2017 Kia Sportage North American Debut

Kia's redesigned fourth-generation 2017 Sportage made its North American debut at the 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show. Competing against stalwarts like the Ford Escape in what Kia CEO Michael Sprague called the "white hot" compact CUV segment, the Sportage is Kia's longest-running nameplate.

For 2017 it gets all new style with a distinctly different face featuring a vertically-oriented tiger nose grille and high, swept-back headlights. The body structure is stiffer due to increased use of high-strength steel, and the new Sportage rides on a 30 mm longer wheelbase for increased interior room. Outward visibility was improved by mounting the mirrors lower on the doors and using thinner A and C pillars.

Two engines will be available: a normally-aspirated 2.4L four-cylinder or more powerful 2.0L turbocharged direct-injected four coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission. Buyers will also be able to choose between front-wheel or all-wheel drive. Bigger brakes will provide a 12 percent reduction in stopping distances.

Kia is targeting a Top Safety Pick+ rating for the Sportage, and so in addition to premium-level available features like Harmon Kardon audio and connectivity using Android Auto and Apple Car Play, the Sportage will get safety features including lane departure warning, lane change assist, plus pedestrian detection and collision warning with autonomous braking. The new Sportage will go on sale next year.