2018 Kia Sportage EX

If you're searching for a 2018 Kia Sportage EX Sport Utility for sale in Bakersfield, CA, your search ends here. Prestige Auto Sales in Bakersfield, in the heart of Kern County, has this well-maintained 2018 Kia Sportage EX ready for a test drive. With 65,265 miles on the clock and a competitive price point, this front-wheel-drive SUV offers outstanding value for families, commuters, and first-time SUV buyers throughout the Bakersfield area.About This 2018 Kia Sportage EXThe 2018 Kia Sportage sits in the sweet spot of the compact SUV market — big enough to be practical, small enough to be easy to park and maneuver around Bakersfield's busy streets and shopping districts. At 65,265 miles, this Sportage is well within the midlife range for this platform, which is known to deliver reliable service well into the 150,000-mile range with proper maintenance. The EX trim represents a meaningful step up from base models, bringing with it a more refined interior experience and a stronger feature set that rivals many luxury-adjacent crossovers in its class. Whether you're navigating the 99 Freeway during rush hour or loading up for a weekend trip toward the Kern River Valley, this Sportage is built for the kind of driving Central Valley residents do every day.2018 Kia Sportage Performance and Engine2.4-Liter GDI Four-Cylinder EngineUnder the hood, this 2018 Sportage EX is powered by a 2.4-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine with Gasoline Direct Injection. In the Sportage, this engine produces approximately 181 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque — enough punch to feel confident on highway on-ramps and capable of handling the long stretches of open road common in Kern County.

Paired with a smooth six-speed automatic transmission featuring Overdrive and Sportmatic manual control, this drivetrain delivers a balanced blend of efficiency and responsiveness. The Sportmatic function allows you to tap through gears manually when you want a more engaged driving feel — useful on winding routes or when extra power is needed for passing. Front-wheel drive keeps the weight down, lowers the cost of ownership, and is well-suited to Bakersfield's warm, dry climate where all-wheel drive is rarely a necessity.Kia Sportage EX Features and InteriorWhat the EX Trim Brings to the TableThe EX trim on the 2018 Kia Sportage is where this crossover really starts to shine. Buyers get a noticeably more premium experience over the base LX, with features designed for both convenience and comfort. Standard on the 2018 Sportage EX are heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a rearview camera, and dual-zone automatic climate control.

The cabin is well-constructed, with soft-touch materials on primary touchpoints and enough rear-seat legroom to keep adult passengers comfortable on longer drives. Cargo space behind the rear seats is generous for the class, and the split-folding rear seats expand the hauling capability significantly. The EX also typically includes a power driver's seat, making it easy to dial in the perfect driving position. Keyless entry, push-button start, and Bluetooth connectivity round out a feature set that still feels modern and relevant today.Kia Sportage Reliability and OwnershipThe Kia Sportage has built a strong reputation over the past decade, and the 2018 model year is widely regarded as one of the more refined generations of the nameplate. Kia's commitment to quality took a significant leap forward during this era, earning consistently strong scores from J.D. Power and Consumer Reports. Owners frequently cite the Sportage's low cost of routine maintenance, affordable parts availability, and the peace of mind that comes from Kia's 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty — much of which may still be transferable depending on service history.

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