The revised Sportage is the new benchmark medium SUV, combining a long, incredibly athletic shape with an irrepressible attitude. It has cutting-edge technology, a distinctive design language, avant-garde spaciousness, and a thrilling driving experience.
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The Kia Sportage is a midrange or compact SUV.
passenger comfort and space For 2023, Kia expanded the Sportage to set the two apart. Now it’s almost midsize. There is standard passenger space for the small SUV class in the front seats. Adults may ride back there comfortably because the back seats have greater space than many competitors.
How big is a Kia Sportage compared to a Ford Escape?
The Sportage and Escape both have beautiful front ends that give off a pleasant vibe when you glance at their exteriors. The Kia, on the other hand, flaunts more sophisticated signals and graceful curves, while the Escape flaunts a tuner look. Compared to the Sportage, which is 176.4 inches long, the Escape is a little bit longer at 181.3 inches. Additionally, the Ford is an inch broader than the Kia, so parking it in confined spots could seem a little tight. The Kia Sportage is smaller and more organized than the Ford Escape because it resembles a coupe.
Ford offers eight to ten metallic color options for the Escape’s S, SE, SEL, and Titanium models. The other three trims feature two electric options: hybrid and plug-in hybrid, with the exception of the entry-level S trim. Choosing the ideal car with the ideal choices and color to fit your personality might be difficult with so many options available.
With only four Sportage trim levels available, Kia has kept things straightforward. You have a choice of six vivid, attention-grabbing colors with the LX, S, EX, and SX turbo variants. Pacific Blue, Hyper Red, Burnished Copper, and Black Cherry are among the darkest hues. Steel Gray, Clear White, or Sparkling Silver are your lighter color options.
Both cars have modern bodywork, some levels have a sunroof and a shiny black grille. For explorers who prefer dark and ominous aesthetics on their Kia, the Kia Sportage features a unique dusk edition on the S trim. Every time you hit the road, the Sportage can indulge your indulgence thanks to its athletic styling and buttery smooth handling.
The Kia Sportage is a compact automobile.
A compact crossover SUV, the Sportage has expanded in size and features for the most recent model year. The Sportage competes with models like the Hyundai Tucson, Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Ford Escape thanks to its five-seat capacity and new off-road-oriented variants.
The updated Sportage’s outstanding safety and convenience features, spacious interior, and variety of options help it overcome its uninspiring driving dynamics. Before a safety rating is determined, it receives a strong TCC Rating of 7.0 out of 10. (Learn more about our rating system for automobiles.)
Due to its longer body, the fifth-generation Sportage has a sharper face and a roomier interior. The portfolio now includes seven models with gas, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid powertrains thanks to the two off-road trims X-Line and X-Pro.
To match the wider proportions of its best-selling crossover, Kia widened its face. The Sportage is distinguished from daylight to darkness by vertical DRLs that boomerang from the bumper to the fender and by LED lights up front and back. For a clean, classy design that resembles a Subaru more than the adventurous Hyundai Tucson, X-models have a black roof that supports elevated roof rails and subtle black cladding that runs over round wheel arches.
The majority of vehicles include a 12.3-inch touchscreen inside, which is complemented by a touch panel for the climate settings. Gasoline vehicles feature a mechanical shifter, whereas hybrid models have a dial shifter. The emphasis on space may be seen in the deep storage cubbies and adjustable cupholders.
There are essentially four different driving personalities available for the Sportage. A grudging 8-speed automated and a 187-hp 2.5-liter inline-4 engine are included. Front-wheel drive is also available. Standard all-wheel drive and off-road improvements that can withstand rutted service roads or mountainous backcountry pathways are added by the X-Pro grades. At 43 mpg combined, a 227-hp hybrid with a 1.6-liter turbo-4 and a 6-speed automatic drives more smoothly and efficiently. The Sportage’s independent suspension leans during turns and wallows over bumps in any of the test versions. 32 miles of all-electric range are promised by an upcoming plug-in hybrid.
