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.

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    Door locks
    Operating door locks from outside the vehicle • Turn the key clockwise to unlock and counterclockwise to lock. • If you lock the driver’s door with a key, all vehicle doors will lock auto ...

    Air cleaner
    Element replacement Have the air cleaner element checked and replaced in accordance with the maintenance schedule. NOTICE Do not drive with the air cleaner removed; this will result in excessi ...

    Lighting
    Battery saver function • The purpose of this feature is to prevent the battery from being discharged. The system automatically turns off the exterior lights when the driver removes the ignition ...