The new Equinox is based on an all-new architecture that weighs about 400 pounds less than its predecessor. Chevrolet credits the weight saving to high-strength steel and other grams-add-up type measures, but the reality is that there's quite a bit less Equinox this time around. The 2018 Equinox shrinks, losing its "tweener" status, and is now much closer to the Honda CR-V in all four main dimensions. To Chevy's credit the interior dimensions are pretty much the same, with the small hit in cargo space mitigated by the large hidden storage area under the cargo floor. The pricing disparity against its competition is a shame, because the Equinox is a compelling compact crossover SUV in virtually every other way. It looks great inside and out, offers good high-tech features, drives exceptionally well, will offer a diesel engine, and the promise of a high-horsepower version sounds fun. We just wish Chevy would take the cue from its competitors and broaden the availability of its advanced safety tech and add in active cruise as well.
The 2018 Chevrolet Equinox is a needed step forward for the brand and a solid compact crossover.
Pros Solid base engine Denim-like fabric is surprisingly comfortable Lighter, brighter, and smarter A fuel-efficient turbodiesel coming
Cons Still hard plastics abound Not as fuel-efficient as some Safety features reserved for top trims Smaller rear cargo area
The 2018 Chevrolet Equinox is fully redesigned for 2018. It's slightly smaller overall compared to its predecessor, but the reduced weight combined with more efficient engines pay off at the pump.
Pros Three engines to choose from, including a fuel-efficient diesel Smooth ride over most road surfaces Expansive list of optional safety features MyLink user interface is intuitive and easy to use
Cons Smaller cargo area compared to most of its competitors Base L trim is special order only The 1.5-liter engine and its slow-shifting transmission don't feel very lively
It's hard to find style and versatility in the same place, but the redesigned Kia Sportage delivers on both counts. You'll like the number of features that Kia has packed into this small crossover, too. It's one of our top choices for 2017.When a vehicle's been around for a few generations, as the Sportage has, its basic characteristics are usually well-established, so you know what to expect from the next one. But for the fully redesigned 2017 Sportage, Kia directly addressed two of our primary complaints about the previous model. First, the formerly cramped backseat is now remarkably roomy, to the point that a family might not need anything more. And second, the formerly firm ride is now relatively compliant. If there's one thing that still holds the Sportage back, it's lackluster fuel economy, which we called out last year and must underscore again for 2017 despite mild improvements. This is a predictable problem, as both available engines and the mandatory six-speed automatic transmission are largely carryover items from the outgoing Sportage.
Pros Rides smoothly over bumps Quiet interior at highway speeds Spacious seating front and rear Attractive dashboard layout with many appealing features Feels nimble around turns.
Cons Fuel economy isn't as good as some top rivals Relatively modest cargo capacity Optional turbocharged engine doesn't pack a big punch
We won’t call the redesigned 2017 Kia Sportage ugly, but it is an odd-looking sort of Korean Peugeot. Leading with a Gallic nose, it’s handsome enough along the sides and in back and hardly forgettable. While such bold restyling does not always guarantee notable advancements underneath, this new model is another case of the Korean manufacturer making meaningful generation-over-generation improvements. The new front end flirts with the “quirky” label, what with its collection of seemingly disparate styling elements, including the so-called “ice cube” running lights below the headlamps. Kia product planners note that it’s increasingly difficult to stand out in the crowded compact-crossover field, which prompted some liberation from me-too design constraints. And if quirky is the right word, well, Kia has already proved that while it might be a gamble, it’s not necessarily a liability. Consider the boxtastic Soul, Kia’s second-bestselling model.
The 2017 Kia Sportage isn’t quite the most spacious, the sharpest-performing, or the most fuel-efficient vehicle in its class. But it’s shaping up to be the one that’s just right—sporty-driving, but without a sacrifice in ride; versatile and accommodating in all the right ways; and far quieter and more refined than its predecessor. Kia has made quite a name for itself with its Optima mid-size sedan and Sorento crossover; and now the brand has brought some of the same refinement magic that’s graced recent redesigns of thos models into the Sportage, Kia’s compact crossover model that takes on models such as the Toyota RAV4, Subaru Forester, Honda CR-V, and Ford Escape.
Pros Quiet cabin Standout styling Strong turbocharged engine option Spacious, well-designed interior
Cons Transmission hunts on hills Far from class-leading mpg
All-new for 2017, the Kia Sportage compact SUV is sharply dressed inside and out, boasts loads of technology, safety and comfort amenities, and continues to offer one of the best warranties in the business. As a rival to best-selling crossover SUVs such as the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 and Ford Escape, the Kia Sportage more than holds its own. Introduced over two decades ago, the Sportage is Kia's long-running nameplate, but this new, 4th-generation model is further proof of Kia’s setting the pace or at least keeping right on top of it in a competitive segment. The Sportage touts good value, great looks and a strong roster of available features, but trails others in fuel economy, especially when outfitted with the uplevel turbocharged engine.
Likes If you want a small SUV with high style, an excellent warranty and the latest safety features like automatic emergency braking, put the Kia Sportage on your shopping list. Available features like climate-controlled seats, harman/kardon audio system and turbocharged engine can make this mainstream SUV feel like a premium one.
Dislikes The Sportage is neither the most fuel-efficient nor most spacious compact crossover SUV. The Honda CR-V tops it in both. If you need a smaller SUV with three rows of seating, try the Mitsubishi Outlander or the Kia Sorento. If efficiency is most important, wait for the forthcoming Kia Niro hybrid.
