Kia Sportage EX – Facelift 2013 Review

The Kia Sportage EX 2013, a compact SUV, received a facelift in 2013 that brought refreshed styling, improved features, and enhanced performance. As a versatile vehicle designed for both city driving and weekend adventures, the Sportage EX aims to offer a balanced mix of comfort, practicality, and affordability. It’s positioned as a family-friendly crossover that blends stylish design with everyday functionality.

Exterior Design

The 2013 facelift of the Kia Sportage EX introduced a more modern and dynamic look. The vehicle features a bold front grille, sleek headlights with LED accents, and a sculpted hood that adds a sporty flair. The body has a streamlined profile with flared wheel arches, giving it a muscular stance. The Sportage has a ground clearance of approximately 172 mm, which is suitable for urban driving and light off-road excursions, providing enough height to clear common road obstacles and rough patches.

Interior Design

Kia Sportage EX offers a spacious and well-appointed cabin that combines comfort with practicality. The seating comfort is good, with ample legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers, making it suitable for long drives. The seats are upholstered in high-quality fabric or optional leather, providing a comfortable and supportive seating experience. Boot space is adequate for a compact SUV, offering around 564 liters with the rear seats up, which can be expanded by folding the rear seats down to accommodate larger items. The dashboard design is modern, featuring easy-to-use controls and a clean layout.

Performance

The Kia Sportage EX 2013 is equipped with a 2.0-liter inline-4 petrol engine that delivers 166 horsepower and 197 Nm of torque. This engine is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, which provides smooth gear changes and a responsive driving experience. The Sportage is designed for balanced performance, offering sufficient power for city driving and highway cruising. The suspension is tuned to deliver a comfortable ride while maintaining good handling characteristics, making it easy to drive in various conditions.

Fuel Efficiency

Fuel efficiency for the Kia Sportage EX 2013 is respectable for a compact SUV. It offers a fuel consumption rate of around 8.5 liters per 100 km (approximately 28 mpg) in combined driving conditions. The vehicle uses regular unleaded petrol and features a 58-liter fuel tank, providing a decent range for both city commutes and longer trips. Real-world mileage can vary depending on driving habits, load, and terrain, but it generally aligns with these estimates, making it an economical choice for daily use.

Safety and Technology

The Sportage EX 2013 comes equipped with a range of safety features, including multiple airbags (front, side, and curtain), ABS with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), traction control, and electronic stability control. Higher trims may offer additional safety features such as rear parking sensors and a rearview camera. In terms of technology, the vehicle includes an infotainment system with a touchscreen interface, Bluetooth connectivity, USB and AUX inputs, and optional navigation, ensuring a connected and convenient driving experience.

Transmission

The Kia Sportage EX 2013 is available with a 6-speed automatic transmission. This transmission provides smooth and efficient power delivery, contributing to the overall ease of driving and enhancing fuel efficiency. It offers a manual mode for drivers who prefer more control over gear selection.

Ride Quality

The ride quality of the Sportage EX is generally smooth and comfortable, with a suspension setup that effectively absorbs most road imperfections. The vehicle handles well in both city and highway driving, providing stable and predictable performance. While it may not be as sporty as some competitors, it offers a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience that is well-suited for daily commutes and long-distance travel.