2012 Kia Sportage vs. Its Competition

2012 Kia Sportage 2WD 4-door EX Angular Front Exterior View

Meta Rating 8 out of 10

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Our expert editors build comparisons like this one to make it easy for you to understand the small handful of cars you should compare to whatever car you are already looking at. You get general thoughts on each car you should consider plus an easy way to compare basic information for yourself.

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Jan 20, 2012

Kia's Sportage presents itself much more confidently in a class of very strong-selling vehicles.

First, it has to get past its own corporate cousin, the Hyundai Tucson, which has an entirely different look that's more flair-focused, and which lacks the Sportage's turbo option and its UVO voice controls.

The Ford Escape is still a best seller 11 years in its current form, and has more interior space and a Hybrid model to distinguish it.

The Nissan Rogue sports interesting styling and good road manners, but its continuously variable transmission--still the best of its kind--leads to more drivetrain noise and slower responses to throttle inputs.

The Honda CR-V is new this year, and it's evolutionary change at best, with no major advances in powertrain or features.

For the most refined driving experience in this group, we recommend the Subaru Forester; it has a tall and spacious cabin, sedate good looks, and a reputation for durability, though fuel economy is much lower than the numbers generated by the non-turbo Sportage.

2012 Kia Sportage Get FREE Price Quote	2012 Ford Escape Get FREE Price Quote	2012 Honda CR-V Get FREE Price Quote	2012 Hyundai Tucson Get FREE Price Quote	2012 Nissan Rogue Get FREE Price Quote	2010 Subaru Forester Browse Used Listings
Quick Specs
Meta Rating
8 The Kia Sportage cuts a rakish new figure and spins out 260 turbocharged horsepower for a total image reboot--watch the options, though.	7.2 The 2012 Ford Escape still antes up solid crossover bona fides, but its sluggish handling and plasticky interior are ready for retirement	7.8 The 2012 Honda CR-V is a great family vehicle, with a thoughtfully designed and comfortable interior, and improved refinement, but it lacks the confident, sprightly feel present in past CR-Vs.	8 One of the most improved crossovers, the 2012 Hyundai Tucson has size and value in its corner.	7.2 The 2012 Nissan Rogue's comfortable ride and versatile layout make it a good fit for a value-conscious small families--but it's far from exciting to drive.	8 The 2010 Subaru Forester may not be as powerful or well-equipped as its rivals, but it really shines in its more carlike dynamics and superior handling.
MSRP From
$18,500	$21,440	$22,495	$19,145	$22,070	$20,295
Gas Mileage
20 MPG City / 30 MPG Hwy	20 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy	22 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy	20 MPG City / 30 MPG Hwy	22 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy	19 MPG City / 27 MPG Hwy
Engine
Gas I4	Gas I4	Gas I4	Gas I4	Gas I4	Gas Flat 4-Cyl
EPA Class
2WD Sport Utility Vehicle	2WD Sport Utility Vehicles	2WD Sport Utility	2WD Sport Utility	FWD Sport Utility	4WD Sport Utility
Style Name
2WD 4dr Base	FWD 4dr XLS	2WD 5dr LX	FWD 4dr Man GL	FWD 4dr S	4dr Man 2.5X
Drivetrain
Front Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive	All Wheel Drive
Passenger Capacity
5	5	5	5	5	5
Passenger Doors
N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Body Style
4 Door	4 Door	Sport Utility Vehicle	4 Door Sport Utility	Sport Utility	4 Door
Transmission
Manual	Manual	Automatic	Manual	Continuously variable ratio	Manual w/OD