2006 Kia Sportage: Road Test
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2006 Kia Sportage ▼
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- MSRP: $15,900 -$22,745
- Invoice: $15,150 -$21,230
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Our road test for the 2006 Kia Sportage includes a full evaluation of the 2006 Kia Sportage from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2006 Kia Sportage, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2006 Kia Sportage help you decide if a 2006 Kia Sportage is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 2WD LX, auto. | AWD EX | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 4 | 4.5 |
Four-cyl models fine for light-duty commuting, but lack power for confident highway merging and passing. We recommend a V6 version; they're no fireballs, but about as peppy as 4-cyl Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. Automatic transmission responsive enough with either engine, though not even the V6 has abundant passing punch. No opportunity to test with manual transmission. Towing capacity is 1500 lb with 4-cyl, 2000 lb with V6.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 2WD LX, auto. | AWD EX | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 4.9 |
Test AWD EX's 19.4-mpg average very similar to that of test 4-cyl CR-V and V6 Ford Escape. No opportunity to measure with 4-cyl. Note that V6 has 17.2-gal fuel tank vs. 15.3 for 4-cyl.
RIDE QUALITY
| 2WD LX, auto. | AWD EX | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4.7 |
Among best-riding compact SUVs. Composed around town, with little unwanted bounding or pitching, though some testers feel Sportage slightly less absorbent over sharp bumps than sibling Tuscon.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 2WD LX, auto. | AWD EX | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4.7 |
Fair body lean and no abundance of grip in fast turns, but pleasant, balanced, maneuverable in all other circumstances. Leisurely response to steering inputs, but never unpredictable. Brakes have progressive pedal feel, provide quick, sure stops.
QUIETNESS
| 2WD LX, auto. | AWD EX | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4.1 |
Good isolation from road, wind. Four-cyl engine coarse, buzzy. V6 quiet at cruise, but strains loudly in fast acceleration.
CONTROLS
| 2WD LX, auto. | AWD EX | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5.6 |
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. | AWD EX | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5.8 |
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. | AWD EX | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4.6 |
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. | AWD EX | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7.3 |
Room behind rear seats for groceries, but not large objects. Rear seats fold easily in single motion to form 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. | AWD EX | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6.3 |
Surprisingly refined, reasonably roomy, and remarkably priced, Sportage is a strong Recommended pick. V6 versions are our choice for about the same money as rival 4-cyl models. An impressive list of standard equipment and a long warranty add to its appeal.
Total Score
| 2WD LX, auto. | AWD EX | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 53 | 54 | 52.5 |
Total Score: 54
Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles
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