Great numbers of buyers will need to know nothing else about the Sportage, since it represents an excellent value in a very useful and reasonably attractive package.
But leaving the economic side of Sportage behind, it looks like the five-seat sport-cute will be at least capable if you want or need to push it a bit.
The inline-four's good for 140 hp at 6,000 rpm and 136 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm, which means extra firmness on the gas pedal will be needed to get into the peak power range. Still, the power's there on the page.
With the V-6, the peak power numbers also live fairly high up on the tachometer -- 173 hp at 6,000 rpm and 178 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm -- but it will be noticeably more responsive, or better at carrying more people and cargo.
Can't help you with the fuel economy of any of the powertrain combinations, since those aren't back from Transport Canada yet. But they'll probably be in line for this segment, which won't be too painful if you drive responsibly.
Overall, you can make a very good case that the Kia Sportage is one of the best possible buys for Canadians looking for an exceptional real-world vehicle, and that it is maybe the single best value in the compact SUV market.
That's got to be great news for many Canadians looking for a family car, or a sensible vehicle for a teenager, or a comfortable chariot for two retirees, or just about any use at all.
photo:Kia Canada
But leaving the economic side of Sportage behind, it looks like the five-seat sport-cute will be at least capable if you want or need to push it a bit.
The inline-four's good for 140 hp at 6,000 rpm and 136 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm, which means extra firmness on the gas pedal will be needed to get into the peak power range. Still, the power's there on the page.
With the V-6, the peak power numbers also live fairly high up on the tachometer -- 173 hp at 6,000 rpm and 178 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm -- but it will be noticeably more responsive, or better at carrying more people and cargo.
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Overall, you can make a very good case that the Kia Sportage is one of the best possible buys for Canadians looking for an exceptional real-world vehicle, and that it is maybe the single best value in the compact SUV market.
That's got to be great news for many Canadians looking for a family car, or a sensible vehicle for a teenager, or a comfortable chariot for two retirees, or just about any use at all.
photo:Kia Canada
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