2002 Kia Sportage: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Sportage comes as a 4-dr wagon and a shorter 2-dr semiconvertible with a rear folding soft top. Both are among the few compact SUVs with body-on-frame instead of unibody construction. They share a 4-cyl engine. Wagons offer rear-wheel drive and 4WD, manual and automatic transmission. Convertibles come with 2WD and automatic transmission or with 4WD and manual. The 4WD system must be disengaged on dry pavement but includes low-range gearing. ABS is optional. Side airbags are unavailable, but a driver-side knee airbag is standard. New for 2002 is an optional exterior-trim package that includes two-tone body cladding and a hard-face spare-tire cover. Kia is owned by Hyundai; both are based in South Korea and share warranty coverage of 5-years/50,000-mi. basic, 10/100,000 powertrain, 5/unlimited roadside assistance.

COMPETITION

Ignored in the past, compact SUVs are now some of the hottest-selling vehicles around. Though our Best Buys, the Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, and Mazda Tribute don't offer true off-road ability, they do mix ride comfort, cargo capacity, and versatility with all-weather traction. The V6 Tribute/Escape offers more power, comfort, and space than any in its class.

Another car-based mini-SUV, the Subaru Forester, is our Recommended choice. Like the CR-V it doesn't have a low range for serious off-road use, but it blends excellent on-road manners with SUV styling.