2012 Kia Sportage SX: A compact SUV with lots of sport and value

The “S” in SUV supposedly stands for sport, but given the lumbering size and weight of most full-size SUVs the sporting component can be in short supply. The growing compact SUV segment provides more maneuverability, but often at the expense of horsepower. Passenger/cargo capacity is obviously less in the smaller vehicles, but how often do big rig owners really utilize all that available space?

The Kia Sportage SX is a compact SUV with surprising amounts of sport, space, and value in a handsome, affordable package. The SX is the top-of-the-line performance model thanks to an impressive turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine that’s backed by a smooth, efficient 6-speed automatic transmission.

Walkaround: The Kia Sportage was redesigned for 2011, so 2012 models are virtually the same. That makes any leftover 2011 models an excellent buy. Styling is consistent with the chiseled looks currently popular with compact Asian sedans and SUVs. The large diameter alloy wheels and performance tires are placed at the far corners. That maximizes interior space and enhances the SUV image. Our SX was painted a handsome, expensive-looking Black Cherry. A black leather interior further boosted the impression that the Sportage should cost much more than it did.

Interior: Kia designers do an outstanding job of interior packaging. Compromises have to be made to maintain their highly competitive prices, but the fit, finish, space utilization, comfort, content levels, and feeling of openness far exceeded our price point expectations. Our SX had the optional Premium/Leather Package. The thick, contoured steering wheel had excellent auxiliary controls and a tilt/telescopic function, so finding an optimum driving position was easy.

A large, centrally located speedometer and well-placed switchgear complimented the ample storage areas. Legroom is abundant for both the driver and front passenger. As long as the front seats aren’t all the way back there is ample second row legroom. Rear door size is good, which eases ingress/egress.

The Premium Package includes a panoramic sunroof, which fills the interior with light. The front sunroof part opens for added mild weather ventilation, while the fixed rear roof glass greatly enhances the rear seat experience. This is another example of features generally expected in much more expensive vehicles.

Cargo capacity is good, but not spectacular. The rear seats don’t fold completely flat (it helps to remove the headrests), but the main cargo area is flat. The cargo floor is level with the hatch opening, so loading is easy. There is added compartmentalized storage underneath the floor along with useful cargo loops. The hatch opens high enough for all but the tallest owners.

Under The Hood: The turbocharged 2.0-liter I-4 engine is the heart of the SX model. Kia has extracted 256 horsepower and 264 lb-ft of torque from a mere 122 cubic inches. The standard Sportage engine is the 2.4-liter (146.5 cubic inches) I-4, which produces 176 horsepower and 168 lb-ft of torque. The 2012 Sportage SX AWD is EPA rated at 21 city and 26 highway miles per gallon. The 2WD version does better at 22/29, but Pacific Northwest drivers are much better served with the AWD Sportages — better suited to our weather/road conditions and much better resale-wise.

AWD Sportages don’t have a low range, but there is a dashboard switch for the locking center differential. It locks in a 50/50 front/rear power distribution. There is also a Hill Descent function (very welcome on slippery hills) and traction control. Both features have dashboard switches next to the locking differential switch. This level of sophistication trails off-road marvels like Land Rovers, but provides excellent traction for the types of conditions encountered by most drivers. The Sportage has good ground clearance and short overhangs for optimized approach angles. We’ve driven Sportages on rugged dirt/mud forest roads and never come close to being stuck.

Behind The Wheel: The combination of compact outer dimensions and spritely engine make the Kia Sportage SX a fun ride. It’s not a sports car, but it belies its utilitarian heritage. The SX has sport-tuned suspension with high performance shock absorbers and lower profile 18-inch tires on handsome alloy wheels.

Handling is improved in the SX (compared to other model Sportages), but as in all sporty vehicles you can expect additional ride harshness and road noise. We had no complaints with the performance/harshness tradeoff, but we always prefer performance and driver control to numbness.

Power application of both the engine and six-speed automatic transmission were excellent. We thought the highway ride was great. The Sportage was easy to use and comfortable both on long freeway stretches and around town.

Whines: The heated and ventilated driver’s seat was an unexpected luxury, but the front passenger only gets the heated function. Family harmony and spousal equality would be better served if both front seats had hot and cold buns. The driver also gets power lumbar support, while the passenger doesn’t.

Rearward vision could be better if the rear pillars were thinner and if the rear window was larger.

Bottom Line: We liked the Kia Sportage SX — a lot. Our constant refrain is that you could put badges from considerably more expensive brands on Kias and no one would question it. The point is that the Kia value proposition is incredibly strong. And, beyond value, the Sportage SX is comfortable, highly functional, and fun to drive.

Source: KPBJ.com