2024 Kia Sportage Configurations: Your Guide to the Best Features and Trims

The 2024 Kia Sportage is an exciting new compact SUV offering various configurations that cater to different driving needs preferences and budgets. With its sleek modern design and range of tech features it’s no wonder that drivers are turning to the Kia Sportage for their next vehicle. But how do you know which configuration suits you best?

We'll dive into each trim level available for the 2024 Kia Sportage exploring their pros and cons while keeping the content engaging and human-like. I'll also throw in some insights from car enthusiast Alex Collantes to give you a personal touch on what makes each trim worth considering.

A Look at the 2024 Kia Sportage

Before getting into the specific trims it's important to note that the 2024 Kia Sportage is completely redesigned from previous years. The new model has enhanced comfort and safety features to make it one of the more competitive compact SUVs on the market. It boasts a bigger cabin space than most competitors and comes with a more rugged appeal especially for those who love an adventurous drive. With these exciting configurations available each trim level offers a distinct set of features to meet diverse needs.

Highlights of the 2024 Kia Sportage

• Spacious interior
• Improved fuel efficiency
• Enhanced safety features
• Smart technology integration

Let’s dive right into the trim levels and configurations for the 2024 Kia Sportage so you can pick the one that’s perfect for your lifestyle.

Trim Levels of the 2024 Kia Sportage

The 2024 Kia Sportage comes in several different trims each with a unique combination of features. The available configurations include the LX EX SX SX-Prestige and X-Pro trims. Let’s break down each one of these so you know exactly what you’re getting in terms of features performance and pricing.

LX: The Base Model Done Right

The LX trim is the base model of the 2024 Kia Sportage but don’t let the term "base" fool you. It offers plenty of bang for your buck making it an ideal choice for those who are looking for affordability and practicality without missing out on essential features.

What’s Included in the LX

• 2.5L inline-4 engine with 187 horsepower
• 17-inch alloy wheels
• Cloth seating upholstery
• 8-inch touchscreen infotainment with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
• Rear-view camera

The Benefits

The LX is priced competitively and provides all the necessary features for a comfortable ride. It’s perfect for daily commuting and offers solid fuel efficiency with a combined rating of around 28 mpg. It's also got a smooth ride quality and nimble handling for those tight city streets.

Potential Drawbacks

The LX does lack some of the tech features and luxury appointments found in higher trims. For instance the sound system is more on the basic side and some advanced driver-assist features aren’t standard in this model. As Alex Collantes put it: “The LX trim is solid for a budget-friendly SUV but if you’re looking for a little more tech and comfort you might want to look at the EX or above.”

EX: The Sweet Spot for Comfort and Tech

For those looking to step up from the base model the EX trim might just be the right fit. It’s an upgrade in comfort and technology without going too overboard on the price.

What’s Included in the EX

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Power driver’s seat with lumbar support
• Heated front seats
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• 12.3-inch touchscreen display with navigation

The Benefits

The EX trim really shines when it comes to comfort and convenience. With heated front seats and an enhanced infotainment system it feels a step above the base LX. The dual-zone climate control is a great touch for comfort during those long drives and the larger touchscreen makes navigating the controls a breeze. It’s a great mid-range choice for those who want a little extra without paying for all the bells and whistles.

Potential Drawbacks

While the EX offers more features than the LX it’s still missing some luxury touches you might expect at its price point. The interior materials are nice but not quite as premium as those in the SX Prestige. Plus if you’re looking for a sportier performance you might find the 2.5L engine lacking a bit in the thrill department.

SX: The Stylish Upgrade

For those who want to make a statement on the road the SX trim offers enhanced styling features that really set it apart. This trim level puts a little more emphasis on sporty appearance while adding some useful tech and comfort upgrades.

What’s Included in the SX

• 19-inch alloy wheels
• Panoramic sunroof
• Wireless charging pad
• Sportier exterior accents
• Synthetic leather seats
• Upgraded sound system

The Benefits

The SX is all about style and tech. The panoramic sunroof adds an open-air feel to the cabin and the wireless charging pad is perfect for staying connected on the go. The upgraded sound system enhances the overall driving experience making it a good choice for music lovers who like a little extra bass on their drives.

