Driving Impressions

The 2006 Kia Sportage provides a carlike ride while returning relatively sporty handling on par with that of most peers. Should you push too hard through a corner, the standard stability and traction control system will intervene to keep you headed in the right direction. Additionally, the Sportage's four-wheel independent suspension system helps smooth bumps without the jittery feel typical of many SUVs. Power from the standard four-cylinder is barely adequate, so we recommend you stick with the larger 2.7-liter V6. The four-speed automatic isn't quite as smooth as the five-speed unit in the CR-V or RAV-4, but it always manages to keep the V6 right in its power band.

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    Fuel requirements
    unleaded fuel having a pump octane number ((R+M)/2) of 87 (Research Octane Number 91) or higher. Your new vehicle is designed to obtain maximum performance with UNLEADED FUEL, as well as minimize ...

    Your vehicle at a glance
    Interior overview Instrument panel overview Engine compartment ...

    A COMFORTABLE AND SOFT RIDE (TOO SOFT)
    Behind the wheel of the new Optima it’s easy to point out several more faults – although there are certainly some positive aspects to the driving experience as well. On the down-size, the ca ...