2020 Kia Sportage Pros vs Cons

Clients should search no further than the 2020 Kia Sportage if they are in search for a very capable and affordable compact-crossover SUV. With the Kia’s updated looks, stylish exteriors, choice of engines, and extensive selection of modern, helpful features, people who choose this for their garages will not regret the decision. Up to five can easily fit inside this car, along with ample space in the back for luggage, so the well-rounded Sportage can easily take people to work or on their weekend getaways with ease.

What’s New for 2020?

There are many revisions that clients can look forward to for the upcoming 2020 Kia Sportage. For its exterior styling, there is a new Steel Gray color. The interior also gets spruced up with leatherette interior trim. The LCD gets boosted up in size to a bigger 8 inch touch screen, finally with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as a standard capability. The Sportage also comes with more available driver assist features such as the lane-keep assistant to keep drivers on course, a driver attention warning system to help keep alert about possible obstructions, smart cruise control that adapts to driver’s needs, high beam assist to help adjust the lights, and emergency breaking with pedestrian protection.

Ten Reasons You May Like the 2020 Kia Sportage – The Pros

The Kia Sportage has always been renowned for being a good, reliable compact SUV that offers a comfy ride and composed handling. Equipped with high tech features that offer an even better experience, this affordable Sportage can address anyone’s needs with ease. Here are some specific reasons why the 2020 Kia Sportage is an awesome purchase:

1. Amazing Cargo Capacity

The Kia Sportage’s cargo capacity is impressive. Outfitted with a standard fold-flat second row seat, the boot space can be made bigger to accommodate all the passengers’ needs. The second row comes with a 60/40 split capability on all trims, so Sportage owners can customize the cargo space based on whatever they need. Noteworthy, the regular cargo space when the second row seats are up is 30.7 cubic feet. When seat is folded flat, cargo space is instantly doubled with 60.1 cubic feet, allowing the owners decent space for all their adventures or moving bulky daily essentials for work.

2. Fantastic Towing Capability

One of the better qualities of the new 2020 Kia Sportage is that for a compact SUV, all trim levels have the capacity for towing heavy items. Regardless of the engine or trim, the Sportage can tow the same capacity. If the trailer that is used comes with trailer brakes, people can expect to two thousand pounds with the Sportage. If without trailer brakes, the Sportage still has the capability of towing 1,653 pounds. An optional tow hitch is available in Kia, where the dealers will gladly install it for free with the purchase of a vehicle. The device is equipped with an easy mount for the trailer wiring.

3. Highly Intuitive Infotainment System

The 2020 Kia Sportage now comes with a standard bigger 8 inch touch screen, along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. With these two features, drivers and passengers can seamless connect their phones with the car’s system. On top of that, phone calls can be taken with Bluetooth and music can be played with ease through Bluetooth or a USB port. It comes with a six speaker sound system so everyone can enjoy music.

There is a navigation system, a second USB port, a wireless phone charging station, and a satellite radio. All of these can be easily managed because the touch screen responds well to all the inputs. In addition to that, the steering wheel is equipped with certain controls. The Kia has resisted the urge to turn the Sportage into one giant tablet, so control panels include secondary switches, knobs, and buttons. As a result, the Sportage gets to enjoy the best of the old school style and the best of modern technology.

4. Attractive Upscale Interior

Aside from all the high tech features, the Kia Sportage 2020 model comes with a very classy looking console with chrome details where the infotainment system sits center stage. Premium cloth seat covers are a standard, but there is an option to upgrade to genuine leather or synthetic leather (for vegans). The front seats are heated and ventilated to ensure driver comfort. The steering wheel provides ample wheelbase for the driver, so even someone taller can handle the Sportage with ease.

5. Extremely Comfortable Ride

The Sportage offers an extremely comfortable ride. Its suspension works flawlessly so that drivers and passengers don’t get jostled around when the vehicle passes through bumps or holes on the road. On top of this, the steering wheel is very responsive so the car feels very stable and composed even when it is tackling twists and turns.

6. Super Sportage Safety

The National Highway Administration gave the 2020 Kia Sportage five out five stars in the side crash test. On top of that, it garnered four stars in both the roll over tests and frontal crash tests. The base security features include the following specs: driver attention monitor to update the driver, lane departure warning and lane keep assist to keep the car in its lane while in motion, automatic high beams to ensure ample lighting in dark conditions, rear view camera to avoid obstruction, pre-collision warning to avoid crashing, and braking system with pedestrian detection to prevent any accidents. All of these specs work together to make sure that the driver and the passengers inside the vehicle can get to their destination safely and securely.

