The 2021 Kia Sportage is available in one of four different trims. S, LX and EX models feature a 2.4L 4-cylinder engine, making 181 horsepower, while the top-of-the-line SX Turbo uses a 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder rated at 240 horsepower in 4-wheel drive trim. All four trim levels are available with all-wheel drive as an option, but opting for AWD on the SX Turbo does decrease power slightly (it's rated at 237 horsepower) and costs only a couple of miles per gallons. Generally, though, the Sportage is miserly with its fuel as it can achieve up to 30 mpg on the highway when configured correctly. The only transmission choice is a 6-speed automatic.
Even base Kia models tend to be pretty well-equipped and the Sportage LX is no exception. Some surprising standard features are available on the under-24,000-dollar vehicle. 17-inch alloy wheels come as standard equipment as do LED daytime running lights, power adjustable outside mirrors, a rear spoiler, body-colored door handles, Apple Carplay/Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, a backup camera and steering wheel mounted audio and cruise controls.
Midlevel EX models build on the LX by adding roof rails, heated exterior mirrors, 18-inch wheels and additional chrome work to the exterior. Inside, EX-trimmed Sportage's include a 8-inch touchscreen display, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats and leatherette seating surfaces.
The top-of-the-line SX Turbo comes with everything on the EX while jazzing up the interior with a harman-kardon sound system, a built-in navigation system, steering wheel mounted paddle shifters, an auto-dimming rearview mirror with a built-in garage door opener and LED interior lighting. The SX Turbo also comes with a full sensor suite, including a blind spot warning system, a lane departure warning system, an emergency autonomous braking system and rear cross-traffic alert. These sensors also make a very handy self-parking mode possible on the SX Turbo, again included as standard equipment. The SX Turbo looks upscale too, with bigger 19-inch wheels, a unique gloss-black grille, power-folding mirrors with integrated turn signals, a big panoramic sunroof, a powered liftgate and Bi-Xenon HID headlights.
