Kia Sportage
Overall Score - 7.7 (Good)
The Sportage looks, feels, and drives like a more upscale SUV, making it a good bargain in its class, but falls short on engine power. If you're in the market for an affordable compact SUV, you should also consider the similar Hyundai Tucson and the highly-rated Honda Element, Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4.
The 2007 Kia Sportage is noted for its quality materials, driving dynamics and styling that rivals the class-leading CR-V and RAV4, along with a base price that is $5,000 less. In fact, most experts agree that the Sportage is a great value in its class.
Similar to Hyundai, Kia has surprised auto experts with its quality improvements in recent years. USA TODAY considers the Sportage a "huge and mainly pleasant surprise from Kia." Edmunds considers the Sportage a "competent SUV overall" and a "strong value" for its standard safety features, impressive Kia warranty, and comfortable ride and interior.
Kelley Blue Book notes, "If you're on a modest budget but don't want to give up comfort and/or convenience options, you'll appreciate Kia's approach to the compact SUV segment." Despite auto writers' consensus that it's a good deal, IntelliChoice gives the Kia Sportage a rating of "worse than average" for its predicted five-year total cost of ownership compared with other cars in its class.
The base Sportage LX comes with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, with optional four-wheel drive (4WD). Higher-end versions come with a 2.7-liter V6 engine.
Sportage Performance - 6.5 (Mediocre)
Most test drivers find the base four-cylinder engine on the sluggish side. But car-like handling and a more powerful V6 option lead the Detroit News to call the Kia's ride "confidence-inspiring," while Kelley Blue Book describes it as "creditable, although not entertaining." continue
Sportage Exterior - 7.5 (Good)
The upscale-looking Sportage is generally praised. Drawing comparison to its sibling, the Hyundai Tucson, Car and Driver says, "The Sportage has a chiseled, toned look, whereas the Tucson has a pudgier appearance." continue
Sportage Interior - 7.1 (Good)
The Kia Sportage surprises with roomier, more comfortable seating than many competitors, along with upscale features and a stylish interior design. Newsday describes the interior materials as having "visual and tactile quality competitive in this price range and beyond." continue
Sportage Safety - 7.6 (Good)
The Sportage performs reasonably well in the federal government's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and insurance industry crash tests. The Detroit News raves that "the Sportage's standard safety features give you the sense that Kia has set itself up as Korea's version of [the] uber-safety-conscious Volvo." continue
Sportage Reliability - 9.0 (Excellent)
The 2007 Kia Sportage reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). Similar to Hyundai, Kia offers class-leading coverage, including a five-year/60,000-mile limited basic warranty. continue
