The 2011 Kia Sportage Compact SUVs. Like some other reviewers, they conclude that the 2011 Kia Sportage “might be the new standard for compact crossovers."
Reviewers also love the angular, masculine styling on the Sportage. The Sportage is also an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety “Top Safety Pick,” which adds to its stylish, high-tech family-car appeal.
The Sportage isn’t perfect, however. While reviewers largely like the powertrain, they’re divided about the handling on the Sportage. If you’re looking for a practical alternative to the Kia Sportage, check out the Hyundai Tucson. Also, the Equinox matches the Sportage’s powertrain warranty when it comes to mileage.
Details: 2011 Kia Sportage
The 2011 Kia Sportage is available in three trims: base, LX and EX. The Sportage is available with front- or all-wheel drive. The Kia Sportage shares some components with the 2011 Hyundai Tucson.
The Kia Sportage has been completely redesigned for 2011.
Thanks to chiseled lines and a sleek-looking interior, the 2011 Kia Sportage is one of the best-looking small crossovers for this model year.
The 2011 Kia Sportage is a compact crossover SUV with seating for five. Soon after launch, a turbocharged SX model will be available.
The Sportage EX comes with 18-inch wheels, LED daytime running lights, foglights, chrome exterior accents, a rear spoiler, roof rails, dual-zone automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel that also telescopes, a power driver seat and a chilled glovebox. Some EX features are available on the LX as options.
Powering the base, LX and EX examples of the Sportage is a 2.4-liter inline-4 engine that produces 176 hp and 168 pound-feet of torque. LX and EX buyers may also choose between front- and all-wheel drive. All-wheel-drive Sportage models are suitable for light off-road duties only. The EPA estimates fuel economy at 22 mpg city/31 mpg highway mpg and 25 mpg in combined driving for a 2.4-liter automatic with front-wheel drive. In our performance tests, a front-drive 2011 Kia Sportage accelerated to 60 mph from a standstill in 9.5 seconds, an average time for this class.
Safety
Standard safety features on all 2011 Kia Sportage models include front side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, active front headrests, antilock disc brakes with brake assist, traction control and stability control, as well as hill descent and hill start control. The 2011 Kia Sportage's interior in EX trim features a pleasing mix of complex and organic shapes.
Driving Impressions
Despite rather average test numbers, the 2011 Kia Sportage is reasonably fun to drive.
Kia hits game reset, and gives the 2011 Sportage an appealing new look and feel.
With the 2011 Sportage, Kia’s placed its bets in all the right places. Pricing has jumped considerably for this Sportage.