Review | 2017 Kia Sportage | Attention Seeking 

I consume A LOT of automotive reviews (a shameful amount, really). I was initially not taken with your dry approach, but have come to appreciated the unlubricated manner in which you deliver content. Fly high Mr. Goose. Fly high.

This review is so fucking good. It's so refreshing to actual watch an HONEST review. There are many out there currently on this vehicle and it's all praise with no cons. You make some fantastic points(good and bad) and ANYONE considering purchasing this vehicle should watch this review as their 'go to'. Thanks for knocking another one out of the park. Thumbs up!

With the new Sportage, Kia made a unique looking car that doesn't look anything else in the road, while still maintaining elegance. The 2013 - 2014 Toyota RAV4 was redesigned to look different for the sake of being different, without adding a touch of class. Even the 2016 RAV4 still looks hideous.

The most honest car reviewer iv'e ever seen! Like that you talk about both the pros and the cons! Makes it feel "real" and that adds so much more value to the pros that you mention about this car.

SavageGeese you were the reason I bought my 2011 KIA Sportage EX and I absolutely love it! I didn't even know about this car before this review and coming from a Subaru this car is amazing

love your videos, so much quality

Great review... you answered so many questions I had about the 2017 Sportage that I didn't find in other reviews... great job thank you! !

I think you should install an electronic lift gate on your toilet

Insightful review as usual - thanks! I have been in the market for a compact SUV for the last 3 months and 2 weeks ago drove home in the new SX. As an engineer and car enthusiast, I am extremely 'finicky'. When I drove the class competitors - RAV4, CX-5, and CR-V in particular - the Kia won hands-down. Best handling, most powerful, quietest, best ergonomics, best fit for function, and yes, best looking (I like the 'fresh' European-esque styling). In the Canadian market, it is by far the best value. I found it even competed in some respects with the luxury compact class - lapping at the hatches of the tired RDX, tiny Q3, and poser NX. And yes, manufacturer's turbo 4's are over-boosted at low RPM (NX included), but the Sportage throttle response is manageable enough, especially in ECO drive mode (maybe it's better local market tuning?). It is no Macan so limit handling and heat soak are non-issues. The paddles are fun and rev matching would make them better. I guess I won't be tracking it after all. As for the budget interior look, I totally disagree, as do my Audi friends that recognize the design ethos. I would like a soft surface at the knees but other than that, the interior has a premium feel superior to the top spec'd competitors I drove (leather on a RAV? Not at any price). The center stack and infotainment system is simple and intuitive, while the Harmon Kardon kicks ass. Piano black trim seems to be the new carbon fibre: trendy but in the end, unoffensive and not a buying factor. I found no meaningful compromise with the Sportage and voted with my wallet. It was the only ride in its class that put a grin on my face and was actually fun to drive. In part, maybe it's that contrarian feeling of knowing something the general market has yet to figured out. Judging by the FUD doled out at their dealerships, Toyota and Honda are going to be the last to know as their traditional buyers (4 time Toyota owner here) discover the Korean Revolution.

I am a diesel person for more then 20 years in Europe and New Zealand , I had 2 Toyota's RAV 4 diesels ( 2010 + 2014 model ) and several other model diesels ...now I drive this version 2016 /17 Kia Sportage EX 2.0 turbo auto 185hp , and have done 3000km the last few weeks ....it leaves the Toyota RAV 2.2 turbo diesel for DEAD ...brilliant engines and auto gearbox ...the finishing of the Kia is superb, an excellent SUV .

Beauty shots are on point brother, brilliant work !!! Damn, those Kia's are mighty impressive, loved the under pinnings of the vehicle, seems to be well built !!! Good review man, keep up the good work !!! ps : When will Hyundai / Kia come up with a good transmission ? That's what impedes on vehicle's performances and / or fun of driving.

Your subscriber numbers are continually heading up. Awesome work!

Wow I'm blown away by the dept of this review just a awesome job one of the best I've ever seen good job.

Nice review! I own a 2016 CX5 and just drove the Sportage SX back to back with the 2017 CX5. I love the Mazdas. The 2017 interior and ride has been mostly nicely tweaked but the Kia really surprised me. The sales guy didn't come so I made my wife sign a waiver and beat the Kia to death for 30 min. Everything you said about the Kia transmission was evident but you are "in" the Sportage compared to "on" the CX5. I found the Kia handling to be better. Yeah the Kia plowed but so does the Mazda and I was pushing it harder than I ever would the Mazda into the corners. So Much Fun!!

Brilliant review so helpful and interesting to watch, the greatest reviewer I've ever seen

Most people buy cars like these to get from point a to point b. They want comfortable, reliable low cost utility and a good warranty. Not many people buy these cars for handling and performance. They go to the dealer and buy what they need and what they can afford. That’s it.

