This is the third generation of Sportage \u00a0Kia has marketed, having been released for the 2011 model year here in Canada. \u00a0It was a noticeable improvement over the 2005-2010 model and the design really gives the vehicle a big beefy look which is what people want in an SUV (even a small SUV). You\u2019d be forgiven if you mistook this for the full size Kia Sorrento as many of my family members did.<\/p>\n
The compact SUV is a segment that has gained a lot in popularity over the past decade. It\u2019s perfect for a family who doesn\u2019t want to break the budget but wants a little more utility then a small sedan can provide.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The Sportage starts at $24,810 for the base LX trim and tops out at $40,110 for the SX Luxury model. Front-wheel drive comes standard and to get the coveted all-wheel drive for our nasty winters you\u2019re looking at $29,310 for the LX AT AWD trim.<\/p>\n
My tester was the fully-loaded SX model with all the bells and whistles you\u2019d expect. Under the hood sits a 2.0L, turbocharged GDI 4-cylinder engine making 260 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque matted to a 6-speed automatic transmission. It\u2019s more than enough to power this truck and even then some.<\/p>\n
As I mentioned, Kia really did wonders when they redesigned the Sportage. The exterior is gorgeous and complimenting it are they 18-inch machine-finished sport alloys wheels with black trim. LED daytime running lights and tail lights are also a nice addition. I\u2019m a big lightning guy and there are even some luxury manufacturers who will remain nameless that inexplicably neglect these types of details.<\/p>\n
The interior is spacious and functional with ample space for my baby seat and booster in the back seat. Controls are well laid out and I was able to learn the Sportage\u2019s infotainment system in no time using the LCD touch-screen. The SX has a push-button start, backup camera, keyless operation, Bluetooth, steering mounted controls, heated front and rear seats and just about every other option you could find on any luxury vehicle.<\/p>\n
Kia goes the extra mile with standard features and in addition to ABS, stability and traction control there is standard hill hold assist and downhill descent control.<\/p>\n
The Sportage is a good little SUV that will serve any family well. Is there anything I didn\u2019t like about it? Nothing that really stands out, no. The vehicle had 17,000 kilometers on it and there was no new car smell left to speak of but I suppose that\u2019s to be expected unless we\u2019re talking about an expensive luxury vehicle. Build quality is on par with any of the Japanese brands.<\/p>\n
I did burn a little more fuel than I would have liked, averaging about 12L\/100 km. That said, I did mainly city driving. The car is rated at 9.2\/12.9 city\/highway.<\/p>\n
The Sportage remains the same for 2016 but Kia is planning a major revamp for 2017.<\/p>\n
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