2017 Kia Sportage SX SCE: Review & Specs
Hey guys! Let's dive deep into the 2017 Kia Sportage SX SCE 2SC FFG3. This model is a specific trim level of the fourth-generation Kia Sportage, which was produced from 2016 to 2022. Understanding the nuances of this vehicle can help you make an informed decision if you're considering purchasing one or simply want to know more about it. This review will cover everything from its exterior and interior design to its performance, technology, and overall driving experience. We'll break down what makes this particular model stand out and whether it's the right fit for your needs. So, buckle up and let's get started!
Exterior Design
The exterior design of the 2017 Kia Sportage SX SCE is characterized by its bold and modern styling. Kia’s design language at the time emphasized a distinctive front fascia with a prominent grille and swept-back headlights. The SX trim, in particular, often includes sporty accents such as unique alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, and body-colored cladding, which enhance its athletic appeal. The overall silhouette is sleek and aerodynamic, making it stand out in the crowded compact SUV segment. One of the key features of the Sportage's design is its high-mounted headlights, which flank the signature 'tiger-nose' grille. This gives the vehicle a unique and recognizable face. The sculpted hood and pronounced wheel arches add to its muscular stance, while the sloping roofline contributes to its dynamic profile. The rear of the vehicle features slim, wraparound taillights and a sporty bumper, completing the modern look. The design elements blend seamlessly to create a vehicle that is both stylish and functional, appealing to a wide range of drivers. The SX trim level's enhancements, such as the larger wheels and sporty accents, elevate the vehicle's appearance, making it a head-turner on the road. The build quality is also notable, with tight panel gaps and a solid feel, reflecting Kia's commitment to quality and durability. The overall design makes the 2017 Sportage SX SCE a compelling choice for those seeking a compact SUV with a strong visual presence.
Interior and Comfort
Stepping inside the 2017 Kia Sportage SX SCE, you’ll find a well-crafted interior designed with both comfort and functionality in mind. The cabin boasts high-quality materials and a user-friendly layout. The seats are supportive and comfortable, making long drives a pleasure. The SX trim often includes leather upholstery and heated front seats, adding a touch of luxury. The dashboard is ergonomically designed, with controls that are easy to reach and operate. The infotainment system is intuitive, featuring a touchscreen display with smartphone integration, such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The spacious interior provides ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. The rear seats can also recline, enhancing passenger comfort on longer journeys. The cargo area is generous, offering plenty of space for luggage, groceries, or sports equipment. The rear seats can be folded down to create even more cargo space, making the Sportage a versatile choice for families and individuals alike. The attention to detail in the interior is evident in the quality of the materials and the overall fit and finish. Soft-touch surfaces and well-placed padding contribute to a premium feel. The noise insulation is also commendable, keeping road and wind noise to a minimum, creating a quiet and comfortable cabin environment. The 2017 Sportage SX SCE’s interior is not only stylish but also practical, offering a blend of comfort, convenience, and technology that makes it a standout in its class. The thoughtfully designed cabin ensures that both the driver and passengers can enjoy a comfortable and connected driving experience.
Performance and Handling
The performance of the 2017 Kia Sportage SX SCE is one of its key highlights. This model is typically powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, which delivers a robust 240 horsepower. This engine provides ample power for both city driving and highway cruising. The SX trim often includes a sport-tuned suspension, which enhances handling and provides a more engaging driving experience. The engine is paired with a smooth-shifting automatic transmission, which delivers power to the wheels efficiently. The Sportage offers responsive acceleration and confident passing power, making it a joy to drive. The handling is precise and well-balanced, thanks to the sport-tuned suspension and responsive steering. The vehicle feels planted and stable, even on winding roads. The ride quality is firm but comfortable, absorbing bumps and road imperfections effectively. The all-wheel-drive system, available as an option, provides added traction and stability in adverse weather conditions. The Sportage SX SCE’s performance is not just about power; it’s also about the overall driving experience. The combination of a powerful engine, sporty suspension, and responsive handling makes it a fun and engaging vehicle to drive. The engine’s torque delivery is smooth and linear, providing ample power across the rev range. The transmission shifts smoothly and quickly, enhancing the driving experience. The Sportage SX SCE strikes a good balance between performance and fuel efficiency, making it a practical choice for everyday driving. The vehicle’s performance capabilities make it a standout in the compact SUV segment, offering a blend of power, handling, and overall driving enjoyment.
Technology and Features
The technology and features included in the 2017 Kia Sportage SX SCE are impressive, making it a well-equipped and modern vehicle. The SX trim typically comes with a host of advanced features, including a large touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), and a premium sound system. Safety features include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. These features enhance both safety and convenience, making the driving experience more enjoyable and secure. The infotainment system is user-friendly and responsive, providing easy access to navigation, audio, and other vehicle functions. The smartphone integration allows drivers to seamlessly connect their devices and access apps, music, and contacts. The premium sound system delivers high-quality audio, enhancing the listening experience. The safety features provide added peace of mind, helping to prevent accidents and protect occupants. The blind-spot monitoring system alerts the driver to vehicles in their blind spots, while the rear cross-traffic alert system warns of approaching vehicles when backing up. The lane departure warning system helps prevent unintentional lane drifts, and the automatic emergency braking system can automatically apply the brakes to avoid or mitigate collisions. The 2017 Sportage SX SCE also includes features such as a rearview camera, parking sensors, and a power liftgate, adding to its convenience and practicality. The technology features in the Sportage SX SCE are not just about convenience; they also enhance safety and connectivity, making it a well-rounded and modern vehicle. The combination of advanced infotainment, smartphone integration, and safety features makes the Sportage a compelling choice for tech-savvy drivers. The vehicle’s technology offerings demonstrate Kia’s commitment to providing a high level of features and value in its vehicles.
