Her and His Reviews
December 2010
2011 Kia Sportage EX AWD
There are always two sides to everything, right? Well, the truth is there are many more than that!
To keep our car reviews innovative and well-rounded, we are providing you with not just one, but two points of view on the same exact vehicle –
Her and His perspectives.
Her: Anne Fleming, Car Buying Advocate,women-drivers.com
His: Don Hammonds, Writer, AutomobileJournal.com
| Anne | Don |
|---|---|
| Price | |
| MSRP:$18,295 to $29, 990 (as tested) | MSRP:$18,295 to $29, 990 (as tested) |
| Performance | |
| 175 horsepower, 2.4 Liter cylinder engine, 168 pounds feet of torque. Option between the front and all wheel drive. | 175 horsepower, 2.4 liter, 168 pounds feet of torque, dual overhead cam engine |
| Fuel Economy | |
| 21 city, 28 highway, est. annual gas consumption of $1,957. | 21 city, 28 highway |
| The Car | |
| One of my dearest friends had the Sportage, circa 1997 box version, and wow has this vehicle seen a transformation over the past 15 plus years. It has a very euro, contemporary styling and interior, sporting all the amenities needed in this competitive class, with a sticker price sure to save the average woman/family thousands.
Good handling, turning, and improved performance make this a best buy. Keyless entry, 18" alloy wheels and comfort abound in this Sportage. Telescoping steering wheel with driver side adjustable seat make for a personalized fit that is most needed and appreciated by women - the key buyers of this vehicle. |
The Sportage is coming into a highly competitive market, and with just about all the other entries being pretty much equal in quality and fit and finish, it will be styling and content that will make the difference, and on that score, the Sportage is in terrific shape. |
| Safety | |
| Dual front airbags, front seat mounted airbags, full length curtain airbags, ABS, Traction Control Brakes and ESC, Rollover Protection, Downhill Brake assist and Hill start assist - all really great as the first snowfall of the northeast has come and gone.
Tire Pressure Monitoring system to alert when air is needed, Lower Anchors and Tethers for children, Front active headrests, Side door active beams. |
Driver, head/curtain, passenger, side airbags, stability control and traction control, hill climb and hill descent controls, child door locks. |
| Technology | |
| Heated seats and heated side mirrors. Parking assist, remote keyless entry, SIRIUS for some tune jamming, Bluetooth and standard USB port, panoramic moon roof, dual zone front temperature controls for personalized comfort, navigation system with voice activation - great for 'both-hands-on-the-wheel' driving! | First row LCD screen on LX and EX, heated side mirrors on those two models. Parking assist, remote keyless entry, standard USB port and Bluetooth, panoramic moon roof available, dual zone front automatic air conditioning on all but base model, navigation system with voice activation available, etc. |
| Aesthetics & Styling | |
| A step up in modeling and aesthetics.
Nice design on the interior, though there is a lot of plastic with some hints of polished chrome. But spacious head and leg room, comfortable leather seating (with heat/cooling option on driver's seat). Rear seats have a 60/40 split. Decent cargo room for comings and goings, cargo cover, and compartments underneath for easy organization. Plenty of places for cup holders and quick storage of mobile accessories. Rear spoiler and roof rails. |
To my eyes, this is the best looking small SUV on the market. It has a decidedly masculine, rugged, sport look that I think will wear well over the years. It's very chiseled, very dynamic, and looks as though it's moving when it's standing still. I absolutely loved the looks. The interior is equally nice but has a bit too much hard plastic at touch points. |
| Warranty | |
| Five (5) year/60,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty, Ten (10) year or 100,000 mile powertrain warranty. Includes 3 months subscription on 24-Hour Roadside Assistance. | Five year/60,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty, ten year or 100,000 mile powertrain warranty |
| Non-tangibles / Other | |
| With shares tripling in value in 2009 due to persistent value-added, improved quality and styling entries, KIA continues to steal pockets of market share in this sensitive economic climate. Yet, the company is not without its challenges. While Toyota can afford to (can they?) recall over 10 million cars, KIA's CEO was asked to resign after the company recalled over 104,000 vehicles in September of this year. | Kia's on a roll these days, and the Sportage is a prime example why. It's pretty roomy, although cargo space is a bit limited, it's very well built, and has equipment that you can't get on any of the competition. The Sportage comes in front wheel and all wheel drive, and represents a pretty decent value. The only concerns I've heard mentioned is a ride that an be rough at times, reduced visibility because of the side windows, and doors that can be heavy and bulky. |
