Kia’s fourth-generation crossover Sportage SUV may have debuted in 2017, but it’s the 2020 Sportage that’s finally hit home with consumers. Its standard features include interior and exterior updates that give it a more rugged, sporty look than previous model years.

Even so, The Car Connection rates its fuel economy lackluster compared to its redesigned rivals, the Ford Escape and Toyota RAV4. But if you’re looking for a smaller crossover SUV that’s upped the horsepower for a quietly dependable, yet sporty family ride, the 2020 Sportage delivers.

The standard 2020 Kia Sportage powertrain

Kia’s 2020 Sportage remains the same under the hood. It still has its regular 2.4 L inline 4 engine, putting it on par with other compact crossovers in its segment.

Other standards are its 6-speed automatic transmission, motor-driven power steering, high-performance dampers, and multi-link independent rear suspension. Never a power SUV, the Sportage lies low to the ground so you won’t be off-roading in it anytime soon.

The S and SX turbo trims

There are four trims available: the LX, S, EX, and the top-tier SX Turbo. Front-wheel drive comes standard, with AWD’s optional across-the-board. The SX turbo option has a 2.0 L, 240hp engine that’s more of a gas guzzler at 21mpg combined.

The SX turbo trim is only slightly showier than its standard engine counterparts. But the S trim is new this year which gives you a midrange choice between the base LX and the pricier SX turbo.

The interior and exterior standards

The tweaked 2020 Kia debuted at the 2019 Chicago Auto Show. There’s not much new over older generation Sportages. It still seats only five adults and looks more like a car than an SUV.

Rear seat cargo space runs a subpar 31 cubic feet but laying the seats down and it extends cargo space to around 60 cubic feet. Interior changes include leather seats for the EX and SX trims instead of cloth. Exterior updates include updated headlights and some minor changes to the bumpers.

So what’s new in the cabin? It’s still a quiet ride for the most part. The steering wheel and vent are redesigned. There’s an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. You’ll pay for the navigation, smartphone charging pad, and Kia’s UVO telematics options.

The Kia Sportage has an awesome warranty

Kia’s warranties are second to none. While the industry standard is a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty, the 2020 Kia Sportage’s warranty is more than generous.

Its standard 5-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranties are only matched by Hyundai and Mitsubishi.

Refreshed safety features

The Kia Sportage updated its safety equipment for 2020. Active safety tech is standard across all trims. Other features include 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, rack, and pinion steering, multiple front and side airbags, and electronic stability control for those high wind days.

Then there’s the rearview camera and cross-traffic collision warning alert and lane assists that keep you in your lane and forewarn you to problems in other lanes. The cabin and front of the Sportage is reinforced by a high-tensile steel alloy cage to keep you safer in an accident like a rollover.

You can also cruise downhill without exceeding the speed limit by using the Downhill Brake Control which also aids you on slippery roads.