Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the 2019 Kia Sportage GT-Line, a sporty and stylish compact SUV that's been making waves in the automotive world. If you're in the market for a new ride and the Sportage has caught your eye, you've come to the right place. This review will cover everything you need to know, from performance and handling to interior features and overall value. So, buckle up and let's get started!

Overview of the 2019 Kia Sportage GT-Line

The 2019 Kia Sportage GT-Line is the sporty trim level of the popular Kia Sportage SUV. It slots in between the standard models and offers a blend of athletic styling, enhanced features, and a fun driving experience. Think of it as the Sportage with a bit more pizzazz. The GT-Line stands out with its unique exterior and interior design elements, giving it a more aggressive and eye-catching appearance. Beyond the aesthetics, it also boasts some performance enhancements that make it a joy to drive. Whether you're navigating city streets or hitting the open road, the GT-Line aims to deliver a more engaging and dynamic experience compared to its counterparts. In terms of the market, the 2019 Kia Sportage GT-Line competes with other sporty compact SUVs like the Mazda CX-5, Hyundai Tucson Sport, and Ford Escape SE. These vehicles all offer a similar blend of style, features, and performance, making the compact SUV segment a competitive playground for car buyers. So, if you're considering the Sportage GT-Line, it's definitely worth checking out these alternatives as well to see which one best fits your needs and preferences. But for now, let’s focus on what makes the 2019 Kia Sportage GT-Line a strong contender in this bustling market segment.

Exterior Design and Styling

The exterior design is where the 2019 Kia Sportage GT-Line truly shines and sets itself apart from the standard Sportage models. It’s got that head-turning factor! The GT-Line boasts a more aggressive and sporty appearance, thanks to several unique design elements. One of the most noticeable features is the distinctive front grille, which has a dark chrome finish that adds a touch of sophistication and menace. The redesigned front and rear bumpers further enhance the sporty vibe, giving the GT-Line a more athletic stance on the road. LED fog lights are integrated into the front bumper, not only improving visibility but also adding a stylish accent. The rear of the GT-Line features a sporty diffuser, which contributes to its aerodynamic profile and overall aggressive look. Exclusive to the GT-Line are the 19-inch alloy wheels, which perfectly complement the vehicle's sporty character. These larger wheels not only look great but also improve handling and stability. Chrome accents around the windows and door handles add a touch of elegance and elevate the overall appearance of the GT-Line. These subtle details make a big difference in creating a premium feel. The GT-Line badging on the exterior clearly identifies this model as the sporty variant, letting everyone know you're driving something special. Compared to the standard Sportage, the GT-Line has a more dynamic and youthful design. The standard Sportage is handsome in its own right, but the GT-Line takes it up a notch with its sporty enhancements. The overall design is modern and stylish, making the GT-Line a real head-turner on the road. It’s a perfect blend of practicality and sportiness, appealing to those who want an SUV that looks as good as it performs. Kia has done a fantastic job of creating a vehicle that stands out in a crowded segment, and the GT-Line’s exterior design is a major reason why.

Interior Comfort and Features

Stepping inside the 2019 Kia Sportage GT-Line, you'll immediately notice the attention to detail and the focus on creating a comfortable and well-equipped cabin. The interior is designed to provide a premium feel, with quality materials and thoughtful touches throughout. The GT-Line features unique sport seats with leather bolsters and cloth inserts, offering a perfect blend of comfort and support. These seats are not only stylish but also provide excellent lateral support, keeping you snug during spirited driving. The flat-bottom steering wheel with GT-Line badging adds to the sporty ambiance of the interior. It feels great in your hands and provides a more direct connection to the road. Red stitching accents throughout the cabin, including the seats, steering wheel, and shift knob, add a touch of sportiness and visual flair. These subtle details elevate the overall interior design. A panoramic sunroof is available, allowing plenty of natural light to flood the cabin and create an airy and open feel. It’s a great feature for enjoying scenic drives. The infotainment system in the 2019 Sportage GT-Line is user-friendly and packed with features. It includes a touchscreen display (usually 7 or 8 inches, depending on the package), Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility. These features make it easy to stay connected and entertained on the go. A premium sound system is available, providing excellent audio quality for your favorite tunes. The GT-Line also offers a range of convenience features, such as keyless entry, push-button start, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a rearview camera. These features enhance the overall driving experience and make everyday life a little easier. Compared to the standard Sportage, the GT-Line offers a more upscale and sporty interior. The unique seats, steering wheel, and red stitching accents give it a distinct character. The interior is also spacious and comfortable, with plenty of room for passengers and cargo. Overall, the interior of the 2019 Kia Sportage GT-Line is a fantastic place to be. It’s well-designed, comfortable, and packed with features, making it a great choice for those who value both style and substance.

