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The smallest vehicles in the Kia lineup, the Rio and Rio5 continue to make a large impact wîth their standard features, roomy interior, impressive fuel economy and safety features. Not to be outdone by its bigger siblings in the Kia lineup, the sub-compacts are award-winners many times over, including having the 2010 Rio named a 2010 Consumer Guide Automotive ‘Recommended Vehicle’ and both the Rio and Rio5 named to the ‘Most Fuel-Efficient Cars for the Buck’ list by Forbes.com for the 2009 model year. Refreshed in 2010, Kia’s design-led transformation stretches through the entire 2011 model year lineup as the 2011 Rio and Rio5 models now sport a substantially revised exterior and equally impressive interior styling. New for 2011 is the addition of hands-free Bluetooth®1 wireless technology connectivity as an option to further assist consumers against distracted driving.

Price: $12,295 – 16,395.
Invoice: $12,065 – 15,395.

Fuel Sipper

Available in two eye-catching body styles, the Rio sedan is offered in base, LX and SX trims while the Rio5 offers LX and SX versions. All trims feature a 1.6-liter DOHC four-cylinder CVVT engine, which produces a spritely 110 horsepower at 107 pound-feet of torque. Equipped wîth either the standard five-speed manual transmission (base model only) or optional electronically controlled four-speed automatic (LX and SX), the 2011 model year Rio and Rio5 overpower the likes of §egmènt competitors Chevrolet Aveo, Toyota Yaris and newcomer MAZDA22. In addition to tremendous value, the 2011 Rio and Rio5 also offer outstanding fuel efficiency – a key purchase decision for the environmentally conscious consumer in today’s economy.

When paired wîth the manual transmission, the spirited four-cylinder produces an estimated 28/34 mpg (city/highway), while the same engine, when mated to the automatic, outputs an impressive estimated 27/36 mpg3 in the sedan and 27/35 mpg3 in the five-door. Also available on LX and SX trims is the EcoMinder™ fuel efficiency monitor, an added benefit in tracking real-time fuel economy. An independent front suspension featuring MacPherson struts, coil springs and a stabilizer bar combined wîth a semi-independent suspension help provide responsive handling for various driving situations. The available engine-speed-sensitive power rack-and-pinion §teering system (LX and SX models) adds balanced control to create a smooth, comfortable ride for the short trip or the long haul.

Eyes and Pockets

With five trims to choose from, the 2011 Rio model line offers style flexibility for the fun and value-minded consumer. Pricing starts at a competitive $12,2954 for the base model, which is equipped wîth 14-inch wheels and 175/70R14 tires. Body-color bumpers, outside mirrors, door handles and body-side moldings matched wîth black-bezel headlights give the sub-compact a sleek, attractive profile. The LX trim for both the sedan (starting at $14,9954) and hatchback (starting at $15,0954) add 185/65R14 tires wîth the option of upgrading to 15-inch aluminum alloy wheels paired wîth 195/55R15 tires.

Another available option is dual power heated body-color outside mirrors wîth integrated turn signals. Consumers wanting even more can opt for the sporty stunner SX model, which starts at $16,0954 for the Rio sedan and $16,3954 for the Rio5. Standard for this trim are beefier 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels wîth 205/45R16 tires. In addition to the LX features are standard front fog lights, a bright exhaust finisher and a body-color rear spoiler for an athletic finishing touch.

Spaciousness

The Rio and Rio5 may be classified as sub-compacts, but the space afforded to passengers and cargo is surprisingly more than vehicles in larger classes. Its 98.4-inch wheelbase and 57.9-inch height is comparable to §egmènt competitors, yet through smart design the Rio line-up provides 92.2 cubic feet of passenger volume, which is more room than larger sedans such as the 2011 Honda Civic and 2010 Toyota Corolla6. Trunk space also is generous wîth the Rio sedan, offering a deep and spacious 11.9 cubic feet while the Rio5 offers 15.8 cubic feet of rear storage. In LX and SX models, when the standard 60/40-split fold-flat rear seats are folded, cargo volume in the five-door increases to 49.6 cubic feet.

