Hey guys! Let's dive into the world of the Kia Sportage EX from 2017. If you're like me, you probably love checking out images of cars before making any big decisions. Whether you're thinking about buying one, reminiscing about a past ride, or just a car enthusiast, we’ve got a comprehensive look at what made the 2017 Kia Sportage EX stand out. So, buckle up and let’s get started!

Exterior Aesthetics: Capturing the 2017 Kia Sportage EX

The exterior of the 2017 Kia Sportage EX boasts a design that perfectly balances sportiness and sophistication. The front fascia is characterized by Kia's signature tiger-nose grille, which is more pronounced and sculpted than previous models. Flanking this iconic grille are sleek, swept-back headlights that integrate seamlessly into the overall design, providing both style and improved visibility. The daytime running lights (DRLs) add a touch of modernity, ensuring the car is easily noticeable during daylight hours.

Moving along the sides, the Sportage EX showcases a dynamic profile with smooth lines and a slightly sloping roofline, giving it a more athletic stance. The pronounced wheel arches and available alloy wheels—typically 18 inches on the EX trim—enhance its robust appearance. Chrome accents around the windows and door handles add a touch of elegance, elevating its visual appeal. The side mirrors are body-colored and often include integrated turn signals for added safety and convenience.

At the rear, the 2017 Sportage EX features a distinctive design with horizontal taillights connected by a chrome strip, creating a wider and more stable visual impression. The rear spoiler adds a sporty flair while also improving aerodynamics. The overall design is cohesive and modern, ensuring the Sportage EX stands out in the crowded compact SUV segment. Available exterior colors in 2017 ranged from vibrant hues to more subdued, sophisticated tones, allowing buyers to choose a look that best suited their personal style. Overall, the exterior design of the 2017 Kia Sportage EX successfully combines form and function, making it an attractive and practical choice for a wide range of drivers.

Interior Comfort and Design: Inside the 2017 Kia Sportage EX

Stepping inside the 2017 Kia Sportage EX, you're greeted with an interior designed for both comfort and functionality. The cabin prioritizes a user-friendly layout, ensuring that all controls are easily accessible and intuitive to operate. The dashboard is well-organized, with a clear separation between the infotainment system and climate controls, reducing driver distraction.

The seats in the Sportage EX are upholstered with high-quality cloth or optional leather, providing a comfortable and supportive ride. The front seats are designed with ample cushioning and bolstering, making them suitable for long journeys. Many models also include power-adjustable driver seats, allowing for personalized comfort settings. Rear passengers benefit from generous legroom and headroom, making the Sportage EX a practical choice for families.

The interior design incorporates soft-touch materials on key surfaces, such as the dashboard and door panels, giving the cabin a more premium feel. Chrome accents are strategically placed around the air vents, center console, and door handles to add a touch of elegance. The steering wheel is often wrapped in leather and includes controls for audio, cruise control, and Bluetooth connectivity, enhancing driver convenience.

Storage is well-thought-out, with numerous compartments throughout the cabin, including a spacious glovebox, door pockets, and a center console storage bin. The rear seats feature a 60/40 split-folding design, allowing for flexible cargo configurations. With the rear seats folded down, the Sportage EX offers a significant amount of cargo space, making it ideal for hauling groceries, luggage, or sports equipment. Overall, the interior of the 2017 Kia Sportage EX is a testament to thoughtful design, combining comfort, convenience, and practicality to create a pleasant driving experience.

Technology and Features: Exploring the 2017 Kia Sportage EX

The 2017 Kia Sportage EX is packed with technology and features designed to enhance the driving experience. The infotainment system is a central highlight, typically featuring a 7-inch touchscreen display. This system provides access to a range of functions, including audio controls, smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and available navigation. The touchscreen is responsive and user-friendly, making it easy to navigate through the various menus and settings.

Connectivity is a key focus, with multiple USB ports and a 12-volt power outlet available for charging devices. Bluetooth connectivity allows for hands-free calling and audio streaming, promoting safer driving. The Sportage EX also often includes a rearview camera, which provides a clear view of the area behind the vehicle when reversing, enhancing safety and convenience.

