Why After Four Months of Driving a Kia SUV, I Bought the 2019 Sportage EX
Buying a car is a big deal.
It’s not like buying a TV or a new appliance, it’s something you’re going to own for 7-10 years. There’s a lot of thought that needs to go into a purchase like this. Not only does it have to meet your lifestyle needs, but it has to take care of you and your precious cargo and it has to be reliable. And in my case, it had to be reliable enough to become my son’s car in a few years, too. This is why I chose this Kia SUV above all the rest.
What It Costs
- Kia Sportage LX $23,600
- Kia Sportage EX $26,400 includes Apple Car Play, blind spot detection, lane change assist, heated front seats, etc.
- Kia Sportage SX Turbo $32,900 includes Harmon Kardon speakers, parking assist, ventilated front seats, etc.
- Read why the Kia Soul is the best car for college kids
What I Needed and What I Wanted in a Vehicle
There were some specific needs and some specific wants that I had in mind while I was shopping around for our new family car. Needs for size, safety, reliability and fuel, and wants for aesthetics and personal preference.
I needed a vehicle big enough to fit my family of three and two small dogs and still have enough room to load it all in for road trips so, an SUV made the most sense. It was also important for us to buy a vehicle that was competitive on gas mileage, had advanced safety features and a nice technology package.
I knew this would be the car my son would end up learning to drive in and most likely own himself in six years. So I wanted to make sure that he would be in a safe car with handsfree technology.
Don’t miss our Kia Sportage review
I wanted a vehicle that could get around and make left turns like a boss. Where I live I am surrounded by rolling hills. It really wears and tears on a vehicle when you struggle to get up those hills. I also use the interstate a lot.
I was looking for something that has a little extra kick. I wanted a top of the line trim package. This would officially be the first brand new car I had ever owned, and I wanted to look sexy, sleek and classy. I wanted leather seats because I am a firm believer that cloth seats just get trashed over the years.
I also wanted a great sound system, cabin, and trim details that made my everyday life a little bit easier. Oh, and I also really wanted that panoramic sunroof.
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I drove the 2019 Kia Sportage EX for four months…
During a long-term loan with Kia Motors America earlier this year, I had the opportunity to drive the same exact SUV (and color). As a Sorento owner, I was a little reluctant to get into something that was a bit smaller. But when this beauty arrived in my driveway it was love at first site. And that’s a lot coming from someone who test drives cars all the time. She was beautiful inside and out.
Right away I knew I loved the exterior of the Kia Sportage EX. The Mineral Silver color was elegant and classy. It had chrome trim, beautiful rims, and the overall design was stunning. The interior measured up nicely to the exterior with black leather seats, elegant and streamlined dash and center console, and yes, that AMAZING panoramic sunroof.
I knew I loved the Kia Sportage EX inside and out, but it wasn’t until I gave her the ultimate tests that I would want to make her mine. A vehicle has to measure up, it can’t just look pretty. With my list of needs and wants, I knew it was going to be tough. In four months I was able to test her out in just about every scenario -bad weather, Atlanta traffic, hills, road trips, comfort, and safety.
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Breaking Down All These Bits: Exactly Why and How the 2019 Kia Sportage EX Measured Up
Performance I Can Rely On
You already know that the Kia Sportage EX passed my initial interior/exterior and size needs. Let’s talk about performance. There are three drive modes; ECO, sport, and regular.
One thing I love is that I can reserve fuel when I’m on the highway in ECO mode, but with the press of a button I can get a power shot in sport mode when I need to pass someone or get up a hill. I’ve been averaging 23mpg in town and about 26mpg on the interstate. I love this!
Safety and Technology I Can Be Confident With
With the advanced safety package, I am alerted when someone is in my blind spot, when I get too close to something, or when I go out of my lane without a blinker.
I also have a break assist feature that will break the car in case I approach a vehicle in front of me too quickly. The LCD rear camera clarity is amazing, I can back in and out of spaces with confidence.
The UVO handsfree technology is incredible and allows me to do everything by voice command. I have an Android phone, so I am able to plug my phone into my car and ask Google to do things like play music, give me directions, make calls and send messages. It also reads my messages to me.
This is so important for when my son drives this car. I’ll know that he’s being safe and not using his phone since the Android Car Play app disables the phone screen while driving. I can also set curfew limits that notify me when my son isn’t home on time.
Sound, Cabin, and Sunroof for All the Good Vibes
The Kia Sportage EX comes with a Harman/Kardon sound system, which is amazing! When you’re in the driver’s seat as much as a busy mom is, you really need those good vibes. When I’m driving to pick my son up from school, I listen to my favorite song with the sunroof open surrounded by a gorgeous cabin. Sometimes it’s the only mom break I can get.
After four months with the 2019 Kia Sportage EX and three months without it… I had to buy it
I knew I had to buy this SUV! I think this was the fastest sale in the history of all time, and surely I made the salesman’s day when I walked in and said, “Hi, I’m Christa and I’m here to buy a mineral silver Kia Sportage EX.” I was so sold on this SUV.
At the top of its price point, with all the features and the 100k mile warranty (which I had extended through to all the parts of the car, not just the powertrain, transmission and engine), I knew, without a doubt, that this was the lunar eclipse of cars for me.
We love our 2019 Kia Sportage EX. I am so glad we made this purchase. We have confidence in safety, performance, and are thoroughly comfortable inside the cabin. Not only is she beautiful inside and out, but she fits every single need and want that we had. And, I’m 1000% assured that this car will be safe for my son to drive in six years.
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