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2007 Kia Sportage

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Overview

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2007 Kia Sportage Review

By KBB.com Editors

Those who remember the original Sportage SUV probably won't recognize the current model. Gone are the body-on-frame architecture, harsh ride and weak engine—not to mention the questionable reliability. The newest Sportage derives its underpinnings from a car chassis to give it a smooth ride, improved handling and better crash test results. The trade-off is an inability to tackle true off-road terrain (the Sportage lacks a proper high/low transfer case and locking differentials), but heavy snow and mud are still easily managed. And, while the humble Sportage must contend with flashy newcomers such as the Honda CR-V and Dodge Nitro, many people will find its low price and long list of standard features preferable to just another pretty face.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you're on a modest budget but don't want to give up comfort or convenience, you'll appreciate Kia's approach to the compact SUV segment. And, while its V6 engine produces little more power than Honda's in-line four, you'll appreciate the V6's smoothness with every tip of the accelerator.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If you're an individual who cherishes an established nameplate, Kia (despite dramatic sales growth) lacks the long history of some other brands. And though Kia has definitely made strides versus segment leaders from Toyota and Honda, the Sportage might be a shade down from them in product refinement.

What's Significant About This Car?

No Major Changes for 2007.

Driving the Sportage

Driving Impressions Kia's product team has hit the sweet spot in achieving a ride/handling balance completely appropriate to the target consumer. With a curb weight of some 3,400 pounds, the Sportage is...

no lightweight. That fairly substantial heft is reflected in a feeling of solidity from the unit body structure. Suspension settings are biased toward comfort, and while the steering provides some feedback, it seems almost artificially induced. The V6 engine, while offering two more cylinders than the 2007 Honda CR-V (Toyota now offers a V6 with its RAV4), doesn't seem any more responsive than the Honda when connected to the standard four-speed automatic. We'd view the Sportage's on-road demeanor as creditable, although not entertaining.

Favorite Features

Distinctive Design
We come away most impressed by the Sportage's distinctive design. In an era of generic styling emanating from many Asian studios, it's refreshing to see something truly distinctive without the carmaker resorting to "shock and awe."

Quality Interior Appointments
Five years ago, one peek at an interior in a Hyundai or Kia was all you needed to know to determine its origin or price point. That's certainly not the case today, with Kia employing improved plastics and upholstery throughout the lineup. On top of improved quality is true utility, with easy ingress and egress, in combination with a fold-flat rear seat that provides real stowage capability.

2007 Kia Sportage Details

Interior

Most Sportage prospects will be pleased by its interior, combining real functionality with a number of upscale touches. Thankfully, the Korean car industry has finally embraced quality plastics, with an almost quantum improvement in both appearance and texture. Our test EX offered attractive cloth upholstery, which felt comfortable and appeared durable. The instrument panel, while not overly informative, offered easy-to-read gauges, while the center-mounted cluster employed controls easily identified and appropriately ergonomic. Adding to its upscale appeal were aluminized accents on both the instrument and door panels. Seating position is appropriately upright and, while the standard sunroof encroaches slightly on rear-seat headroom, most adults will find either front or rear seating to be generous. As with most compact SUVs, the fifth passenger's area is marginal, albeit available.

Exterior

The Sportage represents a dramatic departure for the Kia design palette. As opposed to the original, discontinued in 2002, the newest Sportage replaced the curvaceous, almost organic look with something more akin to Origami. While not, to many eyes, beautiful, today's Sportage certainly has spunk, with a get-up-and-go attitude accentuated by short overhangs, a relatively wide track, ample tires (235/60-16 all-season radials) and generous headroom. The hatch features an opening window for convenience. A dual exhaust system with chrome tips accentuates the Sportage's not-quite-cute Sport-Ute pretensions.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

Kia's tagline, "The Power to Surprise," is abundantly evident when viewing the Sportage's window sticker. A high level of standard equipment is part of Kia's core strategy. Available in either LX or EX variants, the Sportage enjoys an almost opulent level of equipment, even at its $16,495 base price. Young families will appreciate the safety benefits of Electronic Stability Control (ESC), traction control (TCS) and, at the EX level, a tire pressure monitoring system. Audiophiles will enjoy an AM/FM/CD system with six speakers—EX models enjoy MP3-compatibility. Privacy side glass is standard across the board, while a sunroof is included on the EX at no additional charge. Finally, while we wish the roof rails offered more than the stated 100-pound capacity, they are included in the base window sticker price for both versions.

