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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Driving Impressions
More horsepower equals more pleasant riding and driving. The new V6 provides
more than adequate torque for city driving and highway cruising, and is a
significant improvement over the previous-gen ...
Handling and Braking
Considering it’s one of the least expensive affordable small cars in the
class, the 2011 Kia Rio handles very well. Test drivers report that its ride is
smooth and stable, and the cabin is quiet ...
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. ...


