2010 Kia Sportage Review

Overview

Kia Sportage compact SUV enters into 2010 with sleek styling and a number of awards. It sports the same fresh design, value, comfort and safety features are associated with the Kia brand. The 2010 Kia Sportage builds on the face-lifted and award-winning 2009 Sportage, ranked number one in the crossover SUV category in the AutoPacific 2009 Vehicle Satisfaction Awards (VSA). For this year, the Sportage includes a standard EcoMinder indicator on all models equipped with an automatic transmission which aids drivers in operating the vehicle in a more fuel-efficient manner, important as gas costs continue to rise. An optional back-up warning system that assists drivers in avoiding objects outside of the vehicle while reversing is also new. The 2010 Kia Sportage is offered mainly in two trim levels LX and EX.

Power and performance

Kia offers two engines with the Sportage along with five-speed manual or four-speed Sportmatic transmission, and the choice of either two-wheel or full-time four-wheel drive. The 2.0-liter, 16-valve four-cylinder engine teamed with a Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) to increase performance, enhance fuel economy and reduce emissions at low and mid-range rpm. This engine is rated at 140 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 136 pound-feet of torque at 4,500 rpm. For performance oriented people, a powerful V6 engine is available for LX, standard for EX models, which is mated to a four-speed Sportmatic transmission. The lightweight and compact DOHC 24-valve, all-aluminum 2.7-liter engine pumps out 173 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 178 pound-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine offers consumers a thrifty 20/25 mpg (city/highway) while the 2.7-liter V6 delivers a respectable 18/23 mpg.

Body and styling

The Kia Sportage boasts contemporary styling and solid build quality. Key standard interior and exterior features offered on this model include air conditioning; cruise control; six-way manual adjustable driver's seat; 60/40 split-folding rear seatback; digital clock; power windows with one-touch driver's express down; adjustable headrests; tilt steering column; power door locks with two-turn entry system; overhead sunglasses holder/map lights; scuff plates; dual exhaust; multi-reflector headlights; 16-inch alloy wheels; integrated roof rails; remote fuel door; rear privacy glass; rear split hatch liftgate with flip open glass; USB/auxiliary input jacks; and AM/FM/CD/MP3/SIRIUS audio system. When the rear seat is down, the Sportage offers 66.6 cubic feet of total cargo space.

Safety Features

The Kia Sportage is engineered to provide maximum safety for occupants. Dual front advanced airbags; dual side and full-length side curtain airbags; front seatbelt pre-tensioners with force limiters; traction control; electronic stability control; front active headrests; side-impact door beams; front and rear three-point seatbelts; height-adjustable front seatbelt anchors; four-wheel disc brakes; anti-lock braking system; and tire pressure monitoring system are standard safety features found on all 2009 Sportage models.