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Kia Sportage - What the Auto Press Says

The 2009 Kia Sportage ranks 9 out of 23 Affordable Compact SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 46 published reviews and test drives of the Kia Sportage, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

Along with quality materials, driving dynamics and styling that rival leading SUVs, the Sportage has a base price that is thousands less than competitors -- making it a great value in its class.

Like its brother, the Sorento, the Kia Sportage surprises reviewers with its style and refinement. "While the Sportage sets no new benchmarks in performance or handling, it's hard to ignore the fit, finish, and amenities it offers -- for $1000 to $2000 less than other entry-level SUVs on the market," says Motor Trend. However, several reviewers still cite lackluster base engine performance as one of the Sportage's low points. Fuel efficiency isn't great, either. For better fuel economy and more powerful engine choices, consider the Toyota RAV4 -- but remember that you'll be paying a premium.

The Sportage gets exterior updates, new interior trim, and a few new features for 2009. It comes in base LX trim or EX, along with optional all-wheel drive.

• "Sportage and its design cousin, the Hyundai Tucson, are pleasant light-duty people-movers with modest off-road capabilities. We prefer the V6 engine to the underpowered 4-cylinder. It provides class-competitive power and is smoother than rivals' fours, if hardly more potent. Lots of standard equipment, decent road manners, good cargo versatility, and generous warranties make Sportage and Tucson worth a look." -- Consumer Guide
• "It's not quite in the same league as the Honda CR-V, the Toyota RAV4, and the Ford Escape, but the Sportage has a nicely packaged interior and lots of standard features for the money. While the same can be said for nearly every product from Hyundai and Kia, what distinguishes the Sportage is the fact that it is one of the few Korean cars to add competitive driving dynamics to the equation." -- Automobile Magazine
• "Sportage is a huge and mainly pleasant surprise from Kia." -- USA Today
• "The all-new Kia Sportage is a welcome addition to the segment as it offers a comprehensive set of safety features, excellent versatility, and tremendous value, costing thousands less than other small SUVs." -- New Car Test Drive

Sportage Performance - 6.9 (Mediocre)

Test drivers praise the Sportage's handling and V6 engine option. "On the road, the 2008 Kia Sportage provides a carlike ride and relatively sporty handling that makes it a little more fun to drive than many other compact SUVs," says Edmunds. It's capable of being both a good city runabout and a long-distance highway cruiser." However, most test drivers find the Sportage's base four-cylinder engine on the sluggish side. continue

Sportage Exterior - 8.1 (Very Good)

Reviewers have mostly good things to say about the 2009 Sportage's exterior. 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." For 2009, the Sportage gets exterior updates, including a modified front grille and head- and taillight designs. continue

Sportage Interior - 7.2 (Good)

More than anything else, the Kia Sportage's interior is praised for its surprising blend of comfortable seating, upscale features and stylish design. In fact, reviewers say it even beats some top rivals in these areas. "For interior materials, Sportage is a cut above Honda CR-V and is slightly upscale of its cousin Tucson," says Consumer Guide. The Sportage's innovative storage spaces include an under-the-floor cargo tray. continue

Sportage Safety - 9.0 (Excellent)

The 2009 Kia Sportage earns excellent scores in federal government crash tests. However, the 2008 model didn't do quite as well in insurance industry crash tests. The Sportage's safety equipment includes electronic stability control. continue

Sportage Reliability - 7.0 (Good)

The 2009 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). Like Hyundai, Kia offers class-leading five-year/60,000-mile limited basic warranty. continue