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 2013 Power-folding side mirrors, LED accent lights and a sun visor extender are now standard on all 2013 Sportages. Exterior Redesigned for 2011, 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 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
Available leather-trimmed upholstery
Available heated and ventilated front seats
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 on an uphill grade
Standard hill descent control, which automatically limits vehicle speed during steep descents