The Sportage went from being one of the smallest in its class to one of the roomiest by tucking between the smaller Kia Seltos and the three-row Kia Sorento, with which it shares a platform.
In the new Sportage, safety is still as important as interior room. Automatic emergency braking, active lane control, and parking sensors are all included in the standard safety equipment. A surround-view camera system is an option and is useful for off-roading as well as mall parking. Crash test results are awaited for the new Sportage.
Prices range from $27,245 for the entry-level LX with front-wheel drive to $38,045 for the all-wheel-drive X-Pro Prestige. A $1,255 destination fee is included in the price. Along with X-Pro and X-Pro Prestige, the enlarged selection also includes LX, EX, SX, SX-Prestige, and X-Line. AWD is standard on vehicles with the X badge, but it can be added to other trims for $1,800. All-wheel drive (AWD) hybrids are available in the LX, EX, and SX-Prestige trim levels.
A 12.2-inch digital instrument cluster, an 8.0-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay, and Bluetooth connection for two phones at once are all included as standard features. There are options for dual 12.3-inch panels hidden under a single curved glass panel, wireless smartphone charging, and Harman Kardon audio.
Along with the Telluride, Sorento, and K5, the majority of Sportages will be produced at West Point, Georgia. Some will come from South Korea, and others.
The Kia Sportage is it a small car?
Verdict The Kia Sportage is a beautiful and athletic compact crossover that will appeal to the majority of purchasers despite not being as efficient as its rivals.
Is the Kia Sportage roomy?
Both rows of seats are roomy and comfy, and the back seats may slide and recline. Expanding rear legroom reaches a class-leading 41.3 inches. Only a few hard plastic components that add to the premium feel of the cabin detract from its exceptional build quality.
What full-size SUV does Kia offer?
For two years running, the Kia Telluride has been named as the best SUV by Edmunds. The largest in Kia’s series, this midsize three-row SUV can accommodate up to eight passengers. The Telluride has received high marks from our experts for its comfortable third-row seating for adults and smooth ride quality.
Is the Kia Sportage an SUV or a crossover?
*The price listed as the “Starting MSRP” is the MSRP for the base model trim. The MSRP of the model is listed in the “Build and Price” section. Destination and handling fees, taxes, title, license fees, extras, and dealer fees are not included in the MSRP. vehicles with optional extras displayed. Dealer sets the actual pricing, which can change. The “Build and Price section” contains information on the applicable destination and handling fees for each model. Details are available from the dealer. Some features are exclusive to certain bundles. Details can be found on the “Features & Specifications” and “Options” pages. The availability of vehicles, destination and handling costs, colors, materials, specs, features, accessories, packages, and models are all subject to change at any time by Kia America, Inc. typographical or technological issues not my fault.
Which vehicle is superior, the Ford Escape or the Kia Sportage?
There are many cars that are, at best, poor in the crowded small SUV sector. There are also a few notable performers in it. In this comparison, we’ll take a look at an outstanding small SUV and one that nearly qualifies as “mediocre.” But what precisely distinguishes them? Which one offers the greatest deal to customers? Stay with us through this study; at the end, we’ll tell you which vehicle is a better buy, the 2021 Kia Sportage or the 2021 Ford Escape.
Let’s start with some interesting facts about each car. The Hyundai Tucson, the 2021 Kia Sportage’s corporate sibling, is quite reminiscent. If you’ve ever operated a Tucson, the Sportage will feel incredibly comfortable. The Sportage from this year has a ton of standard amenities and allows you choose an economical all-wheel drive option if front-wheel drive isn’t enough. The Sportage performs admirably despite having to contend with some tough rivals in this market. The interior is peaceful, the cabin is roomy, and the dashboard’s controls are arranged in an understandable way.
We dislike the Sportage’s acceleration since it seems so sluggish. The standard 2.4-L 4-cylinder engine is unimpressive and has a poor fuel economy. You do get a nice increase in power from the optional 2.0-L 4-cylinder’s turbocharger. Just a little bit more fuel economy loss occurs. Additionally, the cargo volume is less than what you would receive in other small SUVs.
