Lackluster engine
Under our test model's hood crouched a V6 mill generating 173 horsepower. It mostly gets the job done in the city. On the highway it churns out decent, if noisy, acceleration, and it allows for passing when the situation calls for it.
But don't expect anything truly athletic here. Less powerful than its competitors even equipped with a 6-cylinder mill, this little SUV certainly won't be breaking any speed records once it's heavily loaded and will have to settle for following the crowd.
Another less-than-charming detail is that it's one of the main gas guzzlers in its class. In fact, only one other comparable SUV fares worse, but that one can count on 70 extra ponies, which is appreciable.
A pleasant drive
Despite this, the Kia Sportage proves easy to drive. Its steering system is relatively precise and doesn't require constant corrections to maintain its trajectory.
True, it gives the driver little or no feedback and doesn't elicit any great thrills. But who buys an SUV for its thrilling ride?
On the contrary, one chooses an SUV for its versatility and go-anywhere capabilities, two areas where the Sportage excels. In this regard, despite its size the Sportage is beyond reproach.
AWD on the menu
Our tester featured an all-wheel-drive system that we put to the test on both muddy trails and sedate highways. A major backwoods romp is out of the question, but when safety requires it or the trail deteriorates, the Kia's drive system steps up to the plate.
It takes over relatively quickly, extricating us easily from tricky situations; this is the Kia's greatest quality, one for which it earns extra safety points.
Add to that an easily accessible cargo area and a little room for backseat passengers, and you get a true family vehicle that also has an important virtue: it's not too expensive, as in its all-wheel-drive incarnation it barely crosses the $25,000 mark.
Conclusion
The Kia Sportage certainly isn't perfect, and it isn't the most modern SUV in its class either. But don't throw the baby out with the bath water. If you're looking for a small, efficient and versatile SUV, the Sportage just might fit the bill.
photo:Marc Bouchard
Under our test model's hood crouched a V6 mill generating 173 horsepower. It mostly gets the job done in the city. On the highway it churns out decent, if noisy, acceleration, and it allows for passing when the situation calls for it.
But don't expect anything truly athletic here. Less powerful than its competitors even equipped with a 6-cylinder mill, this little SUV certainly won't be breaking any speed records once it's heavily loaded and will have to settle for following the crowd.
Another less-than-charming detail is that it's one of the main gas guzzlers in its class. In fact, only one other comparable SUV fares worse, but that one can count on 70 extra ponies, which is appreciable.
A pleasant drive
Despite this, the Kia Sportage proves easy to drive. Its steering system is relatively precise and doesn't require constant corrections to maintain its trajectory.
True, it gives the driver little or no feedback and doesn't elicit any great thrills. But who buys an SUV for its thrilling ride?
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| The Kia Sportage all-wheel-drive incarnation barely crosses the $25,000 mark. |
On the contrary, one chooses an SUV for its versatility and go-anywhere capabilities, two areas where the Sportage excels. In this regard, despite its size the Sportage is beyond reproach.
AWD on the menu
Our tester featured an all-wheel-drive system that we put to the test on both muddy trails and sedate highways. A major backwoods romp is out of the question, but when safety requires it or the trail deteriorates, the Kia's drive system steps up to the plate.
It takes over relatively quickly, extricating us easily from tricky situations; this is the Kia's greatest quality, one for which it earns extra safety points.
Add to that an easily accessible cargo area and a little room for backseat passengers, and you get a true family vehicle that also has an important virtue: it's not too expensive, as in its all-wheel-drive incarnation it barely crosses the $25,000 mark.
Conclusion
The Kia Sportage certainly isn't perfect, and it isn't the most modern SUV in its class either. But don't throw the baby out with the bath water. If you're looking for a small, efficient and versatile SUV, the Sportage just might fit the bill.
photo:Marc Bouchard
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