2012 Kia Sportage: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

The 2012 Kia Sportage should see no major changes following its redesign for the 2011 model year. This compact SUV borrows elements of its basic design from the Hyundai Tucson. For 2011, Sportage is redesigned with freshened styling and new powertrains. It comes in Base, LX, and EX trim levels, all with a standard 176-horsepower 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine. The top-line SX model has a 256-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder. A 6-speed manual transmission is available only on the Base. Standard on all other models is a 6-speed automatic. All Sportages are available with with front-wheel drive; all-wheel drive is optional on LX, EX, and SX. The AWD system lacks low-range gearing, but a dashboard switch locks in a 50/50 front/rear power split. The SX has a sport suspension and unique trim. Safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, front-side airbags, and curtain-side airbags. Available features include a navigation system, rearview camera, rear-obstacle detection, leather upholstery, heated front seats, ventilated driver seat, and keyless entry/engine start. Arriving late in the model year is Kia's UVO infotainment system, which includes voice control of cell phones and digital-music players. Note that models with the navigation system do not include UVO. For 2012, the SX's optional blue or orange contrast trim and seat piping has been discontinued.