2006 Kia Sportage: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Kia's compact SUV carries into 2006 with only minor changes. Sportage shares its car-type platform with the Hyundai Tucson produced by Kia's corporate parent. Sportage offers 4- or 6-cyl engines and a choice of front- or all-wheel drive. LX and EX models are available. Base LXs come with a 140-hp 4-cyl and a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. LX V6s and EXs come with a 173-hp V6 and automatic only. All are available with all-wheel drive that lacks low-range gearing but has a dashboard switch that locks in a 50/50 front/rear torque split. Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes and traction/antiskid control are standard. So are front side airbags and curtain side airbags. An EX Luxury Package adds leather upholstery and heated front seats.

COMPETITION

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Among utility vehicles, Compact SUVs are the least costly and offer the best fuel economy. Most utilize a car-type chassis and are not designed for heavy-duty, off-road use. Nearly all are five-passenger vehicles.

Our Best Buys include Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Mazda Tribute, and Mercury Mariner. Our Recommended picks are Honda Element, Hyundai Tucson, Jeep Liberty, Kia Sportage, and Subaru Forester.

Suzuki Grand Vitara and Toyota Rav4 are new or significantly redesigned.