The Sportage was first introduced to the Kia vehicle lineup in 1993 and has since been continually upgraded and improved. The compact SUV seats five and comes three ways: the base model LX, which is powered by a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine that produces 140 horsepower and 136 pound-feet of torque; the LX with an optional 2.7-liter V6; or the upscale EX, which comes with the V6 as standard, producing 173 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. There are also two transmissions: a five-speed manual or a four-speed Sportmatic with manual shift capability. The Sportage is available as a front-wheel drive (FWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD). The FWD system is a full-time electronically controlled affair with OnDemand 4WD.
The exterior styling of the Sportage has advanced dramatically throughout the years - it now displays a rugged attitude with some sophisticated cues that include multi-reflector headlamps, black exterior door handles, roof rails, front and rear tow hooks and a skid plate under the front end as standard on all LX models. The EX model adds the V6 engine with automatic transmission.
Despite its seemingly small exterior, the new Sportage provides a surprising amount of interior space, which is capable of carrying five adults comfortably plus some gear. The rear seat is innovative and easy to use, with its 60/40 split cushion and backrest that allows the bottom cushion to move forward and down into the rear footwell area, while also allowing the seat backrest to be folded completely flat and onto the same level as the floor of the trunk. The maneuver may be completed without removing the rear head restraints. The front passenger seat also folds flat, further increasing the versatility and functionality of the Sportage by adding to the number of seating/luggage carrying combinations. Maximum cargo volume is 66.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded flat. The fold-flat seat can double as a work table for the driver with the vehicle parked.
Coupled with the cabin's volume, other load area benefits include an under-floor tray (above the spare wheel) in the rear-cargo area, four floor-mounted tie-down anchors, side-wall storage with a net and a unique two-position rear cargo cover. There are lots of storage compartments, too, including a large center console with two-stage tray top, a large lockable glove box, overhead sunglasses holder, map and cup holders in all four doors, rear-seat central armrest and floor-console dual cup holders.
The Sportage LX model's standard equipment includes power windows with a driver's one-touch down feature, power mirrors, rear privacy glass, roof rails and a six-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo system. Cruise control comes standard on all models. Moving up to an EX model adds a leather-covered shift knob and steering wheel, sunroof, remote keyless entry system, a cargo cover and upgraded seat fabric, with the options of a Luxury Package, with leather seats and interior trim, heated front seats, automatic headlamps, electrochromatic interior mirror with HomeLink and an upgraded stereo system complete with woofer and external amplifier. Leather seats and trim are also available as a stand-alone option on the EX model. The Sportage earned a five-star crash rating in frontal and side impact crash tests from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for last year. The Sportage's long list of standard safety features and equipment includes six standard air bags (two advanced front air bags, two front-seat-mounted side air bags, and two full-length side-curtain air bags), four-wheel disc brakes with antilock brake system, traction control system and electronic stability control. The four-channel, four-sensor, antilock brake system is standard, incorporating electronic brakeforce distribution, and helping to distribute braking force evenly to all four wheels as weight shifts during cornering. The traction control is a fully automatic, dual-mode system that either reduces engine power or applies the vehicle's brakes - or both - when appropriate.
My test Kia Sportage was in EX trim with the V6 and automatic transmission in a 4x4 configuration. The exterior finish was executed in Satin Silver metallic with the interior done in black. The base price amounted to $22,895. Extra costs included the Luxury Package and the Inland Freight and Handling fee, which combined to bump the final sticker to $24,820.
Summary
The Kia Sportage has come a long way from its first generation. The added power is a definite plus, even if it is on the "buzzy" side when pushed in a spirited manner, and the interior now provides more thoughtful touches that tend to increase traveling pleasure.
The ride quality is compliant and comfortable - not plush mind you, but, hey, it's an SUV that is actually capable of going where no roads exist. It might not be capable of traversing the legendary Rubicon Trail, but it should meet most traditional off-road demands thrown its way, such as gravel, mud and snow. The on-road manners are pleasant as well, with agile handling.
Add to the above attributes, Kia's industry-leading, comprehensive warranty program that offers a 10-year or 100,000-mile limited power train warranty, a five-year or 60,000-mile limited basic warranty, and a five-year or 100,000-mile anti-perforation warranty, and you have a pretty attractive deal. A five-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance plan is also part of the comprehensive coverage program.
2008 Kia Sportage
Base price: $22,895
Price as tested: $24,820
Engine/transmission: 2.7-liter, 173-horsepower V6; four-speed automatic
Wheelbase: 103.5 inches
Length: 171.3 inches
Width: 70.9 inches
Height: 66.7 inches
Curb weight: 3,527 pounds
Fuel capacity: 17.2 gallons
Fuel consumption: 17 mpg city/21 mpg highway
By: Arv Voss
May, 2008
San Francisco Chronicle
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