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Posted on October 10, 2020
The Kia Sportage has a long and successful history as the company's most tried and tested SUV. First released back in 1993, the line is now into its fourth generation and is almost unrecognizable from its earlier incarnations.
With the latest refresh about to hit the showrooms in Calgary and beyond, will the 2021 Kia Sportage continue the model's huge success? To find out, we've pitted it against one of its close rivals, the Nissan Rogue.
The Nissan Rogue is supplied with a single choice of engine, a 2.5L regular unleaded I-4 which produces 170 horsepower and 175lb-ft of torque. While this is certainly a respectable output for a compact crossover like this, the figures provided by the Sportage are a strong step upward in performance terms.
The base level of the 2021 Kia Sportage is fitted with a 2.4L I-4 which ups the horsepower to 181hp while providing the same level of torque. However, things get even more interesting by choosing the 2.0L intercooled turbo I-4 option, which boosts the ponies to 237 horsepower and generates a hefty 260lb-ft in torque.
By any reckoning the turbo engine provides great performance, but that amount of output in a compact SUV translates into excellent acceleration and responsiveness for city and highway driving alike.
Both cars offer a choice of front-wheel and all-wheel drive, but they differ in their transmissions. Where the Rogue features a continuously variable transmission with a switchable manual mode, the Sportage offers a smooth six-speed automatic gearbox with Kia's Sportmatic drive mode system for great handling over a wide range of surfaces and conditions.
Finally for the powertrain section, the higher torque means the Sportage has a maximum towing capacity of up to 907kg, a great figure for a compact crossover SUV, while the Rogue manages a mere half of that hauling capability.
Both cars are fitted with a colour touchscreen to control the infotainment system. The standard Rogue screen is 7" in size, while the Sportage ups the ante to 8". However, moving up the trim levels sees the Sportage add dual LCD monitors for even better infotainment, an option not available on the Nissan.
Both cars provide Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth as standard, making it simple to connect your smart devices and external media players. For audio, both cars are fitted with AM/FM radio, satellite radio, an MP3 player, and steering wheel audio controls, while the Sportage adds HD radio in place of the Rogue's CD player.
With the Sportage you can drive with peace of mind thanks to Kia's great warranty providing coverage for five years or 100,000km. The Nissan warranty isn't as extensive, covering only three years or 60,000km.
Both cars come with unlimited roadside assistance, lasting for five years with the Kia and three years with the Nissan.
See for yourself why the Sportage is such a strong player in the compact crossover market by booking a test drive from our Calgary location. Whether you're looking for affordable LX trim or the high-end SX, you'll find the right Sportage for sale at an unbeatable price at Eastside Kia.
Categories: 2021 KIA Sportage