2008 Kia Sportage Review

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.


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.

Read More About the 2008 Kia Sportage:

Next Steps:

Get a free price quote

for the 2008 Kia Sportage from a dealer near you

Check Insurance Rates

for the 2008 Kia Sportage

Check Financing Rates

for the 2008 Kia Sportage

Check local classifieds

for a 2008 Kia Sportage near you

See the Kia Sportage in Other Years:

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

Comments (0 total)

Be the first to post a comment

Post a comment:

(Required)
(Required - will not be published, sold or shared)
(Optional - your 'posted by' name will link to the URL)

Remember Me?
I have read TheCarConnection.com's privacy policy