Driving Impressions

Kia Sportage / Reviews / 2010 Kia Sportage / 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:

    Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
    The 2011 Kia Sorento is a crossover SUV offered in four trim levels: base, LX, EX and the sporty SX. A third-row 50/50-split-folding seat with room for two is optional on the LX and four-cylinder ...

    Modest Acceleration: A Tale of Two Transmissions?
    In the case of the Forte five-door, the added practicality seems to come at the expense of performance. As with the uplevel Forte SX sedan, the SX hatchback comes only with the larger of the Forte ...

    Air cleaner
    Element cleaning This element may be air cleaned or replaced, depending on its condition. Unless it is very dirty, merely shake it to remove foreign particles. Each time this filter is inspecte ...