The Kia Sportage is one of the most well-reviewed SUVs on the current market. This isn’t a surprise coming from Kia, which manufactured the popular Telluride SUV and the Optima sedan. In AutoTrader’s review of the Kia Sportage, editors called attention to the variety of features available on each trim.

The Kia Sportage is the ideal car both for people on a budget and those who want to splurge on every option. Let’s go over each trim of the Kia Sportage to see what each one has to offer.

The Kia Sportage LX

The bare-bones Kia Sportage is packed with features and priced at $25,110. It comes with smartphone integration, cloth seats, and five standard safety features including lane-keeping assistance and forward collision warning. An available package gives you a few other safety features, as well as 10-way adjustability for the driver’s seat.

The Kia Sportage’s base engine is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder that produces 181 hp, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. It doesn’t come with standard all-wheel drive, but that can be added for $1,500.  Most critics report that it has ample power for daily driving.

While the LX trim is the most affordable option, AutoTrader had a few complaints about it. The Sportage itself has many blind spots, but only higher trims come with blind-spot monitoring. The base engine also isn’t the most efficient compared to the Sportage’s rivals.

The S trim

The S trim offers blind-spot monitors equipped with rear cross-traffic alert and fog lights. Extra exterior upgrades include roof rails, bigger tires, and an available sunroof. The S trim is also the minimum level trim required to gain access to the Nightfall and Nightfall Premium edition packages.

The smaller Nightfall package offers mainly black accents, but it also equips the car with LED lighting and metal sport pedals. The upgraded package has quite a few more driving enhancements like stop-start technology and an electronic parking brake. A Kia Sportage S will cost $27,610 on its own and close to $29,500 with the best Nightfall package.

The EX trim

This Kia Sportage comes with more subtle convenience options, like push-button start, dual-zone climate control, and a power liftgate. The most exciting thing about the EX trim is its access to the EX Technology package, which costs $4,560. As the name suggests, it adds on fancy technology like wireless charging, built-in navigation, and a premium sound system. It also comes with some creature comforts like leather seats that can be heated and ventilated.

The SX Turbo trim

The SX Turbo Kia Sportage comes with every standard feature in the lower trims, raising the price to $34,770. It also comes with some performance upgrades like paddle shifters and a dual exhaust motor. The interior on this trim is also top-notch, complete with unique interior stitching and glossy interior paneling.

However, the main reason most people buy this trim is to get the upgraded engine. This Kia Sportage has a turbo-four engine that makes 240 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. According to AutoTrader, this version is better to drive thanks to the extra horsepower and upgraded suspension.

Which Kia Sportage trim is right for you?

The Kia Sportage you should buy depends on your budget and your priorities. If you only need basic technology to get by, the Kia Sportage LX will probably suit your needs. For performance-minded drivers, the SX Turbo trim is the way to go.

No matter which trim level you buy, the Kia Sportage is a well-rounded car in general. Despite a few minor flaws, it stands out from the crowd thanks to its appealing design and capable powertrain.