2008 Kia Sportage

Overview

The 2008 Kia Sportage has a nicely packaged interior and comes loaded with plenty of standard features for an economical price. For 2008, Kia Sportage remains largely unchanged. This compact crossover SUV shares its platform with the Hyundai Tucson and is an alternative to other large, expensive SUVs in the market. Sportage is available in three trims: LX, LX V6, and EX. It has a powertrain warranty of 120 months/100,000 miles.

Power and Performance

The LX is equipped with a 140-hp 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine; the LX V6 and EX trims receive a 173-hp 2.7-liter V-6. The 4-cylinder teams with a manual or automatic transmission, the V6 gets an automatic only. All three models offer front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive configurations. Fuel economy is rated at 20/25 mpg (city/highway) with the 5-speed manual and 2WD; 19/24 mpg (city/highway) on the 4WD; and 19/25 mpg (city/highway) with the 4-speed automatic. Fuel economy on the V6 is rated at 17/23 mpg (city/highway) on the 4X2 and 17/21 mpg (city/highway) on the 4WD.

Body and Styling

The Kia Sportage is more car-like in appearance, when it comes to details like headlights, taillights, and mirrors. It offers a roomy and attractive cabin; build quality is solid with excellent fit and finish. Its most striking feature is the generous interior space for passengers and cargo. The Sportage seats up to five; its "Drop & Fold" rear seating system makes up for 66.6 cubic feet of cargo space.

Safety Features

Sportage earned the NHTSA’s 5-star crash safety rating in all four categories, with safety features like six airbags including full-length side curtains, anti-lock brakes, and electronic stability control. All seating positions have three-point seatbelts and front seats have pre-tensioners with force limiters.