Compared to the 2016 Kia Sportage, a handsome compact crossover that started at $23,045, the new 2017 Kia Sportage puts on a funky Peugeot mask and costs $840 more. Look deeper for the inner beauty, though, and you’ll find reason to upgrade.

A base 2017 front-wheel-drive Sportage LX now makes chrome window trim, automatic headlamps, a rear spoiler, and a backup camera standard, as well as a 5.0-inch touchscreen stereo, a 3.5-inch display in the instrument cluster, and three selectable driving modes. As before, 17-inch alloy wheels, LED running lamps, tinted rear windows, and Bluetooth are included, along with the carryover 2.4-liter 181-hp four-cylinder (up 1 hp) and six-speed automatic. All-wheel drive is optional across all three trim levels for $1500, and includes torque vectoring, a 50:50 center axle lock, and a redesigned front bumper that affords a “steeper approach angle” should Sportage owners venture off pavement.
At $26,395, the EX includes dual-zone climate control and a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with 8 GB of built-in music storage, Wi-Fi tethering capability, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto (all optional for $900 on the LX). It also includes keyless entry and push-button start, leather, 18-inch wheels, fog lamps, and gloss-black body trim.
The loaded SX Turbo, at $33,395 ($34,895 with all-wheel drive) brings a lot more equipment. Let’s start with the mechanicals: a 240-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four, larger front brakes, ...