2012 Kia Sportage
Starting MSRP $18,500–$28,400
By Cars.com Staff
Cars.com National June 22, 2011Vehicle Overview
This small crossover represents another salvo directed at the likes of Honda, Toyota and Ford. The five-seat Sportage has a range of four-cylinder engines, including a turbocharged version. Competitors include the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 and Ford Escape.
New For 2012
The rear suspension has been revised and floor insulation added to make the Sportage quieter, but otherwise changes are minor for 2012.
Exterior
Redesigned last year, the Sportage has much crisper sheet metal than the model it replaced. The front end is dominated by a black grille bordered by angular headlights that creep up the front fenders. A subtle crease accents the side doors, and sharply angled rear roof pillars draw your eyes to the back of the crossover. Exterior features include:
- LX models have body-colored door handles and supplementary turn signals in the side mirrors
- Seventeen-inch rims are now standard on the LX
- The EX is fitted with 18-inch alloy wheels and adds body-colored heated side mirrors, roof rails, and chrome trim, including a chrome-bordered grille
Interior
The Sportage has room for five people, and it has a 60/40-split folding backseat. Standard features include cloth seat upholstery, air conditioning, a CD stereo with auxiliary and USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, a tilt steering wheel and height-adjustable front seats. Interior features include:
- Available telescoping steering wheel
- Available keyless entry
- Available dual-zone air conditioning
- Available cooled glove box
- Available power driver's seat
- EX and SX come with Uvo, Kia's entertainment and communication system that's similar to Ford's Sync
- Available leather-trimmed upholstery
- Available heated and ventilated front seats
- Available rear parking sensors
- Available panoramic moonroof
Under the Hood
The Sportage's base engine is a 176-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder. A 260-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with direct injection is also available. Transmission choices include a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic with a clutchless-manual mode. Mechanical features include:
- Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is available
- Standard hill start assist, which holds the Sportage when starting out on an uphill grade
- Standard hill descent control, which automatically limits vehicle speed during steep descents
Safety
Standard safety features include:
- Antilock brakes
- Electronic stability system
- Side-impact airbags for the front seats
- Side curtain airbags for both rows
- Active front head restraints
Additional Reviews
Cars.com Expert Reviews
| David Thomas | Cars.com National | October 15, 2011 |
| Cars.com Staff | Cars.com National | June 22, 2011 |
Affiliate Reviews
| Carrie Kim | Mother Proof | August 3, 2012 |
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