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Leith Cars Blog

Show of Hands: 2017 Sportage or 2017 Optima Wagon?

There were two stories about Kia this week. The first was the 2017 Sportage, specifically how its redesign keeps the model fresh-looking and up-to-date inside. The second story was the 2017 Optima Sportwagen, Kia’s first ever mid-size station wagon, which is for Europe only.

Wagons (called “estates” in Europe) are a big deal in the Old World. Faced with steeper gas prices than we, Europeans prefer to do their hauling, in smaller, lighter, better handling estates compared to the American way of big, heavy, and comfortable.

Because the Optima Sportwagen is Europe-only, we can’t wave our magic wand and have a few waiting for you on our lot this weekend. However, we do think it would be worth asking: between these two brand-new Kia models for 2017, which are you more interested in?

The 2017 Sportage already has a lock on interior space, and this year’s model has even more room than the outgoing model. You’ll have a better view of the road, the available 19-inch tires make for a comfortable ride, and should find yourself in a collision, the Sportage’s weight will keep you from being knocked about.

The 2017 Optima Sportwagen offers the most powerful engine as the Sportage, but with far less weight, which means you’re going to fly. You’ll excel at cornering and handling, as well, and probably have a better sense of feedback from the road. If driving is your thing more than kid-hauling, you’re better off in the wagon.

Both models will offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so you’ll be able to connect the smartphone of your choice. Unless you use a Windows phone or Blackberry, in which case we are so, so sorry and hope that you will get help soon (just kidding).

So there you have it. Between the 2017 Sportage and Optima Sportwagen, which would you prefer? Let us know on our Facebook page for Leith Cars.