2012 Kia Sportage in Chattanooga, TN - $2,991

Sporty and elegant, spacious and adaptable – the compact Kia SUV features an attractive appearance inside and out. Building on the Sportage's already successful foundation, the Kia Sportage continues to offer an impressive feature set, robust performance and modern styling. For 2015, the Sportage carries over from a year of updates, including notable exterior revisions and a variety of comfort and convenience enhancements.

Available in base, LX, EX and SX models, as well as front or all-wheel drive, base power for the Kia SUV is provided by a fuel-sipping 2.4L four-cylinder engine. SX models are equipped with a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder GDI engine. Both engines are joined to a six-speed automatic transmission with H-Matic.

The Sportage SUV uses the state-of-the-art Dynamax four-wheel drive system that routes upto 99 percent of the available power to the front wheels. As road conditions or torque demand changes, the system automatically diverts upto 50 percent of the available power to the rear wheels. The system monitors throttle position, front wheel angle and slippage. A dashboard-mounted 4WD lock button allows the driver to manually “lock” the driveline into 4WD for a 50/50 torque split.

Rear dynamic suspension dampers, increased floor insulation and standard high-performance dampers on EX models reduce cabin noise, vibration and harshness while improving driving dynamics.

Inside the passenger cabin, the Sportage features Kia's UVO powered by a Microsoft® voice-activated infotainment system based on the Windows Embedded Automotive platform. UVO improves connectivity, convenience and safety by enabling drivers and passengers to answer and place phone calls, access music from a variety of media sources and create custom music experiences all with voice-activation. UVO is standard on Sportage EX and SX models.

Sportage boasts a wide variety of cargo with its innovative easy-to-use “Drop & Fold” rear seat. Utilizing a 60/40-split cushion and backrest that allows the bottom cushion to move forward and down into the rear footwell area, it also allows the seat backrest to be folded completely flat and onto the same level as the trunk floor. This easy-to-perform operation even can be executed without removing the rear head restraints.

Sportage also offers a wide range of storage compartments, including a large center console, large lockable glove box, overhead sunglasses holder, map and cup holders in all four doors and rear seat central armrest with cup-holders.

Dimensions & specifications
Wheelbase: 103.9; overall length: 174.8; width: 73.0; height: 64.4
All vehicle measurements are in inches

Engine: 2.4L four-cylinder – 182 hp at 6,000 rpm and 1778 lbs-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm; 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder – 260 hp at 6,000 rpm and 269 lbs-ft of torque at 1,850 – 3,000 rpm.
Transmission: six-speed automatic
EPA Fuel Economy: 2.4L four cylinder – 21 city/28hwy. (FWD), 19 city/26 hwy. (AWD); 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder – 20 city/26 hwy. (FWD), 19 city/25 hwy. (AWD).
Cargo capacity: 54.6 cu. ft.
Towing capacity: 2,000 lbs

Safety features
Dual front airbags, front seat mounted side-impact airbags, full length head curtain side-impact airbags with rollover sensor, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, traction control, electronic stability control, downhill brake control, hill-start assist control, tire pressure monitoring system, side-impact door beams, remote keyless entry, and Bluetooth hands free phone system.

EX adds fog lights, UVO eServices with rearview camera and automatic headlamp control. SX adds LED daytime running lights, Xenon high intensity discharge headlamps, Smart Key push-button start, and rear park assist system.

Warranty
Basic: 5-year/60,000 mile
Powertrain: 10-year/100,000 mile
Corrosion: 5-year/100,000 mile
Roadside Assistance: 5-year/60,000 mile 24-hour

Pricing
The base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2015 Kia Sportage SUV starts from $21,900 for the LX FWD upto $29,600 for the SX AWD. Destination charges add $895.