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2014 Kia Sportage Preview

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Khatir Soltani
Pros: The Sportage can get off the line in a decent hurry while its supple seats comfort you. And thanks to some very pleasing lines, it looks the part.

Cons: Its design comes with a couple of downsides, namely poor rearward visibility, a cramped back seat, and less than stellar cargo space.

Kia Sportage
Photo: Kia

2014 Kia Sportage Pricing: The Sportage starts at $22,995 for the LX FWD model with a six-speed manual. Adding an automatic transmission, along with rear parking sonar, brings the price up to $25,195. LX AWD models are $27,495. EX FWD models get 17'' alloys, leather trim pieces, UVO infotainment, a backup camera, and push-button start for $28,295. EX AWD models bring the price up to $30,595.

EX Luxury AWD models add a panoramic sunroof, 18'' alloys, leather seats, and a heated steering wheel for $34,695, while navigation pushes the price up to $36,195. SX AWD models expand on the EX AWD trim by adding a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine and 18'' wheels for $32,495, while top-trim SX Luxury AWD models build on the EX Luxury AWD w/ Navigation package with the same 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, HID headlights, and heated rear seats for $38,295.

2014 Kia Sportage Economy: Equipped with a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine and front-wheel drive, the Sportage is rated at 11.4/7.8L (city/highway) per 100 km with the manual transmission and 10.0/7.0L per 100 km with the automatic. All-wheel drive models with the same engine and an automatic transmission are rated at 10.6/7.7L per 100 km. When equipped with the turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder, fuel economy is pegged at 11.2/8.2 per 100 km by Natural Resources Canada.

Improvements and Changes: Other than a slightly higher price, the Sportage has basically not changed for 2014.

2014 Kia Sportage Powertrain: In all trims except SX, the Sportage is equipped with a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine producing 182 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque. It can be had with either manual (FWD only) or automatic transmissions (FWD and AWD). SX models receive a turbocharged 2.0-litre unit good for 260 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque. It is only available with an automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.

Safety: The Kia Sportage comes standard with six airbags (front, front seat-mounted side, and side curtain). Vehicle Stability Management, Electronic Stability Control, and Hill Start Assist come standard on all trims as well. A backup sensor and camera are available.

Comparables: The Sportage competes with many small SUVs and crossovers including the Jeep Cherokee, Compass and Patriot, Ford Escape, Chevrolet Equinox, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, MINI Countryman, Mazda CX-5, Mitsubishi RVR, Nissan Rogue, Subaru XV Crosstrek and Forester, Toyota RAV4, and Volkswagen Tiguan.

Khatir Soltani
Khatir Soltani
Automotive expert
As a car enthusiast, he tests and compares vehicles from different categories through the eyes of the consumer, ensuring relevant and objective reviews.
  • Over 6 years experience as a car reviewer
  • Over 50 test drives in the last year
  • Involved in discussions with virtually every auto manufacturer in Canada