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2009 Kia Sportage Review

July 13, 2009

STYLING | 6 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

strong visual presence
Cars.com

stylish and functional
Edmunds

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

The 2009 Kia Sportage model features fresh exterior styling and a well-shaped, well-built cabin.

The Sportage’s makeover includes body color-matching front and rear bumpers, a new grille design, new headlights and fog lights, and new alloy wheels. According to Kelley Blue Book, Kia 2009'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. Cars.com notes Kia Sportage "styling echoes the larger Sorento's, and flared wheel arches help establish what Kia calls a 'strong visual presence.'"

The 2009 Kia Sportage features a redesigned center fascia inside, but more important, all Kia Sportage models come standard with Sirius Satellite Radio and auxiliary and USB jacks with MP3 playback capabilities. Kelley Blue Book reports that "improved plastics and upholstery throughout the 2009 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 2009 interior, The Auto Channel observes that the 2009 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

TheCarConnection.com notes few complaints about the 2009 Kia Sportage's looks, though critical reaction is not overwhelmingly positive either.

STYLING | 6 out of 10Expert Quotes:strong visual presenceCars.comstylish and functionalEdmundsThe Sportage looks and feels a lot classier than you think it wouldThe Auto Channel The 2009 Kia Sportage model features fresh exterior styling and a well-shaped, well-built cabin. The Sportage’s makeover includes body color-matching front and rear bumpers, a new grille design, new headlights and fog lights, and new alloy wheels. According to Kelley Blue Book, Kia 2009'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. Cars.com notes Kia Sportage "styling echoes the larger Sorento's, and flared wheel arches help establish what Kia calls a 'strong visual presence.'" The 2009 Kia Sportage features a redesigned center fascia inside, but more important, all Kia Sportage models come standard with Sirius Satellite Radio and auxiliary and USB jacks with MP3 playback capabilities. Kelley Blue Book reports that "improved plastics and upholstery throughout the 2009 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 2009 interior, The Auto Channel observes that the 2009 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.” ConclusionTheCarConnection.com notes few complaints about the 2009 Kia Sportage's looks, though critical reaction is not overwhelmingly positive either. 2009 KIA SPORTAGE STYLING | [6 out of 10] Cars.com: "strong visual presence" Edmunds: “stylish and functional” The Auto Channel: "The Sportage looks and feels a lot classier than you think it would" The 2009 Kia Sportage model features fresh exterior styling and a well-shaped, ...

Read More of this Review:

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

Other Choices:

The 2009 Nissan Rogue utilizes a big 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine and a CVT for its powertrain, and the combination matches the performance of Sportage V-6 models. Perhaps better than any other listed competitor, the Rogue matches the Kia for value, while not lacking in design, features, or refinement. The Honda CR-V is similar in overall characteristics (being good looking and well sorted), but it also offers more cargo room than the 2009 Kia Sportage, if that's one of your concerns. The Saturn Vue is one of the best compact SUVs on the market, offering a high degree of style and refinement. But this will cost you. The heavily revised 2009 Ford Escape is an excellent choice that offers more modern technology and refinement than the Kia, but at a higher price.

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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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