Potential Drawbacks

The SX trim does come at a higher price and while it looks sportier it doesn't necessarily perform more sportily than the EX. It’s more of a style upgrade than a performance one. According to Alex Collantes: “If you want your Kia Sportage to have a sportier look without needing a more aggressive engine response then the SX is great. But for true off-roading or a performance boost you might want to explore the X-Pro.”

SX-Prestige: Premium Comfort and Safety

The SX-Prestige trim lives up to its name offering a more luxurious and comfortable experience compared to the lower trims. It's the choice for those who want top-of-the-line comfort safety and technology without stepping into the rugged territory of the X-Pro.

What’s Included in the SX-Prestige

• Ventilated front seats
• Leather seating upholstery
• Surround-view camera system
• Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go
• Harman Kardon Premium Audio System

The Benefits

The SX-Prestige offers a luxury experience at a reasonable price point for its segment. The ventilated seats make it a perfect choice for hotter climates and the surround-view camera system greatly aids in parking and maneuvering tight spaces. Smart Cruise Control is an added benefit for those long highway drives making the SX-Prestige feel almost like a semi-autonomous vehicle.

Potential Drawbacks

The SX-Prestige is close to the top of the price range for the Sportage which may push some buyers to look at other compact SUVs in this class like the Toyota RAV4 or the Honda CR-V which also offer top trims with a premium feel. Additionally the leather seats while comfortable can be a bit stiff for some drivers.

X-Pro: For the Off-Road Adventurer

The X-Pro trim is the rugged adventurer of the Sportage lineup designed for those who want to take their driving experience off the beaten path. It features specialized equipment to enhance its off-road capabilities and tougher styling cues to match.

What’s Included in the X-Pro

• Off-road tires and 17-inch wheels
• LED fog lights
• Multi-terrain drive modes
• Heated windshield and wiper park
• Standard all-wheel drive (AWD)

The Benefits

The X-Pro is ready for adventure with its off-road tires and all-wheel-drive system. The multi-terrain drive modes let you customize the vehicle’s performance depending on the surface whether it's mud snow or sand. The heated windshield and wiper park make it more suitable for winter driving.

Potential Drawbacks

The X-Pro trim is the most expensive option and is focused on off-road capability rather than on-road comfort or luxury. It might not be the best choice if your driving is mainly on the highway or around the city as the off-road tires tend to be noisier and the ride might feel firmer. Alex Collantes remarked: “The X-Pro is fantastic if you’re looking for off-road versatility but it does compromise a bit of on-road smoothness for those who mainly drive on pavement.”

Comparing the 2024 Kia Sportage Trims: A Quick Summary

Kia Sportage Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid

In addition to the gas-only trims the 2024 Kia Sportage also offers Hybrid (HEV) and Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) models for those looking for enhanced fuel efficiency and eco-friendliness.

Why Go Hybrid?

The Hybrid Sportage models combine the 1.6L turbocharged engine with an electric motor boosting efficiency and lowering emissions. These models are great for drivers who want to save on gas and reduce their carbon footprint. However they do come at a premium price compared to the standard gas models.

Final Thoughts from Alex Collantes

"Kia has really upped their game with the 2024 Sportage lineup. From the practical and budget-friendly LX to the adventurous X-Pro there’s a trim level for every type of driver. If you’re looking for value and comfort go for the EX. If style matters and you want some tech upgrades the SX is solid. But for true adventurers who like to hit off-road trails the X-Pro is unbeatable."

In conclusion the 2024 Kia Sportage is versatile stylish and packed with tech across all trims making it one of the best compact SUVs to consider in 2024.

References

• Kia Motors Official Site: Detailed specifications and features
• Consumer Reviews and Comparisons: Real-world feedback from car owners
• Alex Collantes – Auto Enthusiast and Reviewer