2011 Kia Sportage Test Drive

In a USA Today nine-vehicle SUV/crossover comparison, the 2011 Kia Sportage was ranked No. 3. What does this crossover have to offer? Well, a lot of content actually!

The previous Kia Sportage was a reasonably priced SUV that provided adequate looks and performance. Thus, it was considered a 'safe' purchase.

The 2011 Sportage shares many of its underlying parts with the Hyundai Tucson. However, the Sportage's body has been updated and it is longer, wider and sits lower than its predecessor. Additionally, it has what is described as an edgy 'look at me' exterior (somewhat of a Honda Element look) that the automaker hopes will better appeal to male drivers. The front and rear taillights are large and the turn signals are sleek. The entire package is integrated and the overall look is handsome. The upper level EX model Sportage has LED daytime running lights in its headlights. This is an industry first for a non luxury vehicle!

On the inside the Sportage continues a more masculine theme. This consists of mostly hard plastics with beveled edges that provide a modern and clean appearance. The seats provide fairly good support and the gauges are easy to read. Furthermore, the center stack is well organized and the air conditioning and heater controls are angled towards the driver. Overall, the layout is efficient and quite pleasant.

In the back, the rear seat room is adequate for two six-footers. The cargo carrying capacity of this crossover is 54.6 cubic feet of space with the 40/60 rear seats folded down and 26.1 cubic feet with the seats up. Of note is that this cargo space is a bit less than the Sportage's competitors. Thus, investigate if such space is adequate for your cargo needs!

Power for the Sportage comes from a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine providing 176 hp and 168 ft. lb. of torque. A six-speed manual is standard on the base Sportage and the other models (LX and EX) are equipped with a six-speed automatic. The 0-60 time of a front-wheel drive Sportage is in 8.8 seconds and 9.6 seconds for the all-wheel drive version.

On the road the Sportage offers a tauter more European type ride than its brother (the Hyundai Tucson). This crossover might be a bit harsh when traveling urban roads but it is pleasing when cruising on smooth highways or interstates.

Standard equipment on the Sportage includes 16-inch wheels, air conditioning, a tilting steering column, UBS and Bluetooth conductivity, and hill assist. Optional equipment includes 18-inch wheels, leather on the steering wheel and shift knob, a power driver's seat, a telescoping steering wheel, and dual-zone climate control. Of note is that the Sportage will offer the automakers' Microsoft-based UVO Infotainment Technology, which is similar to Ford's Sync voice recognition system.

Safety features include six air bags (driver and passenger front and side, and two row side curtains), ABS brakes with assist, stability control, a tire monitoring system, and hill assist and hill control.

The 2011 Kia Sportage's fuel rating is 22 mpg city and 31 mpg highway. The base price is $18,990, the LX is $20,990, and the EX is $23,990.

To summarize, this crossover offers much content and competitive performance at a reasonable price. Thus, it should be on your test drive list!

Visit the slideshow below to see the Kia Sportage inside and out!

Kyle Busch is the author of "Drive the Best for the Price..." He welcomes your comments or car questions at his auto web site: www.DriveTheBestBook.com . Become Kyle's friend on Facebookand Twitter.