensure the long-term performance of the transmission.

Before any other vehicle is even considered safe, the basic requirement is that it runs. The 2019 Kia Sportage is put through the ringer, enduring extreme conditions to ensure that it will start in the most inclement weather. Whether it is a weekend ski trip, or driving through a rainstorm to get to work, people count on their compact SUV to start and keep on running. The Sportage has been tested in 20 degrees below zero temperatures in Yellowknife, Canada as well as Death Valley, California to ensure that it will start up in any temperature.You also can read our article In-depth 2019 Sportage review.

References:

Goddard, T., McDonald, A., Wei, R., & Batra, D., 2022. Advanced driver assistance systems in top-selling vehicles in the United States: cost, vehicle type, and trim level disparities. Findings. findingspress.org

POSTERS, D., . E200. namwheels.com. namwheels.com

Hindam, M. H. A. M., 2020. Development strategies for a new product in the automotive sector: The Jeep case. polito.it

Synák, F., Synak, J., & Skrúcaný, T., 2021. Assessing the addition of hydrogen and oxygen into the engine's intake air on selected vehicle features. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy. sciencedirect.com

Колотило, ОА, 2020. Car-free city project for Opole. nau.edu.ua​​​​​​