2011 Kia Sportage Priced at $18,295

The Sportage comes in three trim levels: base, LX and EX. All Sportages come with a new 176-horsepower, 2.4-liter inline-four cylinder mated either to a six-speed manual transmission (available only on the base model) or a six-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is optional on all trims. An SX trim will get a 270-hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, but that model won’t be available when the Sportage arrives at dealerships later this month. 

The base model comes with a similar level of standard features as its predecessor: cruise control, Bluetooth, air conditioning, 16-inch alloy wheels and power windows, locks and mirrors. 

The LX costs $20,295 and comes with all of the above options and adds an automatic transmission, exterior mirrors with LED turn signals, keyless entry and tinted windows. The LX also has several options — such as 17-inch wheels, navigation system, rear backup sensors, rearview backup camera, heated side mirrors and an air-conditioned glove box — but the automaker did not reveal the pricing. 

The EX starts at $23,295 and includes 18-inch alloy wheels, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, automatic folding rear seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, air-conditioned glove box and UVO, which is similar to Ford’s Sync. Options on the EX include leather seats, heated/cooled front seats, push-button start, rearview backup camera and a panoramic sunroof. 

You need to tack on another $695 in destination fees on all the above prices. 

The Sportage competes against the more affordable entries in the compact crossover segment. The Sportage is cheaper than its corporate cousin, the Tucson ($18,745), and $2,165 cheaper than the Rogue, a well regarded bargain.

2011|Kia|Sportage