Safety Ratings and Features
Safety is a crucial aspect of any vehicle, and the 2017 Kia Sportage SX SCE excels in this area. It has received high safety ratings from reputable organizations like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). These ratings reflect the vehicle's ability to protect occupants in the event of a crash. The Sportage SX SCE comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including advanced airbags, anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, and traction control. These systems work together to enhance vehicle stability and control, reducing the risk of accidents. As mentioned earlier, the SX trim often includes advanced safety technologies such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. These features provide an extra layer of protection, helping to prevent accidents and mitigate their severity. The blind-spot monitoring system alerts the driver to vehicles in their blind spots, making lane changes safer. The rear cross-traffic alert system warns of approaching vehicles when backing up, preventing collisions in parking lots. The lane departure warning system helps prevent unintentional lane drifts, and the automatic emergency braking system can automatically apply the brakes to avoid or mitigate collisions. The Sportage SX SCE's safety features are designed to protect occupants in a variety of situations. The vehicle's strong structure and crash-test performance, combined with its advanced safety technologies, make it a safe and reliable choice for drivers and passengers alike. The high safety ratings and comprehensive safety features demonstrate Kia's commitment to safety and its dedication to protecting its customers. The 2017 Sportage SX SCE provides peace of mind for drivers and families, knowing that they are protected by a vehicle that prioritizes safety.
Fuel Efficiency
Fuel efficiency is an important consideration for many car buyers, and the 2017 Kia Sportage SX SCE offers competitive fuel economy for its class. The turbocharged 2.0-liter engine provides a good balance of power and efficiency. The EPA estimates for the Sportage SX SCE are around 21 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. These figures are respectable for a compact SUV with a powerful engine and available all-wheel drive. Real-world fuel economy can vary depending on driving conditions and habits, but the Sportage SX SCE generally delivers fuel efficiency that is in line with its EPA ratings. The Sportage's fuel-efficient engine, combined with its aerodynamic design and lightweight construction, helps to maximize fuel economy. The automatic transmission also contributes to efficiency, shifting gears smoothly and efficiently to optimize fuel consumption. Drivers can further improve fuel economy by adopting fuel-efficient driving habits, such as avoiding hard acceleration and maintaining a steady speed on the highway. Regular maintenance, such as keeping tires properly inflated and changing the engine oil as recommended, can also help to maximize fuel efficiency. The 2017 Sportage SX SCE's fuel efficiency makes it a practical choice for daily commuting and long trips alike. The vehicle's ability to deliver a good balance of power and fuel economy is a testament to Kia's engineering and design efforts. The Sportage's fuel efficiency, combined with its other features and benefits, makes it a compelling option in the competitive compact SUV market. The vehicle provides an economical and enjoyable driving experience, making it a smart choice for budget-conscious buyers.
Overall Driving Experience
The overall driving experience of the 2017 Kia Sportage SX SCE is generally positive, offering a blend of performance, comfort, and practicality. The turbocharged engine provides ample power for most driving situations, and the sport-tuned suspension enhances handling and provides a more engaging driving experience. The interior is comfortable and well-equipped, with plenty of space for passengers and cargo. The technology features are modern and user-friendly, adding to the overall enjoyment of the vehicle. The Sportage SX SCE feels solid and well-built on the road, with a comfortable ride and minimal noise intrusion. The steering is responsive and provides good feedback, making the vehicle feel confident and stable. The brakes are strong and provide good stopping power. The all-wheel-drive system, available as an option, enhances traction and stability in adverse weather conditions. The Sportage SX SCE is a versatile vehicle that is well-suited for both city driving and highway cruising. Its compact size makes it easy to maneuver in tight spaces, while its powerful engine and comfortable interior make it a good choice for longer trips. The vehicle's sporty design and engaging driving dynamics make it fun to drive, while its practical features and spacious interior make it a practical choice for families and individuals alike. The 2017 Sportage SX SCE strikes a good balance between performance, comfort, and practicality, making it a well-rounded and enjoyable vehicle to drive. The overall driving experience is one of the key reasons why the Sportage is a popular choice in the compact SUV market. The vehicle’s combination of features, performance, and value make it a compelling option for a wide range of drivers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the 2017 Kia Sportage SX SCE 2SC FFG3 is a well-rounded compact SUV that offers a compelling blend of style, performance, technology, and safety. Its bold exterior design, comfortable and well-equipped interior, powerful turbocharged engine, and advanced safety features make it a standout in its class. The Sportage SX SCE provides an engaging driving experience, with responsive handling and ample power for both city and highway driving. Its fuel efficiency is competitive, making it a practical choice for daily commuting and long trips alike. The vehicle's high safety ratings and comprehensive safety features provide peace of mind for drivers and passengers. The 2017 Kia Sportage SX SCE is a great choice for anyone looking for a stylish, capable, and well-equipped compact SUV. Whether you're a family looking for a practical and safe vehicle, or an individual seeking a fun and engaging driving experience, the Sportage SX SCE has something to offer. Its combination of features, performance, and value make it a smart choice in the competitive compact SUV market. The 2017 Kia Sportage SX SCE truly shines as a versatile and reliable option, earning its place as a top contender in its segment. So, if you're in the market for a compact SUV, be sure to give the 2017 Kia Sportage SX SCE a serious look. You might just find that it's the perfect vehicle for your needs!