I live in FL w zero hills and turns and bought my GF a 2017 Sportage SX Turbo AWD last Wednesday. She couldn't be happier.

I spit out my coffee laughing at that opening line. Well done

I bought a used Sportage 2017 SX after listening to this review. I got sooooo much more for my money than I would if i'd gone for the Toyota Rav 4, CRV or the Mazda CX 5. I tested all of these vehicles and loved the sportier drive that the Sportage has. I felt the road more and didn't feel like I was driving a sofa. Excellent reviews by Savage Geese. I'm very impressed with the information presented, the unbiased opinions and the production quality of the videos. a lot of work goes into these. Awesome work!

12:46 that's the best depiction of a turbocharger in action that I've seen

Your reviews are really really really stunning. I am mean dude. The music and filming is sublime and of course the content of the review. Your approach to the content is great and the Turbowski tops it all off. You have a great think going. You should be on Top Gear. You would make the show great again. You are a very talented individual and I wish you all the success. Super Job!!!

Kia is better than Nissan

Honest review, appreciated!

love these vids cause u raise it up and talk about the under body

I hope the Veloster Turbo gets this same setup in 2018 with all the bugs worked out of the engine and suspension. Great videos as always!

Excellent review, thanks man!

Dang, great reviews!

2017 Sportage SX. So far, so great. THE HITS - New exterior design (what's wrong with emulating Porsche?) - Handling, quietness - Harmon Kardon sound system (Clari-Fi really works) - Incredibly fast-working air conditioning (especially with this brutal summer) - Auto liftgate (yes, ultimate in laziness, but still get a kick out of it) - Interior lighting (very bright to these 61-year-old eyes) - Peppy (i.e. turbo) - Safety features (been loudly warned that I was about to change lanes into a semi) THE MISSES -Can't voice command a particular tune or artist (Must stop making USB flashdrives with 3,000 songs on them). Impossible to locate the Bowie tune I was in the mood to hear. Actually, voice recognition overall is marginal at best. Just try telling the nav system to take you to a specific address. -Cheap plastic interior. Unless I want to put on slippers before I jump in the driver seat, guess I need to get use to scuff marks. I'm on my second bottle of Armor All protectant. -Cheap floor mats. No logos on them...and quite thin material. (At least give us SX owners some cool, well-made mats). WISH LIST -Phone charger (Canadians get this on their Sportage...but not in the USA) -Memory seats -Steering/seat auto adjust when exit/entry (had it on my 2013 Optima and loved it). -Better gas mileage (But hey - still paying $2.15/gallon - so not too bad for now) OVERALL Yes, sounds like I'm whining, but overall - I love my Sportage. Just pointing things out for 2018 model enhancements.

this is the best review that i've seen on this vehicle. i'm thinking about buying one for a summer daily/winter car because it's a bit quirky but also blends in with all the other cars on the road.

Such a chill review, thanks.

Hi Mr Goose, Thanks for another good review. I am considering buying either a mid-size SUV or a hatchback this year. In Europe the Sportage and Tucson are available in 1.6litre T, not the 2 litre. I know the Tucson you tested was equipped with a 1.6litreT, so my question is: Would you recommend going for a 4wd option on the Sportage with that engine? Winter where I live has light snow fall, so may not justify the 4wd option, although Kia seem to charge not that much more for the 4wd option. Is the extra maintenance and fuel consumption worth it in terms of improved grip and handling? Thanks

This is a GREAT review...I'll encourage others to watch your videos .

What a fabulous review, I liked that. We've been living with a 2016 '66 Kia Sportage GT-Line for the past two weeks and you're right about when the honeymoon period ends all the quirks start to raise their head. The fake leather stitching everywhere, and every time I get in there's some piano black plastic to buff up. What grinds my gears however is the cheapness of the centre console elbow rest. Always creaks under any amount of elbow pressure. It's actually going back to the garage to have this looked at. Unless the fan on is high or music, it's really annoying. I was also expecting the GT-Line to have auto boot release and panoramic glass roof, but no. Maybe should have taken the KX4? Dunno.

i really like your style. videography is excellent as well

Hi Sava I consider petrol 2.4 or turbo diesel which is better performance , smother and fun to drive if forget about fuel economic. Thank for your advice

Fantastic review. Really appreciate lift walk also, definitely a deciding factor. Thinking the logic for the side only rear seat lowering is the head rest clearance may need to be adjusted, if the front seat is further back. Does it have a full spare or donut?? Spare tools also? Thanks again, instant subscribe ✊😎

Hi(from Australia), just curious as to whether or not you are able to do a review on the CRV? Been watching the channel for a while and haven't noticed any yet. Thanks for all the quality vids, so good btw!

