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:
More space for people and cargo, and a quieter drive
Luggage space in new Kia Sportage benefits from the 70 mm increase in the
vehicle's rear overhang. With the rear seats upright, the cargo bay is 80 mm
longer and 110 mm wider at floor level, thank ...
Safety belts
Pre-tensioner seat belt
(if equipped)
Your vehicle is equipped with driver's and
front passenger's pre-tensioner safety
belts. The purpose of the pre-tensioner
is to make sure that excess slack ...
Automatic transaxle
Automatic transaxle operation
The automatic transaxle has 6 forward
speeds and one reverse speed. The individual
speeds are selected automatically,
depending on the position of the shift
lever. ...