7. Parking Made Easy  

The standard rearview camera and parking sensors, along with the optional front view monitor will help the driver parallel park even in the busiest streets with the tightest of spaces. Angled, traditional, or backup parking will also be a breeze because the driver can check the actual state of the surrounding area of the car through the LCD monitor. This will help the driver preserve the beauty of the vehicle because it can avoid any nicks, scratches, or dents for any possible obstructions.

8. Peace of Mind with Extended Warranties

The 2020 Kia Sportage is able to offer one of the longest warranties amongst compact SUVs. The Kia company will provide coverage for the Sportage with a 60,000 miles or a 5 year basic warranty. In addition to that, there is an impressive and super long warranty for the powertrain which goes up to 100,000 miles or ten years.

9. Roomy Cabin

Both rows of the Kia Sportage can easily fit five people without compromising on their leg, shoulder, and head room because of the interior cabin’s generous space. Even taller passengers will find it comfy to ride this vehicle. Even with two carseats installed in the back with its two sets of LATCH connectors, an adult passenger can still fit in one empty seat without feeling too cramped.

10. Very Easy to Maneuver in the City

Because of its compact size, this car is very pleasant to drive even during the busy rush hour. In fact, the Kia Sportage shines in city driving. The car can manage to turn easily even in very tight corners in super narrow streets that cities are plied with. In the same token, it can still work well if people decide to take it for a weekend adventure.

Reasons You May Not Like the 2020 Kia Sportage – The Cons

Although Kia has gone to great lengths to make the Sportage loved by many, there will still be some people who will find this brand less than stellar. Here are some reasons people may not like the newest Kia Sportage:

1. Not An Off Roader

Although the 2020 Kia Sportage's all wheel driver version has had a revision of its front bumper gifting it with a much higher ground clearance, this vehicle is still not perfect for off road conditions. It can only handle slippery roads adequately. Moreover, the awd version consumes more fuel than the others, so this is primary consideration for people thinking of this car.

2. Quite Thirsty For Fuel

The Kia Sportage’s figures for its fuel performance are slightly below the standard for 2020 model.  It is not as fuel efficient as the other cars. The 2wd version scores 23mpg city/ 30mpg for the highway. The all wheel drive’s efficiency rating drops down to 22mpg city/ 26 mpg for highway driving. The turbocharged engine’s estimates for the 2wd are 20mpg city/ 28 mpg, while the 4wd turbocharged receives 19mpg city/ 24mpg for highway driving.

3. Minor Quirks

This car offers no driver seat settings, so it is quite annoying to constantly adjust when there are several drivers that use the Sportage. On top of that, a little bit of road noise can penetrate the cabin at high speeds.   

How Does the 2020 Kia Sportage Stack Up Against the Competition

One of the 2020 Kia Sportage’s direct competitors is another Korean brand, the Hyundai Tucson. Both South Korean compact SUVS are a great choice because they provide a cool, smooth ride and a very easy to use infotainment system. The similarity ends there because the Kia’s turbocharged engine is so much stronger than what the Tucson has under its hood. The two cars do have similar mpg ratings and are both fuel efficient, but the Kia has better handling and more luxurious cabin materials and tech specs than its competitor. The Sportage is clearly the better pick over the Tucson.

Another of the Kia’s Sportage direct contender is coming from another Asian brand. The Japanese Toyota RAV4 has many specs that are similar or almost identical to the Kia. Both have spacious cabins, cargo room, and great safety features. The elements that set the Kia Sportage apart are better handling and maneuverability. On top of that, the Kia’s more comfy and upscale cabin has really taken things up a notch. Choosing between these two similar vehicles boils down to a matter of preference, but with the Kia’s affordability and a few better features, the Sportage is a better choice.

Bottom Line

The 2020 Kia Sportage is a great choice that blends versatility with style in an effortless manner. Its modern features make it a very good car to own in this fast-paced, busy world. The vehicle is wrapped with a stronger chassis and beefed up with more high tech features to make a driver’s life easier. The Kia Sportage is able to provide comfort and superior performance while giving their clients a great value for their hard-earned money.