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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    Automatic climate control system
    1. Temperature control knob 2. AUTO (automatic control) button 3. Fan speed control knob 4. Mode selection button 5. OFF button 6. Front windshield defrost button 7. Rear windshield defrost bu ...

    Manual transaxle
    Manual transaxle operation The manual transaxle has five forward gears. Press the clutch pedal down fully while shifting, then release it slowly. A special safety feature prevents inadvertent ...

    Multiple choices for wheels - all with Michelin tyres
    Maintaining a policy adopted early in the original car's evolution, Kia continued to develop the new Kia cee'd chassis and running gear using Michelin tyres exclusively, so that its engineers coul ...