2013 Kia Sportage SX review

I like the 2013 Kia Sportage SX just fine. I really like the design inside and out (a woman at the gas station said it looked “hot”). Peter Schreyer is doing some really good work at Kia.

We all liked the looks of the Sportage, one of the best designs in its class

The four-cylinder turbo provides decent poke off the line but doesn't really get with it until the tach swings beyond 3,000 rpm. It's a wee bit like an on-off switch in terms of the turbo spooling, in fact, but eco mode helps smooth things out somewhat. A rating of 260 hp is a stout number for a four-cylinder. 

The ride is a bit rough but body roll is low. As long as the pavement is smooth, you'll have no worries. I thought the steering was quite nice as SUVs go -- light but not too light and accurate. Wind noise, especially on the highway, was noticeable.

Interior design is fine and the amount of room inside is impressive, but the materials could use an upgrade, something I generally feel about Kia vehicles I've driven. 

The interior design is solid, but it could still use an upgrade

Overall, I think the car is good, but price sensitive. The as-tested price of $32,450 seems high to me. I'm sure you could score a sweet lease deal, though.

2013 Kia Sportage SX

Base Price: $29,250

As-Tested Price: $32,450

Drivetrain: 2.0-liter turbocharged I4; AWD, six-speed automatic

Output: 260 hp @ 6,000 rpm, 269 lb-ft @ 1,850-3,000 rpm

Curb Weight: 3,466 lb

Fuel Economy (EPA City/Highway/Combined): 20/25/22 mpg

AW Observed Fuel Economy: 19.0 mpg

Options: SX premium package including heated front seats, air-cooled front driver's seat, panoramic sunroof, auto-dimming rearview mirror with Homelink, dual power heated mirrors with turn-signal indicators, cargo cover ($2,000); navigation package ($1,200)

The I-4's turbo provides decent acceleration off the line, providing 260 hp