The Kia Sportage, which was all-new for 2017, carries over largely unchanged for 2018. Kia’s award-winning vehicle offers advanced technology and greater options across three trim levels—LX, EX, and SX—in the popular subcompact utility segment. A new technology package, previously available starting at EX trim, is now available at the LX level, delivering Blind Spot Detection, a Lane Departure Warning System, and Rear Cross Traffic alert. The EX trim receives a new Sport Appearance package and optional heated rear seats, while the SX adds an electronic parking brake for 2018. All trim levels are still available with optional Dynamax full-time all-wheel drive.

A 2.4-litre direct-injected engine producing 181 horsepower comes standard, but if you’re looking for even more power, an available 2.0-litre turbocharged engine produces an impressive 237 horsepower and 260 lb-ft. of torque.

Thanks to proximity technology, just stand behind the liftgate with the smart key in your pocket or purse and in mere seconds the available Smart power liftgate will effortlessly open on its own.

If you happen to drift out of your lane, the available Lane Departure Warning system will notify you with an audible and visual alert to help keep you out of harm’s way. Sportage comes with an available Autonomous Emergency Braking system that intervenes automatically, providing full braking assistance, up to a complete stop when possible if it detects a potential collision with a vehicle in front of you.

Available Dynamax™ Intelligent All-Wheel Drive (AWD) offers fully automatic torque distribution that proactively transfers torque for better traction during acceleration, cornering or in low traction scenarios.

The 2018 Sportage comes with many standard safety features, like Electronic Stability Control, Vehicle Stability Management, Hill Assist Control and Downhill Brake Control, to help keep you safe behind the wheel.

Every Sportage comes standard with Drive Mode Select function which adjusts power delivery, transmission shift points and steering feedback to suit road, weather conditions and your driving style. Normal mode is for regular driving, Eco emphasizes fuel efficiency and comfort, while Sport delivers more aggressive, performance-oriented responsiveness.

The available blind spot detection system actively monitors your blind spots for approaching vehicles and provides a visual alert on the instrument cluster and outside mirrors, as well as an audible alert when necessary. When backing out of a parking space, available Rear Cross Traffic Alert detects and warns you of traffic approaching from the left or right.

Sportage is proving popular with both drivers and critics and continues to receive accolades since it’s re-introduction in 2017. Most recently Sportage has been awarded:

• NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
• Reddot Design Award
• iF Design Award
• 2018 IIHS Top Safety Pick

Sportage’s Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) is no small feat for a compact SUV. To qualify for a TSP rating, a vehicle must earn “Good” ratings in five crashworthiness tests—driver-side small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraint tests. It also must earn an “Advanced” or “Superior” rating for front crash prevention, and a “Good” or “Acceptable” rating in headlight testing.

Given Sportage’s preference for exploration and adventure, one has to ask: “where would you go?” Click the TEST DRIVE button below and find out. Sportage would love to take you there.