Palm Kia

The Kia Sportage is a compact SUV available in two trim levels: LX and EX. The Sportage offers the kind of performance and refinement usually associated with the small SUVs from Japanese automakers. Both trims are equipped with a healthy list of standard amenities, such as alloy wheels, air-conditioning, a six-speaker CD stereo with auxiliary and USB audio jacks, full power accessories and tinted glass.

The Kia Sportage may not look too big from the outside, but the interior has plenty of headroom and legroom, both in the front and the back. The rear seats split and fold flat for a level cargo floor and a maximum of 67 cubic feet of storage. Fit and finish is impressive, and the Sportage provides a surprising number of safety features for its class. There are a total of six standard airbags, including front- and side-impact airbags for driver and passenger, and side curtain airbags for front- and rear-seat occupants. Traction control and four-wheel antilock disc brakes are standard on  all trims.

The LX is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine capable of 140 horsepower. It comes standard with a five-speed manual transmission, and a four-speed automatic is available as an option. Most Sportages with this engine are front-wheel drive, though Kia does offer 4WD on manual transmission-equipped models. As an upgrade for the Sportage LX, Kia offers a 173-hp 2.7-liter V6. It comes standard with the automatic transmission and can be had with FWD or 4WD. The EX trim is available only with the V6.

In road tests and reviews, our editors have found the Kia Sportage to be a competent SUV overall. It has earned high marks for its long list of standard safety gear, impressive warranty, comfortable interior, sporty handling and strong value.