The addition of the hybrid engine option to the SEL trim level kicks off a few good modifications for the 2021 Ford Escape. This 2.5-liter hybrid engine produces a total of 200 horsepower and achieves a combined fuel economy of about 40 mpg. Any trim level’s ride quality is smooth, and the seats are roomy and comfortable. All of the controls are also rather simple.
negative aspects of this? Compared to many of the Escape’s competitors, the handling feels noticeably worse. It lacks the same calm and assurance. You won’t obtain a smooth distribution of power to the wheels since the transmission will change gears abruptly and joltingly.
Despite the fact that both of these cars are less expensive than some of their top rivals (such as the Subaru Forester and Honda CR-V), they each have something to offer potential consumers. Which, however, represents the superior choice? Before we make a decision, let’s discuss each vehicle’s powertrain options, drivability characteristics, and safety features.
The Powertrain
Driving experiences can be made or broken by the powertrain. Before you sign the permission documents and drive your new car off the lot, it’s crucial to understand what you’re buying. What is its fuel efficiency? How much energy does it produce? What type of transmission is installed? Before thinking about the Sportage or Escape, purchasers should be aware of these facts.
The 2021 Kia Sportage will be our first focus. You can choose between the 2.4-L 4-cylinder engine that comes standard and the 2.0-L turbo 4-cylinder. Both vehicles will have an automated 6-speed transmission. Both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive are options. The turbo 4-cylinder engine receives a much-needed boost to 240 hp, while the standard engine produces 181 horsepower. The latter is only available on the top-of-the-line SX Turbo trim level, which also comes with improved front brakes and a suspension optimized for performance.
There are also a few engine choices available with the 2021 Ford Escape. The 1.5-L, 3-cylinder turbocharged basic engine produces 181 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque. It has an automatic transmission with eight speeds. A 2.5-L hybrid powertrain with a CVT and 200 combined horsepower is standard for the Titanium and available for the SE and SEL trim levels. You may upgrade to a 2.0-L turbo 4-cylinder for an additional 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. However, this is only offered on the SEL and Titanium trim levels. While the other variants can have either FWD or AWD, the 4-cylinder is only available with AWD.
Drivability
What characteristics of a car make it fun to drive, or not so fun, depending on the situation? Here, we’ll concentrate on a number of important aspects, including the car’s performance, braking, steering, handling, ride comfort and quality, interior styling, and how simple it is to operate the tech features while driving.
The 2021 Kia Sportage will be our first focus. When the Sportage is being driven around town, it is at its best. It needs a little extra polish for the freeway. It takes the 2.0-L turbo engine a long time to accelerate from 0 to 60 mphnine secondswhich is slow for a tiny SUV with a turbo engine. The brake pedal also becomes spongy, but it still exerts a constant enough pressure when you need to quickly stop the car. The suspension feels sporty enough on flat, sluggish roads. When traveling around curvy roads, it gets flimsy and awkward. You must put up with the steering’s numbness because it is also without feeling.
The Sportage’s front seats are highly padded for comfort, and they may be equipped with functional heating and ventilation systems. The cabin temperature can be quickly reached and maintained via the climate control system. While traveling through the city, there is no noise inside the cabin; but, when on the highway, you can hear it leaking in. The suspension easily absorbs road imperfections on city streets, and the ride is robust and athletic. However, larger bumps and faster speeds will cause considerable rebound, and the ride will resemble that of a boat.
The Sportage boasts some premium materials for its class. Taller passengers must duck to enter the back seats because to the sloping roofline, which also reduces headroom. The front seats have plenty of adjustability options, however some taller drivers would wish the seat could lower all the way to the floor. Since the buttons have a similar size and form, trying to find them by touch can be a little challenging. Otherwise, they have labels that are legible enough to be recognized.
