2005 Kia Sportage: Road Test
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2005 Kia Sportage ▼
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- MSRP: $15,900 -$21,700
- Invoice: $15,150 -$20,255
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Our road test for the 2005 Kia Sportage includes a full evaluation of the 2005 Kia Sportage from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2005 Kia Sportage, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2005 Kia Sportage help you decide if a 2005 Kia Sportage is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 2WD LX, auto. | 4WD EX, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 4 | 4.3 |
Four-cyl models fine for normal commuting, but lack power for confident highway merging and passing. V6 about as peppy as 4-cyl engines in Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. Kia's automatic transmission is responsive with either engine, though not even the V6 has an abundance of passing punch. No opportunity to test with manual transmission.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 2WD LX, auto. | 4WD EX, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 4.8 |
No opportunity to measure yet, but similar AWD V6 Hyundai Tuscon averaged 20.8 mpg in our tests.
RIDE QUALITY
| 2WD LX, auto. | 4WD EX, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4.5 |
Composed around town, though slightly less absorbent over sharp bumps than sibling Tuscon. Firm suspension transmits faint vibration through steering column on coarse surfaces and can jolt over sharp ridges.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 2WD LX, auto. | 4WD EX, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4.7 |
Taut, balanced, with little body lean for a small SUV. Steering a bit more firm than in Tucson. Brakes have progressive pedal feel, provide quick, sure stops.
QUIETNESS
| 2WD LX, auto. | 4WD EX, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 3 | 4 |
Noticeable tire noise. Road noise comes through in the form of body drumming. Wind rush well-suppressed. Four-cyl engine coarse and buzzy. V6 quiet at cruise, but strains loudly in fast acceleration.
CONTROLS
| 2WD LX, auto. | 4WD EX, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5.5 |
Gauges clearly marked, easy to see. All controls grouped conveniently in easy-to-reach center dashboard stack. Dials have rubber grips for better feel. Sportage's interior materials a cut above CR-V and slightly upscale of Tucson.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 2WD LX, auto. | 4WD EX, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5.7 |
Adequate leg room, generous head room. Both leather and cloth seats comfortable, with good side-bolster support. Standard tilt steering wheel helps tailor a good driving position. Over-the-shoulder visibility partially blocked by thick rear pillars.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 2WD LX, auto. | 4WD EX, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4.5 |
Available sunroof's housing cuts into head room for taller riders. Leg room good; becomes tight only for taller riders with front seats more than halfway back. Slim door bottoms mildly impede entry/exit.
CARGO ROOM
| 2WD LX, auto. | 4WD EX, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6.7 |
Room behind rear seats for groceries, but not large objects. Rear seats fold down to form a flat load floor. Separate-opening tailgate window adds convenience. Cabin has eight cupholders, including one in each door, and adequate small-item storage.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 2WD LX, auto. | 4WD EX, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6 |
Sportage is a fine light-duty people-mover with modest off-road capabilities. We prefer the available V6; it provides class-competitive power and is smoother than rivals' fours, though no more powerful. Sportage's impressive list of standard equipment, bargain pricing, and long warranty make it a Recommended pick among compact SUVs .
Total Score
| 2WD LX, auto. | 4WD EX, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 51 | 53 | 50.7 |
Total Score: 52
Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles
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