2009 Kia Sportage: Road Test
2009 Kia Sportage ▼
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- MSRP: $16,695 - $23,400
- Invoice: $15,895 - $21,850
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Our road test for the 2009 Kia Sportage includes a full evaluation of the 2009 Kia Sportage from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2009 Kia Sportage, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2009 Kia Sportage help you decide if a 2009 Kia Sportage is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 2WD LX, automatic | AWD EX | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 4 | 4.7 |
Four-cylinder models are fine for light-duty commuting. We recommend V6 versions, though they're no fireballs, barely matching the performance of a 4-cylinder Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4. The automatic transmission is responsive enough with either engine, though it can be sluggish to downshift for highway merging and passing. No manual-transmission models have been made available for testing.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 2WD LX, automatic | AWD EX | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 |
In Consumer Guide testing, AWD V6 Sportages averaged 19.4-19.9 mpg in city/highway driving and 22.1 with more highway use. Note that V6s have a 17.2-gallon fuel tank vs. 15.3 gallons for 4-cylinder models. Sportage uses regular-grade gas.
RIDE QUALITY
| 2WD LX, automatic | AWD EX | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5.3 |
Sportage is no longer among the better-riding compact SUVs. It is composed around town but feels unsteady on the highway. Small pavement imperfections resonate noticeably through the cabin.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 2WD LX, automatic | AWD EX | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4.8 |
Handling response is marred by a fair amount of body lean and only modest grip in fast turns. Overall, Sportage is pleasant, balanced, and maneuverable in most other situations. Steering feel is leisurely but faithful. The brakes have progressive pedal feel and provide quick, sure stops.
QUIETNESS
| 2WD LX, automatic | AWD EX | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4.5 |
Sportage is well isolated from wind and tire ruckus. The 4-cylinder engine is coarse and buzzy. The V6 is quiet at cruise, but it strains loudly at higher rpm.
CONTROLS
| 2WD LX, automatic | AWD EX | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6.2 |
Gauges are clearly marked and easy to see. Most controls are grouped conveniently in the easy-to-reach center dashboard area.
DETAILS
| 2WD LX, automatic | AWD EX | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5.1 |
Most controls don't operate with smooth precision, and the cabin is decked out in bland, hard plastic trim. It stops just short of looking cheap, but overall, Sportage trails most of its rivals.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 2WD LX, automatic | AWD EX | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6.2 |
Legroom is adequate, and headroom is generous. Both the leather and the cloth seats are comfortable, with good side-bolster support. Our main gripe is with the position of the center console armrest--it's too low to be useful while driving. Rear-roof styling impedes vision to right-rear and dead astern.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 2WD LX, automatic | AWD EX | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5.2 |
The housing of the available sunroof cuts into headroom for taller occupants. Legroom is good, but it becomes tight for taller riders when the front seats are pushed far back. The slim door bottoms mildly impede entry and exit.
CARGO ROOM
| 2WD LX, automatic | AWD EX | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8.1 |
Groceries fit fine behind the rear seats, but there's little room for large objects. The rear seats fold easily in one motion to form a flat load floor. The separate-opening tailgate window adds convenience. The cabin has eight cupholders, including one in each door, and adequate small-item storage.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 2WD LX, automatic | AWD EX | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 6 | 5.8 |
Sportage and its design cousin, the Hyundai Tucson, are pleasant light-duty people-movers with modest off-road capabilities. We prefer the V6 engine to the underpowered 4-cylinder. It provides class-competitive power and is smoother than rivals' fours, if hardly more potent. Lots of standard equipment, decent road manners, good cargo versatility, and generous warranties make Sportage and Tucson worth a look.
Total Score
| 2WD LX, automatic | AWD EX | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 58 | 60 | 60.9 |
Total Score: 59
Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles
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