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2008 Kia Sportage Safety Review

August 18, 2008

SAFETY | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Five stars, front and side impacts; four stars, rollover resistance (4WD; three stars, FWD)
NHTSA

Acceptable,” front and side impacts
IIHS

Rear-roof styling impedes vision to right-rear and dead astern
ConsumerGuide

The 2008 Kia Sportage scores very well in crash tests, with less stellar performance in rollover resistance.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gives the Sportage five out of five stars for front and side impact protection. In terms of rollover resistance, the 4WD version of the 2008 Kia Sportage scores a respectable four stars, but the 2WD version scores only three stars. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gives the Sportage “acceptable” ratings for front and side impacts.

Cars.com reports that "all-disc antilock brakes, traction control and an electronic stability system are standard"; furthermore, "six airbags, including side curtain airbags, are also standard."

While it crashes well, the Sportage has a design that can impede visibility. According to ConsumerGuide, "Kia 2008 rear-roof styling impedes vision to right-rear and dead astern."

Conclusion

Safety and security while riding in the 2008 Kia Sportage is definitely a cut above, but one hopes the rear visibility issue will be addressed in future models.

SAFETY | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:Five stars, front and side impacts; four stars, rollover resistance (4WD; three stars, FWD)NHTSAAcceptable,” front and side impactsIIHSRear-roof styling impedes vision to right-rear and dead asternConsumerGuide The 2008 Kia Sportage scores very well in crash tests, with less stellar performance in rollover resistance. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gives the Sportage five out of five stars for front and side impact protection. In terms of rollover resistance, the 4WD version of the 2008 Kia Sportage scores a respectable four stars, but the 2WD version scores only three stars. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gives the Sportage “acceptable” ratings for front and side impacts. Cars.com reports that "all-disc antilock brakes, traction control and an electronic stability system are standard"; furthermore, "six airbags, including side curtain airbags, are also standard." While it crashes well, the Sportage has a design that can impede visibility. According to ConsumerGuide, "Kia 2008 rear-roof styling impedes vision to right-rear and dead astern." ConclusionSafety and security while riding in the 2008 Kia Sportage is definitely a cut above, but one hopes the rear visibility issue will be addressed in future models.  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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