The
2011 Kia Sportage has newer elements. This car is bigger, carlike, and it looks different from its first incarnation. The changes are not necessarily beneficial though. This car still has great style, and the base model hosts a newer four-cylinder motor that displaced the former V-6 engine.
The Sportage will have a turbocharged 2.0-Liter four-cylinder engine added soon and the platform will also be changed so the car will offer better handling. The larger vehicle will have improved fuel economy, a long list of amenities, and the package will prove well rounded. An ideal buy for the consumer seeking a bargain.
New for 2011
With new styling inside and out, the Kia Sportage is all-new for 2011, sporting a longer unibody platform and achieving 3.5 inches of length overall. Power comes from two new engines: a 2.4 liter inline-four with 176 horsepower and a sportier optional turbocharged 2.0 liter with 270 horsepower. Plenty of cool interior features come standard as well.
Essentials
Engines: 2.0L I-4, 2.4L turbocharged I-4
Transmissions: 6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic
Body Style: Sport utility vehicle
Trims: Base Sport Utility, LX Sport Utility, EX Sport Utility, SX Sport Utility
On the Outside
Looking lower and meaner, the new Kia Sportage has been transformed into a cool, modern crossover.
From the Inside
Standard features on the 2011 Kia Sportage include air-conditioning, 12-volt power ports, a power driver's seat, a tilt steering wheel, satellite radio, and power windows. The EX trim adds leather accents, telescoping steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, and Kia's new UVO hands-free system. Paddle shifters are optional.
Driving Performance
The new base engine has more oomph than the old engine and made the Sportage trot to 60 mph in 8.8 seconds. The 2.0-liter turbo four in SX lowers that number significantly, as it outputs roughly 270 horsepower. Furthermore, handling has been significantly improved.
Safety Equipment
Standard safety features on the 2011 Kia Sportage are dual front airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags, and side curtain airbags are. Also standard are four-wheel ABS, stability control, brake assist, electronic brake distribution, hill start assist, tire-pressure monitoring, and downhill brake control.
Gas Mileage
All Trim Levels: 21 mpg city/29 mpg highway
Plusses
- Cool new styling
- Improvement in handling
- Powerful engines
- Smooth ride
Minuses
- Diminished off-road capabilities
Rating
All-new model definitely an improvement
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- Honda CR-V
- Nissan Rogue
- Chevrolet Equinox
- Hyundai Tucson