Kia Pulls the Wraps Off Of Its Next-Generation Sportage

Being that Kia is a relatively new player in North America, at least compared to Honda, Toyota and the like, its products have to

It's safe to say that the Sportage will offer quite a bit more for the money than the comparable Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V when it goes on sale late this year. (Photo: Kia Canada)

be better and less expensive than its Japanese and domestic rivals. It's safe to say that the Sportage offers quite a bit more for the money than the comparable Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V, starting with a longer wheelbase at 2,630 mm, a larger overall exterior width at 1,800 mm and height at 1,695 mm, and the associated benefits inside. The Sportage delivers more front and rear legroom, second-row headroom, total interior volume and cargo space than the two Japanese compact SUVs.

It also offers more power than many competitors in top trim. Its optional 2.7-liter V6 develops 175 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and a maximum of 178 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. The base engine is a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, featuring 142 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 136 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm. European and other markets will get a high-tech 2.0-liter common rail diesel powerplant as well, which would be the one to get at today's high fuel prices. While only producing 112 horsepower at a significantly lower 4,000 rpm, it makes even more torque than the V6

Massive 15-inch ventilated front disc brakes and 9-inch drums in the rear take care of standard stopping duties. (Photo: Kia Canada)

at 181 lb-ft, plus it reaches its maximum at a super low 1,800 to 2,500 rpm.

Transmission choices include a 5-speed manual or H-Matic 4-speed automatic, the latter the only gearbox offered with the V6. For all-weather traction the Sportage offers optional electronic full-time 4-wheel drive - front-wheel drive is standard.

Also, massive 15-inch ventilated front disc brakes and 9-inch drums in the rear take care of standard stopping duties. Power actuation comes at no charge, but ABS and Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) is optional. With the ABS system the rear brakes become solid discs for improved braking performance. Additional safety features include traction control system (TCS), plus dual front, curtain and side airbags, as well as electronic stability program (ESP).