A Surprisingly Capable and Affordable Choice: 2024 Kia Sportage LX AWD SUV

Overview of the 2024 Kia Sportage LX AWD SUV

The 2024 Kia Sportage LX AWD SUV is a compact crossover that delivers strong value for the money. Kia has really improved its lineup over the years and this new Sportage continues that trend offering good performance without breaking the bank. This SUV blends versatility with modern design making it a great option for both families and individuals who want an affordable all-wheel-drive vehicle with some personality.

With intuitive tech features good fuel efficiency and a comfortable cabin it stands out as a solid entry in the competitive compact SUV segment. However just like any car there are some areas where it could improve but it still remains a vehicle worth considering if you're after a budget-friendly yet capable AWD SUV.

Exterior and Design

When you first look at the 2024 Kia Sportage LX AWD you’ll notice its bold front grille and sleek headlights that give it a sporty and modern look. Kia’s designers focused on giving this SUV a unique identity in a crowded market and it shows with the aggressive styling.

Design Highlights

• Signature Tiger-Nose Grille: Gives the front end a sharp look
• LED Headlights and Daytime Running Lights
• 17-Inch Alloy Wheels for a sturdy stance
• Available in a variety of attractive colors

The overall design leans toward an athletic aesthetic without going over the top which means it looks equally good parked outside a city cafe or heading down a forest trail. While some competitors like the Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4 stick to safe styling Kia adds a bit of flair making the Sportage feel fresh.

Potential Drawbacks

While the design is appealing some buyers might find the rear of the vehicle looks a little busy with too many sharp lines. Also the lack of chrome accents in the LX trim makes it look a little less premium compared to higher trims.

Interior Comfort and Features

The cabin of the 2024 Kia Sportage LX AWD offers ample space for passengers and a well-thought-out layout. The materials used throughout are a mix of soft-touch surfaces and durable plastics which feel appropriate given the price point.

Interior Space

• Passenger Capacity: 5 seats
• Rear seat legroom: 41.3 inches
• Cargo capacity: 39.6 cubic feet behind the second row

According to Alex Collantes who test-drove the 2024 Sportage “The amount of rear legroom you get in this SUV is amazing. It feels bigger inside than it looks on the outside and that's a huge win especially if you have taller family members riding along.”

Despite the positive features the base LX trim lacks some luxury touches like leather upholstery or a power-adjustable driver’s seat which you’ll find in higher trims. However the seats are supportive even on long drives and the cabin stays relatively quiet at highway speeds.

Technology and Infotainment

Kia loaded the 2024 Sportage LX AWD with easy-to-use technology that enhances convenience without feeling overwhelming.

Key Tech Features

• 8-inch Touchscreen Display
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Bluetooth Connectivity and Voice Commands
• Rear-View Camera for easy parking
• USB ports for both front and rear passengers

The infotainment system responds quickly to touch inputs and has a straightforward menu layout making it easy for even non-tech-savvy drivers to navigate. However one drawback is the lack of a built-in navigation system in the LX trim meaning you’ll need to rely on your smartphone’s map apps for directions.

Driving Performance and Handling

Under the hood the 2024 Kia Sportage LX AWD features a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that provides decent power for most driving scenarios. This engine produces 187 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque which is sufficient for city commutes and weekend getaways.

Performance Specs

• Engine: 2.5L 4-cylinder
• Horsepower: 187 hp
• Torque: 178 lb-ft
• Transmission: 8-speed automatic

The all-wheel-drive system in the Sportage LX adds confidence on slippery roads. Although it’s not built for off-road adventures like a Jeep Wrangler the AWD system performs well in rain or light snow conditions making it a good choice for regions with varying weather.

Alex Collantes shared “It’s not the quickest SUV out there but it handles really well for what it is. I never felt like it struggled to keep up with traffic and it felt planted around corners which gave me peace of mind.”

Room for Improvement

Some drivers might find the engine lacks punch when merging onto highways especially if the vehicle is fully loaded with passengers and cargo. Additionally the 8-speed automatic transmission can feel hesitant at times especially during sudden acceleration.

Fuel Economy

One of the highlights of the 2024 Kia Sportage LX AWD is its competitive fuel economy. With rising gas prices many buyers are looking for efficient options and this SUV does well in that department.

Fuel Economy Ratings

• City: 23 MPG
• Highway: 28 MPG
• Combined: 25 MPG

These numbers are solid for an all-wheel-drive compact SUV making it a cost-effective option for daily driving. However if you do a lot of highway driving you might find that some competitors like the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offer even better fuel economy.

Safety and Driver Assistance Features

Kia has equipped the Sportage LX AWD with an impressive array of safety features even at the base level.

Standard Safety Features

• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist
• Lane Keeping Assist and Lane Following Assist
• Driver Attention Warning
• Rear Occupant Alert

The forward collision-avoidance system is a standout feature helping drivers avoid accidents in city traffic. In testing the system responded promptly to potential hazards and provided useful warnings when necessary.

Potential Shortcomings

While the safety features are plentiful for the price the LX trim lacks some of the more advanced features found in higher trims such as adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. If these are must-haves for you it might be worth considering the EX or SX trims.

Pricing and Value

The 2024 Kia Sportage LX AWD starts at around $28,000 which makes it a competitive option compared to other compact SUVs with all-wheel drive. When you factor in Kia’s industry-leading warranty which offers 10 years or 100,000 miles of powertrain coverage it becomes an even more appealing choice for buyers who value peace of mind.

Pros and Cons Overview

Pros:

• Affordable pricing for an AWD SUV
• Stylish design with modern tech features
• Good fuel economy for daily driving
• Spacious interior with excellent rear legroom

Cons:

• Engine performance could be better under heavy loads
• Base trim lacks luxury features like leather seats
• Transmission can feel sluggish at times

Final Thoughts: Is the 2024 Kia Sportage LX AWD the Right SUV for You?

If you’re in the market for an affordable all-wheel-drive SUV with solid technology features and a roomy interior the 2024 Kia Sportage LX AWD deserves your attention. It’s not perfect but it offers great value for the price point making it a smart option for budget-conscious buyers. As Alex Collantes summed up “It’s not trying to be a luxury SUV but it gives you more than enough for what you pay and that’s really what makes it stand out in my book.”

With its attractive pricing comfortable cabin and user-friendly tech the 2024 Kia Sportage LX AWD can meet the needs of many drivers without draining your bank account. However if you need more power or advanced driver assistance features you might want to explore the higher trims or consider other competitors like the Mazda CX-5 or Toyota RAV4.

No SUV is perfect but the 2024 Sportage LX AWD shows that Kia is committed to offering a well-rounded SUV that checks the right boxes for many buyers.