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2008 Kia Sportage Review

August 18, 2008

STYLING | 6 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

distinctive design is modern, clean and attractive
Kelley Blue Book

The Sportage looks and feels a lot classier than you think it would
The Auto Channel

strong visual presence
Cars.com

TheCarConnection.com notes few complaints about the 2008 Kia Sportage in terms of interior and exterior styling cues.

While more recent Kia models feature better styling, the Kia design studios hadn't quite hit the mark when they designed the Sportage back in 2002-03. Some lines are a bit off: awkward but not offensive (unlike the Pontiac Aztek that was considered awkward AND offensive). Cars.com notes Kia Sportage "styling echoes the larger Sorento's, and flared wheel arches help establish what Kia calls a 'strong visual presence.'" According to Kelley Blue Book, Kia 2008's "distinctive design is modern, clean and attractive...a curvaceous, almost organic look, with a get-up-and-go attitude." The reviewer at The Auto Channel reports being "pleasantly impressed with Kia Sportage as far as looks...are concerned." Details that detract from the appearance are black bumpers on some models and a nose that seems too small for the rest of the vehicle.

Inside, the design is much better. Curves are everywhere, and there is plenty of room. Kelley Blue Book reports that "improved plastics and upholstery throughout the 2008 Kia Sportage lineup...attractive cloth upholstery gives an impression of comfort and durability...adding to the upscale appeal are aluminized accents on both the instrument and door panels." Referring to this Kia 2008 interior, The Auto Channel observes that the 2008 Kia Sportage "looks and feels a lot classier than you think it would," and while it "certainly isn't going to dazzle you with dual temperature controls, power seating or a Bose stereo, the center console and dashboard are still modern and sleek in design with basic features." Edmunds calls the interior “stylish and functional” and “attractive.”

Conclusion

The 2008 Kia Sportage is ready for a restyling outside, but its cabin is well shaped and built.

STYLING | 6 out of 10Expert Quotes:distinctive design is modern, clean and attractiveKelley Blue BookThe Sportage looks and feels a lot classier than you think it wouldThe Auto Channelstrong visual presenceCars.com TheCarConnection.com notes few complaints about the 2008 Kia Sportage in terms of interior and exterior styling cues. While more recent Kia models feature better styling, the Kia design studios hadn't quite hit the mark when they designed the Sportage back in 2002-03. Some lines are a bit off: awkward but not offensive (unlike the Pontiac Aztek that was considered awkward AND offensive). Cars.com notes Kia Sportage "styling echoes the larger Sorento's, and flared wheel arches help establish what Kia calls a 'strong visual presence.'" According to Kelley Blue Book, Kia 2008's "distinctive design is modern, clean and attractive...a curvaceous, almost organic look, with a get-up-and-go attitude." The reviewer at The Auto Channel reports being "pleasantly impressed with Kia Sportage as far as looks...are concerned." Details that detract from the appearance are black bumpers on some models and a nose that seems too small for the rest of the vehicle. Inside, the design is much better. Curves are everywhere, and there is plenty of room. Kelley Blue Book reports that "improved plastics and upholstery throughout the 2008 Kia Sportage lineup...attractive cloth upholstery gives an impression of comfort and durability...adding to the upscale appeal are aluminized accents on both the instrument and door panels." Referring to this Kia 2008 interior, The Auto Channel observes that the 2008 Kia Sportage "looks and feels a lot classier than you think it would," and while it "certainly isn't going to dazzle you with dual temperature controls, power seating or a Bose stereo, the center console and dashboard are still modern and sleek in design with basic features." Edmunds calls the interior “stylish and functional” and “attractive.” ConclusionThe 2008 Kia Sportage is ready for a restyling outside, but its cabin is well shaped and built.  2008 KIA SPORTAGE STYLING | [6 out of 10] Kelley Blue Book: "distinctive design is modern, clean and attractive" The Auto Channel: "The Sportage looks and feels a lot classier than you think it would" Cars.com: "strong visual presence" TheCarConnection.com notes few complaints about ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

Since the 2008 Kia Sportage is a car-based crossover SUV, it is safe to assume that you're not looking for a vehicle with capabilities like a Jeep Wrangler. Agreed? Good.

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See the Kia Sportage in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997

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