2011 Kia Sportage: Up Close
Like the recently redesigned Tucson from sister brand Hyundai, the redesigned Sportage small crossover is nearly unrecognizable from the version that came before. The taut, athletic lines really look good on the small-crossover body style.
The design also incorporates very short side windows that enhance the sleekness on the outside but contribute to a feeling of being enclosed when you sit inside the Sportage, especially in back. It reminded me of a Chrysler 300’s cabin.
The all-new interior uses a stacked dashboard layout with audio controls in an upper area and climate controls below. Materials quality seemed decent for the class, and the driver faces Kia’s familiar three-pod instrument cluster.
Design is just one factor that influences car buying and in the small-crossover segment, other things probably rate higher on shoppers’ lists. That said, the new Sportage’s looks are striking enough that some consumers will decide to give it a look when they otherwise might not have, and I think they’ll like what they find.