After watching the forte review. I decided to try watching all kia from goose. According to goose, forte is a really good car. Then next kia review - he also said is another good car. I wonder if all kia are good cars

I rarely make any comments on youtube videos, but i think its time i make one :) love your videos. Keep doing what u do , simple honest videos. Say our hi to turbowski from north Carolina.

Goose, great review. I have been going through a lot of your old reviews just because I truly enjoy watching them. You reviewed quite a few Hyundai and Kia's over the last few years, but missed the Sorento. Any chance you can get your hands on one. I would love to hear your thoughts on the the Sportage's big brother. Thanks.

I live in New Zealand and bought a new Sportage turbodiesel last year. It's the best vehicle I've ever owned. So much performance (400 Nm or 295 ft-lb of torque) and great economy (33 USmpg). A great vehicle. I've done 23,000 miles over 18 months and it hasn't put a foot wrong. Comfortable and refined. Definitely worth a look if you're in the market for a mid sized SUV.

Guys I need advice from you which of these cars should I go for? Honda crv Kia sportage Toyota rav4 thank you

So exactly WHICH vehicle in this class do you prefer? I'm torn between the Sportage and the CX5...leaning toward the Mazda.

Love the Hyundai Tucson, great review. Thanks for sharing!

I regret getting my 2009 sportage. Hopefully they are truly better.

17 sportage ex 16 toyota rav4 xle which one you would choose ?

Great review.

In the future can you please let us know what the as tested price is? I am thinking between 32 to 35k for your test car. Competitive but I would give up the hp and go with a CX5. A really nice one can be had for 30k.

What do you like better the Kia Sportage or the Hyundai Tucson?

Best review if seen so far

Sportage 2016, CX-5 2016 or Rav 4 2016? Planning to buy one of these brand new.

Would you buy the 2017 Tucson Sport or the 2017 Kia Sportage EX?? Thank you, your reviews are prime 👍🏽

A savage goose is king of the deadpan!

please try to review the 2016 acura ilx with the 8 speed DC trans .. i think is a great car . but would love to know your/turboskys opinion on it .

First let me say your reviews are the only ones i trust. Great videography as well. And thank you for reviewing mainstream vehicles BUT i noticed that you only review high end trims, can you start reviewing lower end trims as well, lets be realistic most people buy cheaper trims. Ty

ou sir have won a subscriber. Thank you for your insights.

Be curious to see a side by side suspension comparison with this and a renegade. The Kia's components just look so small and thin. Like something would bend if you hit a moderate pothole.

@SavageGeese....Which one is the best SUV/Mid Sized Crossover among the 2016/17 Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson, Mazda CX 5, Honda CRV, Nissan Rogue/X-trial, Chevy Equinox & Subaru Forester, when compared to each other taking in consideration their non-turbo engines???

best review. thanks

I'm gonna take my Kia Sport-Ahge, and drive it to Tar-Jay"

nice.. i really like your detailed driving review. any chance you'll be reviewing a boring CR-V? Maybe almost as many features, but not quite as plastic-y (or maybe so?), and very interested in your driving review.. perhaps not quite as peppy but maybe a better feel overall?

How do you keep the camera so stable with the slr on the windshield shots?

hi what's the color of this car

Pls Advise...2017 Mazda CX-5 vs 2017 Kia Sportage?

please advice? Kia Sportage 2017 or Nissan rogue 2017? thanks

The old days, when the reviews had more enthusiastic explanations!

Long-time viewer, first-time commenting. Love your reviews. Any chance you can get your hands on either a 2016 Challenger SRT 392 or Scat Pack? I know Turbowski would appreciate it too.

I think that is what's hamstringing Mazda . They need to offer the 2.5 turbo in the CX5 .Honda and Toyota with their huge market share doesn't need to offer different options but for Mazda to increase their market share to me it's a no brainer

At least they didn't chrome everything. The satin finish looks so much better than chrome, only question would be is it aluminum or is it just plastic. The inserts in the 2015 vw jetta with the satin finish feels like metal and looks really nice.

First of all - impressive and thorough review. Nice camera work and editing. I just ordered one of these (and its been 5-6 weeks, with no delivery date in sight.) Why? I like the looks of it. I don't care if it's a hybrid of Macan and Tribeca. It's different than the other small SUVs. The Honda CRV hasn't realy changed its look in over 10 years. The RAV4 is better but the 2016 (especially in white) looks like a Star Wars' stormtrooper's helmet, and the Subaru Forester is about as plain looking as can be. I gotta admit the Mazda CX-5 has looks appeal, but I have had two Mazdas and they were problematic and expensive to fix. And it's an SUV - to get me through the deep snows of Upstate New York. Sure, I'd love to get an Audi, Infiniti, Acura, Porsche or Lexus SUV - but I ain't in that 1% club. For the money (

Seriously, do you guys live in Siberia? It seems like there is low light and cold weather every time you open your video. Reminds me of of my youth in Canada!

this is the only cuv with the said turbo power in its class so people who want a bit of fun with power + cuv needs makes most sense.

great video man, I don't like the front end. But being different is what sells. oh yeah I love your videos

Great Resolution on your Video's

This vs Mazda CX-5??