The Sportage excels when it comes to technology. The infotainment display is easy to operate, and passengers in the back seat have access to wireless device charging connections. One of the best sound systems available, the optional stereo system is excellent. Voice controls are somewhat disappointing, though, as they do not fully detect human speech patterns. Although it may cost you more money, using Kia’s Uvo services does seem to increase voice recognition.
Let’s now examine how the 2021 Ford Escape compares. The 8-speed automatic transmission shifts slowly and exhibits a lot of jerkiness on the upshifts, despite the 2.0-L engine producing enough power. Additionally, downshifts cause a string of little shocks. Since the Escape will move ahead when you restart it by lifting your foot off the brake, engine start-stop is a real pain. This issue ought to have been dealt with in the manufacturing facility and never allowed to reach the sales lot.
The steering is light and simple while in Default mode. But handling is a different matter. It has a lot of body roll and feels fairly menacing as it rounds corners. In addition to all of that, the tires don’t have much traction on the ground. There isn’t anything in this to give drivers confidence.
The Escape is at least pretty comfortable. The well-shaped front seats provide lots of padding. Even the back seats are comfortable enough for two persons. The Titanium trim level has power adjustment, which is something few front seats in this class offer. The negative? Any trim level of the Escape does not have ventilated front seats or heated back seats. The mid-tier trim also has single-zone automatic climate control, as opposed to dual-zone in most other trims. What a bummer!
However, the layout of the interior makes it simple to use the controls. With its simple interface, Sync 3 is one of the greatest infotainment systems available right now. The short headrests and thin roof pillars are not in the least bit obstructive, so you also get an amazing view from the driver’s seat. Even the standard sound system has outstanding quality, and the navigation system is simple to operate. We only wish that all trim levels came equipped with smartphone app connectivity. Additionally, there are fewer USB ports than on many of the Escape’s competitors. But we appreciate that the base Escape has onboard Wi-Fi hotspot connectivity, which is unusual in this class.
buying advice
Compare prices online before buying a new car to avoid paying too much. Find out the price in advance before entering a dealership. The following free services are suggested by us: Car Clearance Deals, NADAguides, CarsDirect, and Motortrend.
These free sites will provide you the best deals and provide you with numerous price quotations from rival businesses. Before visiting the dealer, you will be aware of the best pricing.
Safety
A vehicle’s safety features may be successful in preventing collisions. Everyone wants the security of their passengers and cargo. However, not every feature functions as it should. Because of this, you must be aware of them before choosing a particular vehicle to purchase.
The driver attention monitor in the 2021 Kia Sportage will sound an alarm if it detects that your focus or attentiveness is waning. If your vehicle detects you drifting into another lane without using your turn indicator, the lane departure warning system will warn you. The vehicle will be gently steered back into the chosen driving lane with the help of lane maintain assist. Additionally, if it anticipates an impending frontal collision, forward collision prevention will sound an alert and automatically apply the brakes for you. The S trim level now has blind-spot monitoring, and the SX Turbo adds adaptive cruise control, stop-and-go, and parking sensors for the Sportage’s front and back.
The Ford Escape from 2021 comes with identical safety features. The base trim does include lane departure avoidance, frontal collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring. You may get the Co-Pilot360 Assist+ option, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane keeping, and evasive steering, by upgrading to the SE or SEL. These, together with front parking sensors and an automated parking system, become standard on the Titanium trim level. The Titanium Elite package includes an optional head-up display that will show significant safety and driving information on the windshield in front of you.
Which Has the Best Value?
The 2021 Ford Escape offers a few more advanced technological features, but the engine hardly does this car justice. The optional turbo engine for the Sportage offers higher fuel efficiency and a more pleasurable ride. Kia deserves praise for achieving the highest level of refinement in the powertrain.
Which is Better?
A couple of the Escape’s basic features could make the 2021 Kia Sportage more advantageous, but overall it outperforms the Escape. The Sportage’s driving dynamics are significantly superior and it gets greater fuel economy from both of its engine choices. The Sportage won’t buck around at a stoplight or in a drive-through lane due to engine start-stop, and all of its safety systems function as intended.