2005-2008 Kia Sportage: Road Test

Four-cyl models are fine for normal commuting, but lack power for confident highway merging and passing. The V6 is about as peppy as 4-cyl engines in Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The automatic transmission is responsive with either engine, though not even the V6 has an abundance of passing punch. We've had no opportunity to test with manual transmission. Test AWD EX's 19.4-mpg average is very similar to that of test 4-cyl CR-V and V6 Ford Escape. There's been no opportunity to measure with the 4-cyl. Note that V6 models have a 17.2-gal fuel tank vs. 15.3 for 4-cyl models. Around town, Sportage is composed, though slightly less absorbent over sharp bumps than sibling Tucson. A firm suspension transmits faint vibration through the steering column on coarse surfaces and can jolt over sharp ridges. Handling is taut and balanced, with little body lean for a small SUV. Steering is a bit firmer than in Tucson. Brakes have progressive pedal feel and provide quick, sure stops. Road noise comes through in the form of body drumming, and there's noticeable tire noise. Wind rush is well-suppressed. The four-cyl engine is coarse and buzzy. The V6 is quiet at cruise, but strains loudly in fast acceleration. Gauges are clearly marked and easy to see. All controls are grouped conveniently in the easy-to-reach center dashboard stack. Dials have rubber grips for better feel. Sportage's interior materials are a cut above CR-V and slightly upscale of Tucson. In front, there's adequate leg room and generous head room. Both the cloth and leather seats are comfortable, with good side-bolster support. The standard tilt steering wheel helps tailor a good driving position. Over-the-shoulder visibility is partially blocked by thick rear pillars. Taller back-seat riders may find the available sunroof's housing cuts into head room. Leg room in back is good, becoming tight only for taller riders with the front seats more than halfway back. Slim door bottoms mildly impede entry/exit. There's room behind the rear seats for groceries but not large objects. The rear seats fold down to form a flat load floor. A separate-opening tailgate window adds convenience. The cabin has eight cupholders, including one in each door, and adequate small-item storage.

Value for the Money
Sportage is a fine light-duty people-mover with an impressive list of standard equipment and modest off-road capabilities. We prefer the available V6; it provides class-competitive power and is smoother than rivals' fours, though no more powerful.