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.
Another cushy compact crossover may or may not be what the world needs now, but it’s exactly what Infiniti needs. Enter the swoopy, stub-tailed QX30—which Infiniti is pitching as a “premium active crossover”—to give the brand an entrant in a segment poised for explosive growth. We tested an all-wheel-drive QX30 and found it does a reasonable job of being a cushy compact crossover, with its 8.0 inches of ground clearance, skid plates, and roof rails joining the creature comforts and chrome that come with being an Infiniti.
But those are crossovers. And as we’ve stated before, the QX30 Sport is not really a crossover, but rather a Euro hatch, one that Infiniti happily did not leave in Europe.
Pros Expressive design, composed chassis, upscale interior.
Cons Cramped in some dimensions, modest cargo area, transmission needs a Normal mode.
The 2017 Infiniti QX30 is a new addition to the automaker’s lineup and is its first entry to the growing luxury subcompact crossover segment.
Slotting below the aging QX50, the 2017 Infiniti QX30 is a small luxury crossover that’s available in front- or all-wheel-drive configurations. Compared to the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class (the car on which it’s based), the QX30 features a more curvaceous exterior design.
The Infiniti QX30 is shares its platform, engine and transmission with the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class, GLA-Class, and the not-for-U.S.-consumption A-Class hatchback
Noise inside the cabin is kept to a minimum thanks to a good amount of sound insulation and interior trim materials are high in quality. The dash layout is unique because of its asymmetrical design, but the Infiniti InTouch multimedia interface could be more intuitive. Nissan and Infiniti’s “Zero Gravity” seats come standard and have plenty of support without sacrificing comfort. Although the QX30’s rear seats can accommodate adults but head- and legroom are limited. The low roof and small rear window, however, means rear visibility is compromised due to the car’s dramatic exterior styling.
Pros Sporty handling and smooth ride Torque-rich turbocharged engine Well-insulated cabin
Cons Cargo space is on the small side Limited rear passenger room Steering is a little heavy
You don't have to pay a fortune to get a luxury-branded vehicle these days. The new 2017 Infiniti QX30 is reasonably priced and yet offers you more style and performance than the typical small crossover SUV. Read more to learn if the QX30 has everything you're looking for.
Infiniti considers its all-new 2017 QX30 a combination of coupe, hatchback and crossover. The way it straddles these body types can be advantageous. From a driver enjoyment perspective, you will find the QX30 more athletic and better handling than a typical SUV. Compared to a traditional sedan, the QX30's hatchback design gives you greater versatility, both in terms of its taller ride height and increased cargo capacity. Then there's the QX30's coupe-like styling, which helps it look sportier than the typical sedan or crossover. The question you might wonder, though, is whether this extensive blending results in a vehicle that delivers the best of both worlds or is diluted to the point of not excelling at anything.
Pros Easy to maneuver around town High-quality interior looks sharp and comes pretty well equipped Multiple driver assistance features are available to help keep you safe.
Cons Sport models ride firm compared to other available versions Noticeable amount of wind and road noise at highway speeds Cargo capacity is smaller than rival crossovers Reflective interior trim pieces are distracting in bright-light situations.