Optional Equipment

With all that is standard the customer is left with little to add. Of course, the less expensive LX gives the customer more variables, although many of those would be dealer-installed. On the EX, a luxury package includes body-colored bumpers, leather seats and trim, heated front seats, automatic headlamps and a six-disc CD changer.

Under the Hood

The base LX utilizes a fairly conventional (for the category) 2.0 liter in-line four, while the EX benefits from the 2.7 liter DOHC V6. It, along with the Hyundai Tucson and Ford Escape, were among the first to offer six-cylinder power in the compact utility category. As noted above, we were not blown away by the responsiveness of the V6. It will meet consumer expectations, but we don't believe it will exceed them. The four-cylinder should be reserved for light duty only—no full loads, light towing and little exposure to work at high altitudes.

2.0-liter in-line 4
140 horsepower @ 6000 rpm
136 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 23/28 (2WD manual), 22/27 (2WD automatic), 22/26 (4WD manual)

2.7-liter V6
173 horsepower @ 6000 rpm
178 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/25 (2WD automatic), 19/23 (4WD automatic)

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Kia Sportage vehicles for sale near you.

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2007 Kia Sportage Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.8

Out of 10

Based on 277 Ratings for the 2005 - 2010 models.

Review this car

Value

9.1/10

Quality

8.9/10
Reliability

9.2/10

Performance

8.8/10
Comfort

9.0/10

Styling

9.1/10

I love this car!

By krazy for kia (IL) on Monday, May 06, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 140,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8

"So dependable, little or no problems over the years, fun to drive. I've had it for almost 8 years and I know it so well, how it handles, what it can do. Obviously not a luxury car, but had everything I could have asked for except heated seats. My first Kia, probably not my last!"

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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I Love this car!

By Bri (TX) on Wednesday, April 10, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 70,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Spacious, reliable, & very styliish"

Cons: "It is a Standard"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"This car is the best car I have had yet! I bought it last year and I haven't had any problems with it! The only thing I don't like is that it is a standard.'m very good at driving a stick, I'm just tired of driving one. All my vehicles have been standards and im ready for an automatic. But this is a great family car I would definetly recommend!"

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Great price, great car!

By ladyincammies (OR) on Monday, March 25, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 120,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Price, hauling stuff, reliability"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I have had my Kia Sportage since 2006 and have not had a single issue, other than regular maintenance (light bulbs, oil changes, spark plugs, tires, etc). They provide a 10 year 100,000 mile warranty, and I've hit 120,000 miles with no worries. Whether I've been carting kids around, taking road trips, or hauling lumber, this car has taken me everywhere. I will definitely be looking into getting another Kia."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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I love my Kia Sportage!

By Micki (MN) on Friday, February 22, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 135,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Affordable, good fuel economy for an SUV"

Cons: "Get the 4 wheel drive if you have harsh winters"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I bought this car in 2009 with 56000 miles. It has driven like a champ ever since! I did have to replace some sort of belt holder thing at one point, but it was a quick fix, and the mechanic said it was rare for one to go out, and I should never have to replace it again. It is not the greatest in winter snow and ice, but that is my fault for not springing for a 4 wheel drive. Other than being extra careful in bad weather, which is common sense anyway, this car is great! It is comfortable and roomy enough for my family and two dogs, and we have taken it on many road trips. It gets decent fuel economy (18 - 22) and is so much fun to drive. I am now a loyal Kia convert, and will be buying another when this one gives out, I will just be sure to get 4 wheel drive on my next one, and that should be just about perfect!"

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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OVERALL WELL WORTH IT, ENOUGH POWER AND FEATURES..

By JML (NY) on Sunday, November 04, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 32,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 7/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 9/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 7

"HANDLES WELL IN SNOW - BUT WHEN IN 4WD AND THERES NO SNOW , TOUGH TO STEER AND SHUTTING OFF THE VEHICLE YOU WILL BE ROCKED BACK SOME. EVERYTHING ELSE RUNS FINE , IT GETS ABOUT 22 MILE TO THE GALLON ."

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Great SUV for its price

By Lee (NY) on Sunday, November 04, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 72,000

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Price, reliable"

Cons: "Service, and cheap finishing"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8

"Greta SUV for its price. We have the car for five years no, and it runs nice. Maintenance is usually reasonable but unfortunately the Kia service is not that accessible where we live. Any mechanic can take care of the car, so this is not a major issue. Driving out of state, the car feels safe and comfortable, and is also very reasonable on gas. You can tilt the back seat to a recliner position, and the kids love it. On long trips they can sleep in the back very comfortably. The 4 wheels drive is also nice especially during the snow. We never took it for a mud drive so I cannot say anything about that."

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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See all 277 reviews