The current list of crossover offerings in the U.S. market is dizzying. It's the fastest growing segment, with competitive offerings from nearly every automaker. For this reason, it takes a lot to turn our heads with a new crossover, but the 2011 Kia Sportage did just that. Its edgy styling and sporty driving dynamics -- for the category -- impressed us when we first drove it last fall. And with the recent launch of the turbocharged SX model, it's clear that Kia is taking the sporty theme seriously. But it's the mainstream EX that we feel will be the top seller for Kia, so that's what we wanted to put through our Four Seasons test.
Fresh off the boat, our Korean-built Sportage arrived at 120 East Liberty Street wearing loud, techno orange paint, black leather interior, and silver 18-inch wheels. The EX starts at $23,990 (with destination), but we added all-wheel drive for $1500, the premium package with leather for $3000, and the navigation system for another $1500. Accessories include a cargo mat, cargo net, cargo tray, and wheel locks totaling $250, for a bottom-line as-tested price of $30,240. That's a bit pricy for a Kia, considering an Audi Q5 2.0T starts at roughly $5000 more.
But this Sportage is well equipped. The premium package gives us leather-trimmed seating, heated front seats, a ventilated driver's seat, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, push-button start, a panoramic sunroof, and a back-up camera. The navigation system includes premium audio, an external amplifier, and a subwoofer. Some standard items include a six-speaker sound system with Sirius satellite radio, MP3/USB/auxiliary audio jacks, Bluetooth, dual-zone automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and LED daytime running lights, which is clearly the new fad for carmakers.
We're at peace with the option list, but how will the powertrain suit our needs? The Sportage EX comes with the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. The normally aspirated powerplant puts out a modest 176 hp and 168 lb-ft of torque. Combined with the six-speed automatic transmission, it achieves 21 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. Surprisingly, the Sportage is rated to tow up to 2000 pounds, but we don't have the $350 tow package on our test car.
We're looking forward to seeing if Kia has made the same strides that Hyundai has with regards to quality and reliability. As senior Web editor, Phil Floraday said, "If 2010's automaker to watch was Hyundai, Kia is the one for 2011."
Overview
Body style4-door SUV
Accommodation5 passenger
ConstructionUnibody construction
Powertrain
Engine16-valve DOHC I-4
Displacement2.4 liters
Power176 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque168 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Transmission6-speed automatic
DriveFour wheel
EPA Fuel Economy21/28/23 (city/hwy/combined)
Chassis
SteeringElectronically-assisted
Lock-to-lock3
Turning circle34.7 ft
Suspension, FrontStrut-type, coil springs
Suspension, RearMultilink, coil springs
Brakes F/RPower-assisted disc brakes; ABS
Wheels18-inch aluminum alloy
TiresHankook Optimo H426 all-season
Tire size235/55R18 100H
Measurements
Headroom F/R39.1/38.5 in
Legroom F/R41.4/37.9 in
Shoulder room F/R56.7/55.1 in
Wheelbase103.9 in
Track F/R63.5/63.6 in
L x W x H174.8 x 73.0 x 64.4 in
Cargo capacity26.1/54.6 cu ft (rear seat up/rear seat down)
Weight3355 lb
Weight dist. F/R58/42%
Fuel capacity14.5 gal
Est. fuel range406 miles
Fuel grade87 octane (regular unleaded)
Equipment
standard equipment2.4-liter DOHC 4-cylinder engine6-speed automatic transmissionAll-wheel drive18-inch alloy wheels4-wheel disc brakes with ABSTraction control systemElectronic stability controlDownhill brake/hill-start assist controlTire pressure monitoring systemRollover protection systemDual-zone automatic climate controlPower windows/locks/mirrorsAM/FM/CD/MP3 audio with 6 speakersSirius satellite radioUSB & Auxiliary input jacks60/40-split rear seatCooling glove boxCruise controlBluetooth connectivityTilt/telescoping steering columnLeather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knobSteering wheel-mounted controls (Bluetooth, audio, cruise)
Options
Premium package with leather
$3,000
Leather seat trim
Heated front seats
Ventilated driver seat
Auto-dimming rearview mirror
Cargo cover
Panoramic sunroof
Back-up warning system
Heated outside mirrors
Navigation with premium audio
$1,500
Navigation with Sirius traffic
Back-up camera
Premium audio with amp and subwoofer
Cargo net$75
Cargo tray$75
Cargo net$50
Wheel locks$50