The 2011 Kia Sportage and its fraternal twin, the 2010 Hyundai Tucson, have matured into real competitors for the best-selling crossovers under $30,000.
The Tucson itself has an identical base price; you’ll have to choose if curves or straight-edges are your taste, and if Kia’s UVO system is a must-have.
The aging Ford Escape is about to be replaced, but returns for 2011 with its airy cabin, incentivized price and available Hybrid edition as its top selling points.
The Honda CR-V is the long-standing champ in the class, with ample interior room, high build quality, and a smooth four-cylinder, but it's among the slowest vehicles in the class and its latest shape is controversial.
The Nissan Rogue has smart style and visibility, but is hampered by its continuously variable transmission and lackluster performance.
For the most refined driving experience in this group, we recommend the Subaru Forester; it has a tall and spacious cabin, sedate good looks, and a reputation for durability, though fuel economy is much lower than the numbers generated by the Sportage.
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 2011 Kia SportageBrowse Used Listings |  2010 Ford EscapeBrowse Used Listings |  2010 Honda CR-VBrowse Used Listings |  2010 Hyundai TucsonBrowse Used Listings |  2010 Nissan RogueBrowse Used Listings |  2010 Subaru ForesterBrowse Used Listings |
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| Quick Specs | |||||
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Kia hits game reset, and gives the 2011 Sportage an appealing new look and feel. |
Don’t let the 2010 Ford Escape’s boxy, old-school appearance turn you off; the Escape is a solid, fuel-efficient choice for city-dwelling families. |
The 2010 Honda CR-V is a bit homely, but it fits right in for those placing the priority on frugality, safety, and interior space. |
The 2010 Hyundai Tucson doesn't quite take the title of best small crossover, but it handily grabs "most improved" honors. |
The 2010 Nissan Rogue doesn’t wow in any respect, but provided you don’t expect driving excitement its solid set of features, safety, and decent performance won’t let you down. |
The 2010 Subaru Forester may not be as powerful or well-equipped as its rivals, but it really shines in its more carlike dynamics and superior handling. |
| MSRP From | |||||
| $18,295 | $21,020 | $21,545 | $18,995 | $20,460 | $20,295 |
| Gas Mileage | |||||
| 21 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy | 20 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy | 21 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy | 21 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy | 21 MPG City / 27 MPG Hwy | 19 MPG City / 27 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | |||||
| Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas Flat 4-Cyl |
| EPA Class | |||||
| 2WD Sport Utility Vehicle | 2WD Sport Utility Vehicles | 2WD Sport Utility | 2WD Sport Utility | FWD Sport Utility | 4WD Sport Utility |
| Style Name | |||||
| 2WD 4-Door Base | FWD 4-Door XLS | 2WD 5-Door LX | FWD 4-Door I4 Manual GLS | FWD 4-Door S | 4-Door Manual 2.5X |
| Drivetrain | |||||
| Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Passenger Capacity | |||||
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Passenger Doors | |||||
| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Body Style | |||||
| 4 Door | 4 Door | 5 Door | 4 Door Sport Utility | 4 Door | 4 Door |
| Transmission | |||||
| Manual | Manual w/OD | Automatic | Manual w/OD | Continuously Variable | Manual w/OD |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | |||||
| 2011 Kia Sportage vs. 2010 Ford Escape | 2011 Kia Sportage vs. 2010 Honda CR-V | 2011 Kia Sportage vs. 2010 Hyundai Tucson | 2011 Kia Sportage vs. 2010 Nissan Rogue | 2011 Kia Sportage vs. 2010 Subaru Forester | |