What would you say is the best dampened / most comfortable ride in the cuv class?

Nice review, but in 14:46 the exhaust doesn't go to the compressor, it goes to the turbine which drives the centrifugal compressor that compress the air.

Just too many negatives in this review that incorporated personal bias. You are very right about the turbo. Every competition in this class and in sedans has "cheap" materials here and there, which is why they are charging 20-30K and not 60K if they have all soft materials throughout. Buttons - no one wants Cadillac style interior infotainment or no-volume button Honda's. Safety tech - yes that is why all of these higher trims cost what they do. Should mention this in all reviews and not just this. This is what is demanding consumers regardless of whether all this tech will be worthwhile in few years. I am with you on that but just to mention this if one has no other negatives is not being truthful to a professional review.

I love my Kia 2018 Sportage.

Here in Europe (Serbia) I have 1.7 turbo diesel and everything you said is the thrue for this engine also. I watched your review few time, and I am suprised how you are right.

I agree that piano black does not serve as a good backsplash for center stack controls. It already looked dusty. The 2013 Escape i leased had it below the touchscreen, right where my thumb and other three fingers rested while I was using it.

Did he just say that a turbo engine takes the exhaust gas, runs it through the inter-cooler and feeds it back to the intake?

I dont get the Subaru Tribeca b9 look they are using.

Interesting how you seemed to really like the 2016 Kia Sorento in that review but found some issues with the handling and understeer and power delivery on the 2017 Sportage. In the Sorento review you were impressed how you were able to throw it around like a car. I believe you had the V6 in the Sorento. Would you say that the torque curve was more linear with the V6 in the Sorento and that's maybe why you liked it better? Perhaps the Turbo 4 cylinder in the Sorento would be similar in low end torque that is hard to gauge on throttle but the V6 being more linear in power delivery. Did you also find the interior plastics to be better in the Sorento than the Sportage?

I've rented this and the previous iteration. I loved the previous iteration but people complained it was too "jittery", which I take to be "no understeer dialed in". This version seems dynamically softer - too bad. Will say that both do OK off road with a locking diff and hill handling. Took a loong desert run and even though the front end was plowing sand, it never stopped. Too bad they can't put on a real skid plate.

what!!!! i love the interior...

I prefer the light from hid over led as well.

One measure never really addressed (you allude to it) in most reviews is the tradeoff of more pep (torque and HP) for mileage. My feeling is that if the mileage is in the ballpark, give me power and acceleration every time.

When this generation first came out, I got into it and I thought "wow, this is good, feels good, presents very well". And then I asked what spec is it and when he said it was the base model, I responded "no way".

I wonder why they didn't use the DCT of the Optima 1.6T if the auto box is so bad.

Classic review

Please review the 4Runner! PLEEEEEEEASE!!!!!!

I agree that I would like to see the AWD system in there Sonata 2.0T. Would make the vehicle much more appealing.

KIA Sportage SX vs. Mazda CX-5 GT for an aggressive every day driver who wants creature comforts? That is the question. What say ye?

well you do bring up all the down side of this car, it sounds bad, but that's exactly what journalism means. Good Job! 'subscribed'

These two vehicles may not be an obvious match up, but thanks to a great potential lease offer one they will be similar in price. I am on the fence between this Kia Sportage SX and an Infiniti Qx30 Sport. The Kia SX would offer AWD, a bigger screen with a more modern infotainment system (apple car play etc.), and slightly more horsepower than the Infiniti. However, the Qx30 grips the road like no other, I found it really fun to drive. Also, the Interior materials on the Infiniti are far superior in my opinion (minus the infotainment system). I have been in 2 different Jeep Grand Cherokee's over the past 8/9 years, so the Qx30 will be much smaller size-wise - although I really don't need the Grand Cherokee size these days. Any thoughts or input as to which I one I should go with would greatly appreciated! Thanks :)

4:18 I have many things I can point out but I am only going to watch to this point. That is the air dam that pushes the air down so the plastic under the car flows fast and past everything... That is not skid plates under there. It is semi hard plastic to cut down drag causing it to have a better (say it with me) aerodynamic flow... causing better fuel economy.

So how much was the damn thing

how about an Escalade next?

Jaja man, i thought no one was this thorough! Great job! Good to know im not alone jaja