2011 Kia Sportage at the 2010 New York Auto Show

• Competes with: Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue, Ford Escape, Chevrolet Equinox
• Looks like: A smaller, edgier version of Kia’s midsize Sorento crossover
• Drivetrain: 176-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder or turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission; front- or all-wheel drive
• On sale: Summer 2010

Kia is furiously remaking its lineup, and the redesigned 2011 Sportage small crossover represents another salvo directed at the likes of Honda, Toyota and Ford. Featuring all-new styling, the Sportage also has a new range of four-cylinders, including a turbocharged engine. It will be offered in base LX and upscale EX trim levels.

Like other new Kia models, the Sportage has much crisper sheet metal than the model it replaces. 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 rear. Overall, it’s an appealing look that’s modern and athletic.

Base LX models have standard 16-inch alloy wheels with low-rolling-resistance tires, body-colored door handles and supplementary turn signals incorporated into the side mirrors. Seventeen-inch rims are optional on the LX. The EX is fitted with 18-inch alloy wheels and adds body-colored heated side mirrors, roof rails and chrome trim that includes a chrome-bordered grille.

The Sportage has room for five people on front bucket seats and a 60/40-split folding backseat. Standard features include cloth seat upholstery, air conditioning, CD stereo with auxiliary and USB ports, Bluetooth, tilt steering wheel and height-adjustable front seats. EX models gain a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, a telescoping feature for the steering wheel, keyless entry, dual-zone air conditioning, a cooled glove box and a power driver’s seat. The EX also comes with UVO, Kia’s entertainment and communication system that’s similar to Ford’s Sync. Available EX features include leather-trimmed upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, push-button start, rear parking sensors and a panoramic sunroof.

The Sportage’s base engine is a 176-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder. Later in the 2011 model year, a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with direct injection will be available. We could see that engine in a separate SX trim, much like the company rolled out for the new Sorento. Transmission choices include a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic with a clutchless-manual mode.

Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is available. The all-wheel-drive system sends all of the engine’s available torque to the front wheels unless they begin to slip, but the system also includes a lock feature that splits torque between the front and rear wheels up to 25 mph. It’s designed for use in especially poor weather or on slippery roads. Also standard are Hill Start Assist Control, which can hold the Sportage when starting out on an uphill grade, and Downhill Brake Control, which automatically limits vehicle speed during steep descents.

Standard safety features include antilock brakes, an electronic stability system, side-impact airbags for the front seats, side curtain airbags for both rows and active front head restraints. A backup camera is optional.