2000 Kia Sportage: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

A few minor revisions and unchanged base prices highlight year-six for this South Korean-built compact sport-utility vehicle. Sportage returns in 4-door 5-passenger wagon and shorter 2-door 4-passenger semi-convertible body styles, the latter with a manual-fold cloth top over the rear seat. All models offer optional antilock brakes and a standard driver's knee airbag, plus dashboard airbags. The only engine is a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder. Base and EX wagons offer rear drive or on-demand 4-wheel drive and manual or optional automatic transmissions. The convertible comes as an automatic 4x2 or manual 4x4. Sportage's 4-wheel drive isn't for use on dry pavement, but has separate low-range gearing. Besides a more prominent twin-note horn, all models get a standard driver's left footrest and a modified central sliding front armrest with more storage space beneath. Remote keyless entry is a new linewide option. Although Kia was recently purchased by Hyundai, another South Korean automaker, Kia Motors America remains an independent importer with its own, separate dealer network.

COMPETITION

Ignored in the past, compact SUVs are now some of the hottest-selling vehicles around. The two current Best Buys are the Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester. Though they don't offer true off-road ability, they mix the best ride, cargo, and comfort characteristics with all-weather traction.
Toyota's RAV4 , which used to be a Best Buy, falls to Recommended based on its noisy engine and cramped rear seating area. Toyota hopes that will change when an all-new RAV arrives in 2001.
As immovable as Mt. Rushmore, the Jeep Wrangler continues as our Budget Buy in this segment. Though it has become a status symbol of late, it's most at home crawling over rocks and fording river beds.