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| 2009 Kia Sportage A generous equipment list and an affordable price make the 2009 Kia Sportage a value leader among compact SUVs. What's New for 2009 For 2009, the Kia Sportage gets a mild face-lift along with a few electronic upgrades, including new standard features for the audio system (satellite radio as well as auxiliary and USB jacks) and a newly optional navigation system. Introduction Being the first in something doesn't necessarily guarantee commercial or critical success. The first-generation Kia Sportage was one of the original urban-friendly, small sport-utility vehicles, but it didn't exactly light the sales charts afire at the company's quarterly meetings. Soon after the Sportage debuted the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 sprang up to steal the Kia's thunder. Though reasonably capable on trails thanks to its rugged chassis and low-range transfer case, that first Sportage was underpowered, somewhat crude and too small on the inside. Now well into its second generation, the 2009 Kia Sportage uses a car-based platform rather than the heavy body-on-frame, truck-style design of the first-gen model. Like its corporate twin, the Hyundai Tucson, today's Sportage boasts an attractive interior with quality materials, sensible ergonomics and a smartly designed split-folding rear seat. This year brings a face-lift (in the form of a revised grille and headlights, color-keyed bumpers and new alloy wheels), a navigation system and some welcome upgrades to the audio system. Typical for this segment, the Sportage offers a choice between four- and six-cylinder power. Those who don't need to race from light to light may find the Sportage's modest but smooth power delivery adequate. Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options The 2009 Kia Sportage is a compact crossover SUV that's available in two trim levels: LX and EX. Either trim can be had in front- or all-wheel drive. The LX comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, full power accessories, keyless entry, a rear windshield wiper and a six-speaker audio system (with a CD player, MP3 capability, satellite radio and auxiliary and USB jacks). Air-conditioning is also standard on all LX models except front-drive, four-cylinder models with the manual transmission. The EX adds the V6 engine, a sunroof, foglamps, heated outside mirrors and a trip computer. Individual options include side step bars, a remote starting system, a navigation system and leather seating (for the EX). There are a couple of optional packages as well. The Sport package for LX V6 models adds foglights, 17-inch wheels, sport gauges, a black mesh grille, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, a rear spoiler and the upgraded audio system from the EX. The Luxury package for the EX adds leather seating, heated front seats, an auto-dimming mirror and a premium audio system with a six-CD changer. Safety Antilock disc brakes, traction control, stability control, front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags are all standard equipment. In government crash tests, the 2009 Kia Sportage scored a top five-star rating for both frontal and side impact crash protection. In Insurance Institute for Highway Safety testing, the Sportage received an "Acceptable" rating (the second highest of four) in that agency's frontal offset and side impact crash tests. Interior Design and Special Features The Sportage's cabin boasts a modern design and good build quality. Front passengers have ample legroom. The rear-seat design makes hauling a large amount of cargo a breeze -- the seat folds and lowers into the footwell, making for a flat load floor, and removing the head restraints isn't required. Driving Impressions On the road, the 2009 Kia Sportage provides a carlike ride and relatively nimble handling that makes it a little more fun to drive than some other compact crossover SUVs. It's both a decent city runabout and a serviceable long-distance highway cruiser. Awards and Accolades Each year independent journalists and experts in the automotive industry recognize outstanding vehicles in areas such as design, safety and overall reliability. You can use these awards as a guide in the decision-making process. Edmunds 2009 credits Sportage with generous passenger and cargo space, stylish and functional interior, plus standard side and head curtain airbags Automobile reports Sportage is surprisingly decent to drive, with firmly damped suspension, reasonable steering feel and feedback, strong brakes and a big dollop of body control on top of it all AutoWeek reports the Sportage feels well built, the instrument pod is user-friendly Motor Trend reports huge gains in quality ratings and rising resale values for Kia |
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