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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2010 Kia Sportage

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Overview

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2010 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, somewhat harsh ride and moderate engine power. The 2010 Kia Sportage derives its underpinnings from a car platform to give it a smooth ride, improved handling and better crash-test results. The trade-off is an inability to tackle the harshest sorts of off-road terrain (the Sportage lacks a high/low transfer case and locking differentials), but heavy snow and mud are still easily managed. And, while the humble Sportage must contend with perennial favorites such as the Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester, many people will find its low price and long list of standard features quite tempting.

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 New for 2010

The 2010 Kia Sportage receives an "EcoMinder" indicator light on automatic transmission-equipped models that helps the driver maximize fuel economy. A new backup warning system is now offered with the EX Luxury Package.

Driving the Sportage

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

2010 Kia 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 the steering provides some appreciated feedback. The V6 engine, while offering two more cylinders than the 2010 Honda CR-V (Toyota 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, but, for an SUV, being creditable is more important.

Favorite Features

Distinctive Design
The Sportage's distinctive design is modern, clean and attractive. 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
Kia has made great strides in quality, with improved plastics and upholstery throughout the lineup. On top of improved quality is true utility, with easy ingress and egress and a fold-flat rear seat that provides real stowage capability.

2010 Kia Sportage Details

Interior

Most Sportage prospects will be pleased by its interior, combining real functionality with a number of upscale touches. The attractive cloth upholstery gives an impression of comfort and durability. The instrument panel has easy-to-read gauges and the center-mounted cluster has controls that are easily identified and appropriately ergonomic. Adding to the upscale appeal are aluminized accents on both the instrument and door panels. Seating position is appropriately upright and, while the available 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, in the center of the rear seat, is somewhat marginal.

Exterior

The 2010 Kia Sportage represents a dramatic departure from the original Sportage design, which was discontinued in 2002. Today's Sportage wears a curvaceous, almost organic look, 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. Freshly revised last year, the 2010 model carries over the new face of Kia design. New wheels add a sporty look and 17-inch alloys are offered for the first time. The Sportage's hatch features an opening window for convenience; while the V6's dual exhaust system with chrome tips accentuates the Sportage's SUV intensions.

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, especially considering its price range. Young families concerned with safety will appreciate the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and traction control (TCS). Audiophiles will enjoy an AM/FM/CD/MP3 system with six speakers and a three-month subscription to SIRIUS Satellite Radio. 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 as standard equipment.

Optional Equipment

On the EX, the Luxury Package includes leather seats and trim, heated front seats, rear warning system, automatic headlamps and a six-disc CD changer, amplifier and subwoofer. Stand alone items include four-wheel drive, a navigation system (EX only), remote start and a number of dealer-installed upgrades.

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. We were not overly impressed 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: 20/25 (2WD),19/24 (4WD, manual)

2.7-liter V6
173 horsepower @ 6000 rpm
178 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/23

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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2010 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!"

1 person out of 1 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!"

1 person out of 1 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