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2009 Kia Sportage Performance Review

July 13, 2009

PERFORMANCE | 6 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

satisfyingly secure on rain-soaked pavement
Cars.com

not even the V6 has abundant passing punch
ConsumerGuide

off-road-worthy fish-vertebrae underpinnings...tougher than most
Jalopnik

it will meet consumer expectations, but we don't believe it will exceed them
Kelley Blue Book

The 2009 Kia Sportage is a fine, light-duty commuter vehicle, but little more.

Kelley Blue Book is "not overly impressed by the responsiveness of the Kia 2009 V6; it will meet consumer expectations, but we don't believe it will exceed them." They advise that the "four-cylinder should be reserved for light duty only—no full loads, light towing and little exposure to work at high altitudes." Cars.com reports that the "Kia Sportage 2.0-liter four-cylinder produces 140 horsepower, while the 2.7-liter V-6 generates 173 hp and 178 pounds-feet of torque." According to ConsumerGuide, "2009 Kia Sportage four-cylinder models are fine for light-duty commuting but lack enough power for confident highway merging and passing." They "recommend a V6 model, though they're no fireballs."

ConsumerGuide says "the automatic transmission is responsive enough with either engine, though not even the V6 has abundant passing punch." All-wheel drive is an option. Cars.com reports that "a five-speed manual gearbox is standard in the four-cylinder Kia Sportage LX, and a four-speed automatic is available," while "all V-6 models come with the automatic...automatic-transmission responses are prompt, but downshifting can be sluggish when passing."

ConsumerGuide says the 2009 Kia Sportage is "among the better-riding compact SUVs." Off-road ability draws some mixed comments, however; while Kelley Blue Book acknowledges a "smooth ride, improved handling," it notes that "the trade-off is an inability to tackle the harshest sorts of off-road terrain." Jalopnik, on the other hand, points out "off-road-worthy fish-vertebrae underpinnings...tougher than most." "On rougher pavement, the ride is well-cushioned...suspension reactions are seldom excessive, and recovery is prompt," reports Cars.com. This source adds, "maneuvering smartly and steering with a somewhat light touch, the 2009 Kia Sportage feels satisfyingly secure on rain-soaked pavement. On expressways, however, it takes some concentration to stay centered in your lane."

Conclusion

The 2009 Kia Sportage performs like a frugal small car, from its acceleration to its handling, even with available all-wheel drive.

PERFORMANCE | 6 out of 10Expert Quotes:satisfyingly secure on rain-soaked pavementCars.comnot even the V6 has abundant passing punchConsumerGuideoff-road-worthy fish-vertebrae underpinnings...tougher than mostJalopnikit will meet consumer expectations, but we don't believe it will exceed themKelley Blue Book The 2009 Kia Sportage is a fine, light-duty commuter vehicle, but little more. Kelley Blue Book is "not overly impressed by the responsiveness of the Kia 2009 V6; it will meet consumer expectations, but we don't believe it will exceed them." They advise that the "four-cylinder should be reserved for light duty only—no full loads, light towing and little exposure to work at high altitudes." Cars.com reports that the "Kia Sportage 2.0-liter four-cylinder produces 140 horsepower, while the 2.7-liter V-6 generates 173 hp and 178 pounds-feet of torque." According to ConsumerGuide, "2009 Kia Sportage four-cylinder models are fine for light-duty commuting but lack enough power for confident highway merging and passing." They "recommend a V6 model, though they're no fireballs." ConsumerGuide says "the automatic transmission is responsive enough with either engine, though not even the V6 has abundant passing punch." All-wheel drive is an option. Cars.com reports that "a five-speed manual gearbox is standard in the four-cylinder Kia Sportage LX, and a four-speed automatic is available," while "all V-6 models come with the automatic...automatic-transmission responses are prompt, but downshifting can be sluggish when passing." ConsumerGuide says the 2009 Kia Sportage is "among the better-riding compact SUVs." Off-road ability draws some mixed comments, however; while Kelley Blue Book acknowledges a "smooth ride, improved handling," it notes that "the trade-off is an inability to tackle the harshest sorts of off-road terrain." Jalopnik, on the other hand, points out "off-road-worthy fish-vertebrae underpinnings...tougher than most." "On rougher pavement, the ride is well-cushioned...suspension reactions are seldom excessive, and recovery is prompt," reports Cars.com. This source adds, "maneuvering smartly and steering with a somewhat light touch, the 2009 Kia Sportage feels satisfyingly secure on rain-soaked pavement. On expressways, however, it takes some concentration to stay centered in your lane." ConclusionThe 2009 Kia Sportage performs like a frugal small car, from its acceleration to its handling, even with available all-wheel drive. 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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