Performance and Handling

When it comes to performance and handling, the 2019 Kia Sportage GT-Line doesn't disappoint. It offers a spirited driving experience that's sure to put a smile on your face. The GT-Line is typically powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which produces around 240 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. This engine provides plenty of power for confident acceleration and passing maneuvers. The engine is paired with a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission, which delivers power to the wheels efficiently. The transmission offers responsive shifts and helps to maximize fuel economy. The GT-Line is available with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, depending on your preference and driving needs. All-wheel drive provides added traction and stability in adverse weather conditions. The suspension in the GT-Line is sport-tuned, providing a firmer and more controlled ride compared to the standard Sportage. This helps to reduce body roll in corners and improve overall handling. The steering is precise and well-weighted, giving you a good feel for the road. This makes the GT-Line fun to drive on winding roads. The brakes are strong and responsive, providing confident stopping power. The GT-Line also benefits from electronic stability control and traction control, which help to keep the vehicle stable in slippery conditions. Compared to the standard Sportage, the GT-Line offers a more engaging and dynamic driving experience. The turbocharged engine provides a noticeable boost in power, and the sport-tuned suspension improves handling. The 2019 Kia Sportage GT-Line strikes a great balance between performance and comfort. It's sporty enough to be fun to drive, but it's also comfortable enough for everyday commuting and long road trips. If you're looking for a compact SUV that offers a little extra excitement behind the wheel, the GT-Line is definitely worth considering. Its combination of power, handling, and sporty styling makes it a standout in its class.

Safety Features and Technology

Safety is paramount in any vehicle, and the 2019 Kia Sportage GT-Line is well-equipped with a range of advanced safety features and technologies. These features are designed to help prevent accidents and protect occupants in the event of a collision. Standard safety features on the GT-Line include antilock brakes, electronic stability control, traction control, and a full suite of airbags. These features work together to provide a solid foundation of safety. Many GT-Line models come equipped with advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), which use sensors and cameras to monitor the vehicle's surroundings and assist the driver. These systems can include features such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Forward collision warning uses sensors to detect potential collisions with vehicles ahead. If a collision is imminent, the system will alert the driver and can even automatically apply the brakes to help prevent or mitigate a crash. Lane departure warning uses cameras to monitor the vehicle's position within its lane. If the vehicle starts to drift out of its lane, the system will alert the driver. Blind-spot monitoring uses sensors to detect vehicles in the driver's blind spots. If a vehicle is detected, the system will alert the driver, making it safer to change lanes. A rearview camera is standard on the GT-Line, making it easier to back up and park. Some models may also offer a surround-view camera system, which provides a 360-degree view of the vehicle's surroundings. The 2019 Kia Sportage has earned good safety ratings from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). These ratings reflect the vehicle's ability to protect occupants in a crash. Kia's commitment to safety is evident in the design and engineering of the Sportage GT-Line. The vehicle is built with a strong body structure and is equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features. Overall, the 2019 Kia Sportage GT-Line offers excellent safety for drivers and passengers. Its combination of standard safety features, advanced driver-assistance systems, and good safety ratings make it a smart choice for those who prioritize safety.

