2007 Kia Sportage: Road Test
Archived Review
2007 Kia Sportage ▼
Select a Trim ▼
- MSRP: $15,900 -$22,895
- Invoice: $15,150 -$21,370
Features & Specifications
Compare Vehicle
Related to Kia Sportage
Previous Year's Reviews
View Another Vehicle
Our road test for the 2007 Kia Sportage includes a full evaluation of the 2007 Kia Sportage from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2007 Kia Sportage, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2007 Kia Sportage help you decide if a 2007 Kia Sportage is right for you.
Advertisement
ACCELERATION
| 2WD LX, auto. | AWD EX | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 4 | 4.6 |
Four-cyl models fine for light-duty commuting, but lack power for confident highway merging and passing. We recommend a V6 model, though they're no fireballs, only matching the performance of a 4-cyl Honda CR-V or 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: 1500 lb with 4-cyl, 2000 lb with V6.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 2WD LX, auto. | AWD EX | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 5 |
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 V6s have 17.2-gal fuel tank vs. 15.3 for 4-cyl models.
RIDE QUALITY
| 2WD LX, auto. | AWD EX | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5 |
Among the 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 | 4.8 |
Fair body lean and only modest grip in fast turns, but pleasant, balanced, maneuverable in most all other situations. Steering response leisurely but faithful. Brakes have progressive pedal feel, provide quick, sure stops.
QUIETNESS
| 2WD LX, auto. | AWD EX | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4.5 |
Good isolation from wind and tire ruckus. Four-cyl engine coarse, buzzy. V6 quiet at cruise, but strains loudly at higher rpm.
CONTROLS
| 2WD LX, auto. | AWD EX | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5.6 |
Gauges clearly marked, easy to see. Most controls group conveniently in easy-to-reach center dashboard area. Dials have rubber grips, a literal nice touch. For interior materials, Sportage is a cut above CR-V and slightly upscale of cousin Tucson.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 2WD LX, auto. | AWD EX | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6.1 |
Adequate leg room, generous head room. Both leather and cloth seats comfortable, with good side-bolster support. Standard tilt steering wheel helps tailor a friendly driving stance. Rear-roof styling impedes vision to right-rear and dead astern.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 2WD LX, auto. | AWD EX | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4.8 |
Housing of available sunroof cuts into head room for taller occupants. 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 | 7.2 |
Room behind rear seats for groceries, but not large objects. Rear seats fold easily in one 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 | 5.5 |
Sportage and its design cousin, the Hyunda Tucson, are pleasant light-duty people-movers with modest off-road capabilities. We prefer versions with the V6 engine; it provides class-competitive power and is smoother than rivals' fours, if hardly more potent. Lots of standard equipment, decent road manners, laudable cargo versatility, and generous warranties qualify Sportage and Tucson as Recommended picks.
Total Score
| 2WD LX, auto. | AWD EX | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 54 | 55 | 53.1 |
Total Score: 55
Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles
Car Buying Resources
Search
Local Listings
Vehicle
History Report
FREE CARFAX Record Check
Looking at a used car, check for costly hidden problems before
you buy.