In terms of audio, the 2017 Sportage EX comes standard with a six-speaker sound system, providing decent audio quality for everyday listening. Some models may be equipped with an upgraded audio system, offering even richer and more immersive sound. Other available technology features include keyless entry, push-button start, and automatic headlights, adding to the overall convenience and ease of use.

Driver-assistance features are also prominent in the Sportage EX. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane departure warning are often included, helping to prevent accidents and enhance driver awareness. These systems use sensors and cameras to monitor the vehicle's surroundings, providing alerts when potential hazards are detected. Overall, the technology and features in the 2017 Kia Sportage EX combine to create a well-rounded and modern driving experience, offering both convenience and safety.

Performance and Handling: Driving the 2017 Kia Sportage EX

When it comes to performance, the 2017 Kia Sportage EX offers a balanced driving experience suitable for daily commuting and longer journeys. The standard engine is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder, producing around 181 horsepower. This engine provides adequate power for most driving situations, offering smooth acceleration and responsive performance. The Sportage EX is also available with an optional 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which delivers significantly more power, enhancing its acceleration and overall driving dynamics.

The Sportage EX comes standard with a six-speed automatic transmission, which shifts smoothly and efficiently. The transmission is well-tuned to the engine's characteristics, providing responsive performance in various driving conditions. Front-wheel drive is standard, but all-wheel drive is available as an option, providing enhanced traction and stability, particularly in adverse weather conditions.

Handling is generally composed, with the Sportage EX offering a comfortable and controlled ride. The suspension system effectively absorbs bumps and road imperfections, providing a smooth and stable driving experience. Steering is precise and responsive, allowing for easy maneuverability in urban environments. The Sportage EX also offers good visibility, thanks to its elevated seating position and well-designed windows.

Fuel economy is respectable for its class, with the 2.4-liter engine achieving around 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. The turbocharged engine offers similar fuel economy, albeit with more power. Overall, the 2017 Kia Sportage EX provides a well-rounded driving experience, balancing performance, handling, and fuel efficiency to meet the needs of a wide range of drivers.

Safety Features: Ensuring Peace of Mind in the 2017 Kia Sportage EX

Safety is a top priority in the 2017 Kia Sportage EX, with a comprehensive suite of features designed to protect occupants and prevent accidents. The Sportage EX comes standard with a full complement of airbags, including front, side, and curtain airbags, providing protection in the event of a collision. Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Traction Control System (TCS) are also standard, helping to maintain stability and prevent skidding in challenging driving conditions.

The Sportage EX often includes advanced driver-assistance systems such as Blind-Spot Monitoring (BSM), which alerts the driver to vehicles in their blind spots, and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA), which warns of approaching vehicles when backing out of a parking space. Lane Departure Warning (LDW) is also frequently included, alerting the driver if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane without signaling.

Anti-lock brakes (ABS) are standard, providing enhanced braking performance and helping to prevent wheel lockup during emergency stops. The Sportage EX also features a high-strength steel structure, designed to absorb and distribute crash energy, protecting occupants in the event of a collision. The rearview camera, which is often included, enhances safety by providing a clear view of the area behind the vehicle when reversing.

The 2017 Kia Sportage has received positive safety ratings from reputable organizations such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), further attesting to its commitment to safety. Overall, the safety features in the 2017 Kia Sportage EX combine to provide a safe and secure driving experience, giving drivers and passengers peace of mind.

Conclusion: Reflecting on the 2017 Kia Sportage EX

So, there you have it, guys! A thorough look at the 2017 Kia Sportage EX through the lens of images and detailed descriptions. From its eye-catching exterior to its comfortable and tech-savvy interior, the Sportage EX offers a compelling package. Its balanced performance, comprehensive safety features, and overall value make it a standout choice in the compact SUV segment. Whether you're drawn to its sleek design, practical features, or advanced technology, the 2017 Kia Sportage EX has a lot to offer. I hope this deep dive has given you a better understanding and appreciation for this fantastic vehicle! Happy driving!