Auto news on Youtube Mar 3 2018

BRYN MACKINNON: I'm Edmunds's editor Bryn MacKinnon,

and this is a rundown of the features you'll

find in the 2018 Kia Sportage.

The Sportage is a well-equipped, good looking, and comfortable

riding compact SUV that comes with a strong warranty.

The base LX trim gets you respectable features

for an affordable price, but you'll probably

want a few comfort and safety options.

Fortunately the options list is short.

The mid-grade EX is the sweet spot,

offering an upgraded entertainment system and more

standard safety features, like blind spot monitoring

and rear cross traffic alert.

The top line SX comes fully loaded

with a powerful turbocharged engine.

Regardless of which trim you choose,

all wheel drive is a $5800 option.

You get 30.7 cubic feet of space behind the rear seat backs,

which trails class leaders by about four to six cubic feet,

while folding down those seat-backs

opens up a similarly modest 60.1 cubic feet.

The backseat is remarkably roomy for a compact crossover.

Two six footers can fit without issue.

A second row USB port and 12 volt power outlet

are standard on all Sportages.

There are three available entertainment systems,

with 5 inch, 7 inch, and 8 inch display sizes.

Only the latter two support Android Auto and Apple CarPlay,

so be prepared to upgrade if you prioritize phone integration.

The major controls are clearly labeled and easy to use,

and the quality of the interior gives an above average

impression for the class.

It's pretty quiet, too.

You can get safety tech like adaptive cruise control, lane

departure warning, blind spot monitoring,

and rear cross traffic alert on any trim level.

Kia Sportage's top competitors include Honda CRV, Mazda CX 5,

and Ford Escape.

Bottom line, from its well-appointed and roomy

interior, comfortable and quiet ride,

and plentiful standard features, the Sportage

delivers strong value that makes it worth your consideration.