Sharing a unibody steel platform with the Hyundai Tucson, the front-drive Kia Sportage SUV was engineered to meet a radically different design concept. Sporty, spacious, adaptable and affordable, the compact Kia SUV features an attractive appearance inside and out. Choice is the watchword for Sportage, with a choice of two engines, two drivetrains, two transmissions, two equipment levels and a wide range of premium options.
Available in LX and EX trim levels, power for Sportage is generated by a 2.0L four-cylinder engine with Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) or the optional 2.7L V-6 power plant. The sport-ute includes a five-speed manual gearbox or four-speed Shiftronic automatic transmission. The Sportage is available in two- or four-wheel drive configurations.
On the road, the vehicle delivers strong acceleration - with safe and predictable handling and control. The small Kia SUV uses the state-of-the-art Borg Warner Electronic InterActive Torque Management four-wheel drive system that routes up to 99 percent of the available power to the front wheels. As road conditions or torque demand changes, the system automatically diverts up to 50 percent of the available power to the rear wheels. The system monitors throttle position, front wheel angle and slippage. A dashboard-mounted 4WD lock button allows the driver to manually "lock" the driveline into 4WD for a 50/50 torque split.
Inside the cabin, the Sportage interior comes with many standard appointments that coddle front and rear occupants. Available options allow motorists to personalize their Sportage to meet their specific needs and tastes.
EPA fuel economy (average of all engine and transmission types): 19 city, 25 highway
Base MSRP: $16,050
