2019 Kia Sportage Pros vs Cons

The 2019 Kia Sportage has great potential to be one of the best compact SUVs in 2019. It features an upscale interior and a smooth quiet ride. The technology and advanced safety features are also exceptional. The Sportage also has an economical base engine and optional all wheel drive. The base model LX has plenty of great standard features. If buyers are interested in a more exciting driving experience, the SX Turbo Sportage features a turbocharged four cylinder engine and a wide range of premium options. The Sportage tops it all off with a category leading warranty. This vehicle offers a great mix of value and high quality details.

What's new for 2019

There is little new of note with the 2019 Kia Sportage. It no longer offers the heated rear seat upgrade, and the list of standard features in the LX is a little shorter. The Kia was all new in 2017 and is still fresh and upscale.

Ten Reasons You May Like the 2019 Kia Sportage – The Pros

1. Spacious, comfortable interior

The 2019 Kia Sportage offers plenty of room in both rows of seating. The front seats are very comfortable and can be upgraded to heated and ventilated leather. The interior features leatherette armrest covering and other high quality construction materials. The rear seat features a 60/40 folding bench seat that also reclines. The ride is also smooth and comfortable even on bumpy roads. The driver also benefits from an ergonomically designed console and display.

2. Great base model

The base model Sportage LX comes with backup camera and five inch touchscreen infotainment system. It also includes satellite radio and Bluetooth. The base model can also be upgraded to include all wheel drive. There is also an optional LX Popular package that adds Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, the upgraded seven inch touchscreen and the UVO infotainment system.

3. Capable base engine with optional turbocharged engine upgrade

The 2019 Kia Sportage comes equipped with a 181 horsepower four cylinder engine. While not the most aggressive option, it gets a respectable 23 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. Buyers looking for a more sporty driving experience will have to upgrade to the turbocharged four cylinder in the SX Turbo model. It cranks out an impressive 240 horsepower, which increases acceleration and passing capability considerably.

4. UVO infotainment and app assistant

The 2019 Kia Sportage can be upgraded to include the UVO mobile device app. This system lets the driver pair their mobile device to the Sportage. The app keeps the driver apprised of vehicle diagnostics as well as other vehicle needs. The app also lets the driver send points of interest from their mobile device to the Sportage's navigation system. It also features a parking reminder, which lets the driver locate their Sportage using their mobile device.

5. Intelligent headlight options

The 2019 Kia Sportage offers optional Xenon HID Headlights in the upper trim levels. These are some of the most advanced headlights available. The upgraded Sportage headlights can also automatically pivot to allow the driver better visibility around corners. The DriveWise automatic high beam system lets the Sportage cycle between low and high beams automatically when oncoming traffic is in range.

6. Optional DriveWise safety upgrades

The Sportage can be equipped with a suite of automated safety features. The suite includes forward collision avoidance. This feature will detect a possible collision and stop the vehicle if no other options are available to avoid it. The forward collision avoidance feature also monitors the road for pedestrians. Also included with DriveWise is a smart braking system that will aid the driver in braking with full power when they slam on the brakes. The braking system also alters brake force application to compensate for weight distribution.

7. Additional safety features

The 2019 Kia Sportage also offers driver awareness features when equipped with DriveWise. The Sportage will monitor the vehicle's blind spot and alert the driver if there are obstacles present. It also offers lane change assist, which will check the road to see if a lane change is safe when the turn signals are activated. It also offers lane departure warning, which will alert the driver if the vehicle is drifting out of the designated path of travel.

8. Cargo space and storage options

Though the Sportage does not have class leading cargo space, it offers 31 cubic feet of cargo space with the seats in upright position and 60 with the rear seats folded down. It offers a dual level cargo floor, which lets the driver haul taller items. It has a standard 60/40 split fold down rear seat back that allows the driver to haul bigger cargo as well as passengers.

9. Optional smart power liftgate

The 2019 Kia Sportage offers an advanced, hands-free liftgate. The driver can activate the power liftgate simply by standing next to it with the key fob in their pocket for three seconds. This added convenience makes loading the vehicle easier and more functional.

10. Best warranty option

The warranty for the 2019 Kia Sportage is a top of class five year or 60,000 basic warranty with a 10 year or 100,000 mile powertrain warranty. The powertrain warranty is fully double that of the Sportage's leading competitors.

Reasons You May Not Like the 2019 Kia Sportage – The Cons

1. Average four cylinder engine

The standard four cylinder engine that comes with the 2019 Kia Sportage gets only average gas mileage when compared to other compact SUVs. The Sportage engine falls behind competitors both in horsepower and fuel economy. This drawback is compounded by the fact that the turbocharged four cylinder engine is only available at the top trim level of the Sportage.

2. Lower than average cargo space

The Sportage offers a roomy cabin, but that does not translate into a lot of cargo space. The Sportage trails many competitors with only 31 cubic feet of rear cargo space. It does offer 60 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded down. The Sportage makes amends by offering some cargo space solutions, but it still falls short.

3. Luxury options and upgrades are somewhat sparse

While the Sportage offers plenty of safety features, many of the more upscale details are unavailable. The Sportage does not feature heated rear seats or ambient lighting. The top trim model is nice, but there is a decided lack of upscale features. The Sportage is more functional and comfortable than luxurious.

How it stacks up to the competition

The Kia Sportage offers a low base price and a category leading warranty. This makes it one of the best values for 2019. It is up against some tough competition as a compact SUV. The Hyundai Tucson actually has a slightly lower base price and better fuel economy, but the Sportage offers a more upscale interior and better upgrade options. Cargo space is also a weak area for the Sportage. The Toyota Rav4 offers much more cargo room with 74 cubic feet, but offers less of a warranty and a higher base price. The Honda CRV is another leading compact SUV and offers a high quality interior and much more cargo space than the Kia Sportage. It also offers similar engine models that have less horsepower, but better fuel efficiency. The CRV doesn't have the extensive warranty of the Sportage. It also has a base price that is slightly higher than the Sportage, but falls behind in standard feature offerings. The buyer will have some tough decisions to make when shopping for a compact SUV in 2019. The Sportage has a lot of competitors in the compact SUV category, but it is a good choice due to its low price and high quality.

Conclusion

The Kia Sportage offers great value and economy. Its capable four cylinder engine gets adequate gas mileage. The base model is reasonably priced, and it offers a very generous warranty. The upgradable DriveWise safety package is also a great addition, featuring all of the newest safety technology available. The Sportage offers AWD capabilities at all trim levels, though the sportier engine is only available at the top trim level. It also has a very comfortable cabin, with nice interior and a smooth ride. The standard touchscreen infotainment system with optional UVO eServices also offers updated technology. The Sportage will offer buyers a good mix of value and refinement in a class of vehicles that is loaded with competitors.