2015 Kia Sportage SX Luxury: Template For Small SUV Success

Photo: Kia Motors

There has never been a better time to be shopping for a pint-sized, inexpensive, do-it-all daily driver.

Photo: Kia Motors

Kia manages to balance out the more modest aspects of the crossover's passenger compartment by way of its features list.

Photo: Kia Motors

Some models in the Sportage line-up, however, present a more cautionary tale of how you can easily overload a vehicle with options and end up forking over more money than is absolutely necessary.

Photo: Kia Motors

One of the advantages of selecting the Sportage SX Luxury (and regular SX) trim is access to the vehicle's 2.0-litre, turbocharged four-cylinder engine.

Photo: Kia Motors

There's also a respectable amount of cargo space to be found inside the crossover once you fold down the back seat.

Photo: Kia Motors

The Sportage features a very attractive touchscreen infotainment and communications interface (with navigation).

Photo: Kia Motors

The 2015 Kia Sportage is a perfect example of the highly evolved state of the small people mover segment.

Photo: Kia Motors

My recommendation is to shirk the premium gear in the SX Luxury you don't really need.

Photo: Kia Motors

What did I wish for behind the wheel of the Sportage SX Luxury? Maybe a little more refinement from the 2.0 turbo.

Photo: Kia Motors

The 2015 Kia Sportage presents one of the most cohesive designs on the small SUV landscape.

Photo: Kia Motors

The Sportage really doesn't have a bad angle, as even in profile its bold shape suggests power and prestige.

Photo: Kia Motors

Families will have no trouble fitting two adults and two teenagers into the Sportage's first and second rows of seating.

Photo: Kia Canada

The Sportage's optional all-wheel drive system was surefooted and stable during a long week of winter driving.

Photo: Kia Canada

The SX Luxury trim isn't just pricy for a Kia.

Photo: Kia Canada

The budget-friendly roots of the Sportage are more easily detected inside the cabin.