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Enhance the 2017 Sportage's navigation

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LeeStu
Posts: 20
Joined: Mon Feb 02, 2026 8:29 pm

I need to upgrade the navigation system in my 2017 Kia Sportage. An SD card is already installed in this model. Should I use a dedicated USB drive or just remove it and plug it into my computer?

Unfortunately, I would like not to risk damaging the original SD card by formatting it, even though the guide suggests doing so.
killiomop
Posts: 39
Joined: Mon Feb 02, 2026 8:39 pm

If you want to download the update, then swap out the SD card in your Kia for one that's 32 GB in size. That way, you can always revert to the original maps and software if the upgrade fails to load. To apply the next update, utilise the SD card that came with your Kia.
LeeStu
Posts: 20
Joined: Mon Feb 02, 2026 8:29 pm

Thank you for getting back to me. I see your point. In a couple of stories I read, the authors claimed that after updating the SD, the users were left with nothing. An SD card will be ordered. I am grateful.
killiomop
Posts: 39
Joined: Mon Feb 02, 2026 8:39 pm

I approached both of my prior Sportages in the same way. Just so you know, there's no easy way to roll back the update if it starts but fails on your head unit. You can only use the older maps if you are unable to get the upgrade.
LeeStu
Posts: 20
Joined: Mon Feb 02, 2026 8:29 pm

How often does it run into problems like this?
killiomop
Posts: 39
Joined: Mon Feb 02, 2026 8:39 pm

No. No problems whatsoever (apart from sluggish download speeds down to naff broadband) with any of the ones I've done on my current USB-powered Sportage, as well as on an SD card in 2017 and 2020.
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