NEW FOR 2015:
-Roof rack, rear centre armrest/cupholder, lighted sunvisors, side mirror turn signal repeaters, and trip computer dropped from LX manual transmission trim
-Rear parking sensors cut from LX automatic transmission models
Kia's compact Sportage crossover gets minor trim changes for 2015, but otherwise remains the same.
Power is from a 2.4L four-cylinder making 182 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque, which can be had with a six-speed manual transmission in LX trim, or a six-speed automatic that's optional in the LX, and standard elsewhere. The top-end SX gets a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder that generates 260 hp and 269 lb-ft; this engine comes standard with the automatic. Front- and all-wheel drive are available.
The line starts with the LX, which gets 16-inch alloy wheels, electric power steering, downhill brake control and hill assist control, tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel with integrated stereo and cruise controls, sunglass holder, map lights, body-coloured side mirrors, cloth seats with heat up front, keyless entry, power door locks, air conditioning, power windows, power-adjustable and heated side mirrors, six-speaker stereo with auxiliary and USB inputs, Bluetooth, two power outlets (one in the front console, the other in the cargo area), automatic headlights, front positioning lights, and fog lights.
Option the LX with the automatic transmission, and Kia also adds roof rails, lighted vanity mirrors, side mirror-mounted turn signal repeaters, trip computer, rear centre armrest with cupholder, and Kia's 'active eco' system. This model can also be optioned with all-wheel drive.
EX models start with front-drive, but add 17-inch wheels, leather-trimmed steering wheel and shifter, power driver's seat, auto up/down driver's window, dual-zone automatic climate control, auto-dimming rearview mirror, rear spoiler, power-folding side mirrors, UVO infotainment system, backup camera, LED daytime running lights, intelligent keyless entry with pushbutton start, and rear parking sensors.
EX AWD trim gets 18-inch wheels.
An EX Luxury AWD model comes with a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, leather upholstery, LED taillights, upgraded gauge cluster, cooling glove box, driver-selectable steering assist, and a luggage compartment undertray. The option here is navigation, which comes with an upgraded stereo.
SX models are all AWD, and stick with 18-inch wheels, and add an SX-specific body kit.
SX Luxury AWD versions add HID headlights, luggage net and cargo screen, and heated rear seats.
