Front-seat roominess is one of the best attributes of the Sportage. Front legroom (44.5 inches) and headroom (39.6 inches) are generous. The Sportage is roomier up front than some larger SUVs. (Isuzu's Rodeo, for example, gives front passengers 42.1 inches of legroom and 38.9 inches of headroom.) While the Sportage rear seat has limited legroom (31.3 inches), it still offers 37.8 inches of headroom, making back-seat accommodations more tolerable for tall passengers.
When it comes to hauling cargo, the Sportage holds its own, offering 25.8 cubic feet of space with the rear seat up and more than twice as much (54.4 cubic feet) with the seat folded. The spare tire carrier locks out of the way when fully opened, which is a blessing when loading groceries or baggage through the rear door.
Interior details enhance comfort. The top of the center console slides forward to provide a comfortable armrest. Both front bucket seats recline, and the driver's seat has an adjustable lumbar support.
In addition to dual front airbags, the Sportage comes equipped with a smaller airbag intended to protect the driver's left leg and knee.