I recently returned from a Kia Sportage event in San Francisco. Luckily, I was allowed to drive one of the vehicles back to Los Angeles so we would have the opportunity to run it through our usual battery of tests. In the 300-plus miles on Highway 101 I came away generally impressed.
As far as the engine goes, the 176 horsepower four-cylinder is adequate. It requires stomping your foot to the floor to pass cars on the highway, but otherwise, it does the job just fine. Handling lives up to the Sportage name, cornering flat and tracking through curves with confidence. In all honesty, though, I have a feeling the Sportage is going to sell on looks alone.
I find the 2011 Sportage attractive -- and not just for a crossover. The headlights and grille combine for an integrated wraparound look. It features LED running lights below the headlights, just like an Audi. No surprise, though, since Kia Design Chief Peter Schreyer came from Audi. Every body panel has a purposeful and intentional look about them, with sculpted character elements, flared wheel arches and curves in all the right places.
Kia's been on the rise lately, and I think the Sportage should keep their sales numbers climbing. While in Half Moon Bay, I also had the chance to check out the new Optima in person. Now that's a looker! I'd gladly take the Optima over the Hyundai Sonata on which it's based, as well as any other sedan in this category (Accord, Camry, Fusion, Malibu, etc.). Congratulations to Kia, they've gone from bland to grand in one short year.
By ahightower
on July 29, 2010
07:01 AM
I agree the Kias are generally a little sharper and more masculine looking than their Hyundai counterparts. The LED eyeliner is getting pretty lame though. Is this the next faux fender vent? At least they're functional, I guess, but a pretty shameless rip-off that, to my mind, cheapens the look instead of enhancing it.
By blueguydotcom
on July 29, 2010
07:58 AM
Optima reminds me of a fully styled G8.
By cruiserhead1
on July 29, 2010
09:25 AM
Sportage looks great and the Optima does too. Amazing how european they look (I guess not considering their design chief).
I also like the Optima better than the Sonata, although the Sonata looks great too.
Also agree I would take either sedan over the Camry, Accord or any other major player that has cheapened their products and gutted them of any sense of personality.
By vwblues
on July 29, 2010
09:32 AM
They really have upped their game on the design side, lets just hope the quality side is keeping pace.
By yankeez
on July 29, 2010
11:16 AM
Well color me different because I don't find the new Sportage appealing in the least. From the front doors forward I suppose it's alright, but from the back doors on... what the hell is up with that fat oversized C-pillar? I guess you guys like that kind of styling statement - I don't, nor will I ever. And that stubby tail design... sorry, not for me either. Guess I just don't get it. Oh well.
By mtakahashi
on July 29, 2010
03:28 PM
Don't despair, Yankeez, design is subjective and there is no right or wrong -- unless you consider the previous Kia Optima, that is.
Just out of curiosity, what kind of design do you favor?
By yankeez
on July 29, 2010
05:22 PM
Well, on the design being subjective argument, that much is true - just as I'm sure there are those that actually think the current Chrysler Sebring or a Pontiac Aztek are good looking, "appealing" vehicles.
As far as what design I favor, well, let's just say that none of these choices in the mini-SUV class (or whatever they're called) appeal to me in the slightest - this new Sportage, the Scion Xb, Nissan Cube et al... they're very popular with their target audience and I'm sure they honestly couldn't care less what someone like myself thinks of them.
For the record, I own an 08 Toyota Sequoia and an 09 Charger SRT8 - if it doesn't have a politically incorrect big V8 driving the rear wheels, I'm personally not interested... but that's just me.
By misterfusion
on August 2, 2010
09:50 AM
mtakahashi:
How is the ride in the Sportage? I ask because Kias have traditionally been tuned firmer than their Hyundai equivalents, but every review I've read of the Tucson says that it has a pretty firm suspension.
Did Kia go with "even firmer!" for the Sportage, or is it about the same as the Tucson?
By mtakahashi
on August 5, 2010
11:26 AM
misterfusion: The ride is pretty stiff, but it has enough compliance to deal with rough pavement. It can be bothersone on long stretches of poor pavement - like the 10 freeway here in Los Angeles - where a washboard effect and concrete seams are borderline harsh and bouncy. But it's the price you pay for sharper handling. The turbo version will have an adjustable suspension (Comfort/Sport).