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.
See also:
Engine start/stop button
Illuminated ENGINE START/STOP
button
Whenever the front door is opened, the
ENGINE START/STOP button will illuminate
for your convenience. The light will
go off after about 30 seconds when the
...
Comfort
While the front cabin in the Rio offers a bit more head room than the typical
sedan, there honestly isn't much of a difference. While the rear of the typical
sedan provides a bit more head- and le ...
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The Kia Sportage is a compact four-door SUV offered in two trim levels, LX
and EX. Both two-wheel drive and all-wheel drive (which Kia calls 4WD) are
available. Standard features on the LX include ...


