Now that the SUV time-space continuum’s been disrupted by gas prices and a sour economy, these compact crossovers are growing up a little, doing the reverse of their original intent. With the 2011 Sportage, Kia’s placed its bets in all the right places. The Sportage has grown up into real-world dimensions, with more cargo space than ever. Pricing has jumped considerably for this Sportage. That pitches the Kia Sportage into a headlong battle with the longtime titans in this group—CR-V, Forester and Escape—and overlaps the base price of larger vehicles like the 2011 Ford Explorer.
The good: The 2011 Kia Sportage's all-wheel-drive system includes a differential lock and descent control. The navigation system detours around traffic and works quickly. The bottom line: A good multipurpose vehicle, the 2011 Kia Sportage offers a solid cabin tech package, but we would wait for next year's turbo version.
Honda has long ruled the economy car roost by offering quality in a lower-price segment, but this new Kia Sportage shows that Kia can compete. Kia really nailed it when it comes to the Sportage's design. Although modern, the Sportage's design isn't quirky
Thanks to chiseled lines and a sleek-looking interior, the 2011 Kia Sportage is one of the best-looking small crossovers for this model year.
The drawback to the Sportage's sporty handling is a ride that feels slightly stiff-legged. The 2011 Kia Sportage is a compact crossover SUV with seating for five. Soon after launch, a turbocharged SX model will be available.
Stepping up to the Kia Sportage LX adds turn signals integrated into the exterior mirrors, tinted rear windows and keyless entry. The Sportage EX comes with 18-inch wheels, LED daytime running lights, foglights, chrome exterior accents, a rear spoiler, roof rails, dual-zone automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel that also telescopes, a power driver seat and a chilled glovebox. Some EX features are available on the LX as options.
Powering the base, LX and EX examples of the Kia Sportage is a 2.4-liter inline-4 engine that produces 176 hp and 168 pound-feet of torque. LX and EX buyers may also choose between front- and all-wheel drive. Later in the model year, a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine will be available in SX trim.
All-wheel-drive Kia Sportage models are suitable for light off-road duties only. The EPA estimates fuel economy at 22 mpg city/31 mpg highway mpg and 25 mpg in combined driving for a 2.4-liter automatic with front-wheel drive. In our performance tests, a front-drive 2011 Kia Sportage accelerated to 60 mph from a standstill in 9.5 seconds, an average time for this class.
Standard safety features on all 2011 Kia Sportage models include front side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, active front headrests, antilock disc brakes with brake assist, traction control and stability control, as well as hill descent and hill start control. The 2011 Kia Sportage's interior in EX trim features a pleasing mix of complex and organic shapes. Passengers and driver alike benefit from well-contoured seats and adequate head- and legroom. The Sportage comes up a bit short in regards to cargo space, accommodating a maximum of 26.1 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 54.6 cubes with the 60/40-split-folding seats laid flat.