Fuel Economy and Value

When considering a new vehicle, fuel economy and value are crucial factors. The 2019 Kia Sportage GT-Line offers a competitive balance in these areas. The fuel economy of the 2019 Kia Sportage GT-Line varies depending on whether it's equipped with front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). Generally, the FWD models offer slightly better fuel efficiency than the AWD models. The EPA estimates for the FWD GT-Line are around 23 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. The AWD models are rated at around 21 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. These figures are competitive for the compact SUV segment, but it's always a good idea to compare them to other vehicles you're considering. Real-world fuel economy can vary depending on driving conditions, driving habits, and maintenance. To maximize fuel efficiency, try to drive smoothly, avoid aggressive acceleration and braking, and keep your tires properly inflated. The 2019 Kia Sportage GT-Line offers excellent value for the money. It comes well-equipped with features and offers a sporty driving experience at a competitive price point. Compared to other sporty compact SUVs, the GT-Line often provides more features for the same price. Kia is known for its strong warranty coverage, which adds to the overall value proposition. The 2019 Sportage GT-Line comes with a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. This provides peace of mind and can save you money on potential repairs. The resale value of the Kia Sportage is generally good, but it's always a good idea to research resale values before making a purchase. A vehicle with strong resale value will save you money in the long run. Overall, the 2019 Kia Sportage GT-Line offers a compelling combination of fuel economy and value. It's fuel-efficient enough for daily commuting and long trips, and it provides a lot of features for the price. The strong warranty coverage adds to the overall value, making it a smart choice for budget-conscious buyers who want a sporty and well-equipped SUV.

Pros and Cons of the 2019 Kia Sportage GT-Line

To give you a clear picture, let's break down the pros and cons of the 2019 Kia Sportage GT-Line. This will help you weigh the advantages and disadvantages before making a decision.

Pros:

• Sporty Styling: The GT-Line boasts a unique and aggressive exterior design that sets it apart from the standard Sportage models.
• Fun Driving Experience: The turbocharged engine and sport-tuned suspension provide a spirited and engaging driving experience.
• Well-Equipped Interior: The interior is comfortable and well-appointed, with features like sport seats, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and red stitching accents.
• User-Friendly Technology: The infotainment system is easy to use and includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
• Strong Safety Features: The GT-Line comes with a range of advanced safety features and has earned good safety ratings.
• Excellent Value: The GT-Line offers a lot of features for the price, making it a great value in the compact SUV segment.
• Long Warranty: Kia's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty provides peace of mind.

Cons:

• Fuel Economy: While competitive, the fuel economy isn't class-leading.
• Ride Comfort: The sport-tuned suspension can make the ride a bit firmer compared to the standard Sportage.
• Rear Seat Space: The rear seat space is adequate but not as generous as some competitors.
• Cargo Space: The cargo area is smaller than some rivals in the compact SUV class.

By weighing these pros and cons, you can better assess whether the 2019 Kia Sportage GT-Line is the right vehicle for you. It's a fantastic choice for those who prioritize sporty styling, a fun driving experience, and value, but it's important to consider the potential drawbacks as well.

Final Verdict

So, what's the final verdict on the 2019 Kia Sportage GT-Line? Overall, it's a highly recommendable compact SUV that offers a compelling blend of style, performance, features, and value. If you're looking for a vehicle that stands out from the crowd and provides a sporty driving experience, the GT-Line is definitely worth considering. The GT-Line's aggressive styling, turbocharged engine, and sport-tuned suspension make it a joy to drive, while the well-equipped interior and user-friendly technology enhance the overall ownership experience. The strong safety features and good safety ratings provide peace of mind, and the excellent value makes it a smart choice for budget-conscious buyers. While the fuel economy and cargo space aren't class-leading, they're still competitive, and the GT-Line's other strengths more than make up for these minor drawbacks. Whether you're commuting to work, running errands, or embarking on a road trip, the 2019 Kia Sportage GT-Line is a versatile and capable vehicle that can handle a variety of tasks. It's a great all-arounder that offers something for everyone. If you're in the market for a compact SUV, be sure to put the 2019 Kia Sportage GT-Line on your shortlist. You might just find that it's the perfect vehicle for your needs. Happy driving, everyone!