The 2011 Kia Sportage EX AWD was a manly man in a world of cushy girly girl small crossovers. It was angly and grimacing with sharp LED daytime running lights. It didn’t look tender and sensitive. Finally, all you manly dudes out there have a small, crossover you can buy without getting crap from your buddies.
The Kia Sportage had decent power with its 2.4l 4-cylinder engine. It was reasonably peppy, though I did feel some torque steer during my test. Ultimately I feel like the Sportage’s drive was schizophenic. I wanted it to turn, and it responded with hypersensitive vigor. I wanted it to brake, and it did so responsively. But then I wanted it to speed up and it sped up, but waited until I got to some higher rpms to do so.
The full-time all-wheel drive system will send all of the torque to the front wheels unless they lose traction (this explains the torque steer, perhaps). And there’s a Locking Center Differential, which you control at 25 mph or less. This allows you a little more control in slippery situations.
Will you notice all this? Maybe. What’s more noticeable is not just the presence of, but also the ease of use of almost all the features in the Sportage. Like what? Like probably the best iPod integration I’ve used ever. Like the fact that the driver’s seat is not only heated but ventilated. Bluetooth, panoramic sunroof, rear sonar system, and cooling glove box will also make any person happy. Be warned though, not all features are standard, and they bump up a pretty decent $24,795 base price to $29,990. That was unexpected.
You know what else is easy to use in the Sportage? The climate controls. Thank you Kia, for not making it a mystery to cool off. In the August heat, I can’t be spending too much time figuring out how to turn on the A/C.
I want to point out the good looks of the interior. My test car was grey, but there’s lighter greys and darker greys, so it didn’t feel like a monochromatic ocean of neutrality.
And speaking of good looks, you’ll get quite a few in the Sportage. Be sure you’re properly groomed in this car because people check you, I mean it, out. Yes, the LED’s have a lot to do with it, but you can’t ignore the modern looks. I happen to like it. I think Kia’s hit on a fresh, modern look that also won’t wear out its welcome. The price you pay for the lean, mean design though, is some reduced visibility out the rear window. This is not unique for this kind of vehicle, but it’s noticeable and worth considering.
So if you’re looking at one of these small crossovers, the 2011 Kia Sportage is a fun option. But remember, the price made me pause. Yes, it is competitive with the Honda CR-V and the Toyota RAV-4. Sure, the Sportage has been around for as long as these other models, but it does lack the marquee badge and perhaps the resale.
On our TFLcar recommendation scale of:
– Buy it
– Lease it
– Rent it or
– Forget it
Combine that with the steering issues, and I give the Sportage a….
Growing up in Colorado Sara Lacey was always kind to her cars. These days however, she spends her time punishing automobiles with the help of her children. Reviewing cars from the unique perspective of a woman and mom, Sara also writes for MotherProof.com and Cars.com. In addition, she sits on the board of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press Association.
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