2008 Kia Sportage 4x4 Review Dallas TX

INTRO TO THE SPORTAGE

The Kia Sportage fell into the crossover vehicle market (CUV) in 1995.Kia is originally part of South Korea's oldest car company, but the actualKia car brand didn't became available for the U.S. market until 1992. Thecompany's bankruptcy in 1997 allowed Hyundai to acquire Kia.

I drove a 4-door, 5-passenger 2008 Kia Sportage 4x4 with a 2.7-literDOHC 4-speed automatic V6 engine and an electronic control on-demand4-wheel drive system. It came with the Luxury Package ($1,300), whichincluded color-keyed bumpers, leather seating, heated front seats,Homelink, and a CD player. Total vehicle price is $24,820.

This is a 2008 Consumer Reports recommended vehicle – not a majorstandout for any particular category such as fuel conservation orperformance, but such a recommendation is a highlight nonetheless. Littlehas changed since last year's model. Consumer Reports noted its roomyinterior, secure handling, and long warranty.

I agree: With a 60/40 split-folding rear seats that fold pretty flat andfolding front passenger seat, you get 66.6 cubic feet of cargo space forgroceries or what's needed for a weekend camping trip (includingbikes).

The Sportage is offered with front- or four-wheel drive in LX and EXtrim levels. Last year I drove a 2007 Sportage and took it on an off-roaddestination in northern California's Lost Coast. I was initially a littlesoar I didn't have the Jeep I was scheduled for, so my attitude was thescrutinize it. I was a little skeptical the Sportage could take the bumpy4-mile trail I had planned. Despite much resistance, I ended up loving thelittle Sportage and was satisfied with its 4-wheel drive components thatwere as simple to use. I also took some winding highways to the tripdestination and the Sportage with its rally shifting options made for aneven better driving experience.

HEELS ON WHEELS REVIEW CRITERIA

Stylish But Comfortable Results: TheSportage looks and feels a lot classier than you think it would –sometimes a great deal comes off as sounding a little cheap. While itcertainly isn't going to dazzle you with dual temperature controls, powerseating or a Bose stereo, the center console and dashboard are still modernand sleek in design with basic features.

Reliability & Safety Factor: Kia offers a longer and better than mostwhen it comes to warranty: 10-year/100,000 miles for powertrain issues;5-year/60,000 miles for limited basic items; 5-year/60,000 miles for24-hour road assistance; each of which provides coverage until either theyearly or total mileage figure is reached, whichever occurs first. ConsumerReports states Kias are generally good values, although they recommend only45% of the total 2008 Kia lineup tested – the Kia Sportage is one ofthose vehicles with a high score of predicted reliability. The reportedlows on a Kia has more to with the personal preferences (reportedsuspension noise). The 2008 Sportage has earned the National HighwayTraffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) 5-star crash safety rating in allfour categories. It has such safety features as six airbags, full-lengthside curtains, anti-lock brakes and Electronic Stability Control.

Cost Issues: If you are looking for an affordable, almost mid-size SUVthat looks like a distant cousin to the Lexus GX, at $24,820 this is one ofyour considerations. The sunroof, power windows, heated outside mirrors,trip computer, roof rack and keyless entry does not come as an extra costor better known as an upgrade package, which is nice. Considering how fondmakers are of packaging and charging extra for such upgrades, this makesthe Sportage a good deal.

Activity & Performance Ability: Acceleration is typical but nothingspecial. I took it up some of the steepest streets in San Francisco andwhile it didn't lag, the 2.7-liter V6 certainly didn't defy the forces ofgravity. The Sportage has a four-wheel-independent suspension. There isalso a 140-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine.

The Green Concern: While the Sportage is a great value, the 2.7-liter V6is not a standout in the gas mileage estimations: try 17-mpg city and21-mpg highway. These figures are below average for an engine and CUV ofthis size, making lack of decent fuel economy a downside.

FINAL PARTING WORDS: I've been pleasantly impressed with Kia Sportage asfar as looks, off-road performance, and interior size are concerned. You'regetting a great warranty on a CUV with little reported problems at a decentprice– too bad the gas mileage on the 2.7-liter V6 engine isn't a tadmore economical.

©2008 Katrina Ramser