Driving Impressions

Much of the appeal of compact crossovers is in their ability to deliver some of the practicality of larger SUVs along with easier maneuverability and parking on city streets and in tight parking lots. The 2010 Kia Sportage is no exception.

Because the performance of the base model's four-cylinder is weak, we'd recommend stepping up to one of the V6-powered models. Even with the V6, the Sportage feels rather sluggish compared to many competitors, though it's probably just fine for most people's needs. On the open road, the Sportage feels nimble. The ride quality is a little firmer than the norm and handling is not exactly sporty, but neither is really objectionable.

    See also:

    Smart key
    Smart key With a smart key, you can lock or unlock a door (and trunk) and even start the engine without inserting the key. The functions of buttons on a smart key are similar to the remote keyl ...

    Door locks
    Operating door locks from outside the vehicle • Turn the key toward the front of the vehicle to unlock and toward the rear of the vehicle to lock. • If you lock the driver’s door with a k ...

    How to use this manual
    We want to help you get the greatest possible driving pleasure from your vehicle. Your Owner’s Manual can assist you in many ways. We strongly recommend that you read the entire manual. In order ...