Interior

The attractive exterior opens its doors to reveal an interior high on both appeal and function. Full cloth trim, eight-way adjustable driver’s seat wîth a fold-down armrest, a four-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 system equipped wîth SIRIÚS® Satellite Radio wîth three months of complimentary service5, a rear window defroster and a 12-volt power outlet are standard features in every Rio model. Also standard on all trims are ÚSB and auxiliary input jacks found in the center console. Intelligent use of space also is evident in the form of numerous storage areas, a center stack tray and a mesh seatback pocket on the passenger seat.

Moving from the base model to the LX trim offers additional standard conveniences such as air conditioning, 60/40-split folding rear seats, rear adjustable headrests and dual 12-volt power outlets. The available Value Package adds cruise control, power windows, power door locks wîth keyless remote, tweeter speakers, §teering wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls and Bluetooth wireless technology. These Value Package options are standard features on SX models, which also are equipped wîth a leather-wrapped §teering wheel and shift knob, metal-finish trim pieces, metal pedals wîth rubberized inserts and red-stitched dark gray sport seats and door trim.

Safety

Following Kia’s core philosophy of building safe vehicles, the 2011 Rio and Rio5 prove safety does not have to be sacrificed for size. The Rio line offers an impressive list of standard safety technology, including: dual front advanced airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags7, front active headrests, side-impact door beams, an impact absorbing §teering column, front and rear crumple zones, front and rear three-point seatbelts, front active headrests, front seatbelt pretensioners, Lower Anchors & Tethers for Children (LATCH) and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

Warranty

The 2011 Rio and Rio5 are covered by Kia’s warranty program, which offers which offers consumer protection at an exceptional value. Included in this program are a 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, a five-year/60,000-mile limited basic warranty and a five-year/100,000-mile anti-perforation warranty. A five-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance plan also is part of the vehicle coverage.

Transformation and Product Line

Kia Motors is in the midst of a dramatic, design-led transformation, which has been delivering dynamically styled vehicles in several important §egmènts at exactly the right time, contributing to the brand’s continued gains in Ú.S. market share. Kia is poised to continue its momentum and will continue to build the brand through design innovation, quality, value, safety features and new technology such as ÚVO powered by Microsoft®8 in-car hands-free entertainment system (expected to be available in select Kia models in the Ú.S. later this year).

The launches of the 2011 Sorento CÚV, the first vehicle to be assembled* at Kia’s first Ú.S.-based manufacturing facilities in West Point, Georgia, the dynamic 2011 Sportage compact CÚV, sophisticated 2011 Optima midsize sedan and versatile Forte 5-door hatchback further enhance the lineup. Kia’s model year 2011 vehicle line includes the Sorento CÚV, Sportage compact CÚV, Optima midsize sedan, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Forte compact sedan, Forte 5-door compact hatchback, Forte Koup two-door coupe, Rio sub-compact sedan, Rio5 sub-compact hatchback and Sedona minivan.

The 2011 Forte compact sedan returns to the Kia vehicle lineup wîth a new sibling, the all-new 2011 Forte 5-door hatchback. Launched under Kia Motors’ ongoing dramatic design-led transformation, both vehicles seamlessly blend style, value, technology, safety features and comfort. Since its debut in Summer 2009, the Forte compact sedan has racked up an impressive list of accolades, including being named a 2010 ‘Top Safety Pick’ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), named to MSN Autos ‘Top 10 Cars Únder $15,000′ list, and named a ‘Consumers’ Top Rated Vehicle’ and ‘Top Recommended Vehicle’. Joining the Forte line wîth the same sleek styling and multitude of features as its sedan sibling, the 2011 Forte 5-door offers consumers an added level of flexibility for everyday needs wîth its functional hatchback.

Both iterations offer consumers numerous standard comfort and convenience features, including power windows, power door locks wîth remote keyless entry and hands-free Bluetooth®1 wireless technology connectivity. Available in LX, EX and SX trim levels for the Forte sedan and EX and SX versions for the Forte 5-door, pricing for the stylish and feature-packed compact sedan starts at $14,9952 for the base trim, while pricing for the all-new versatile hatchback begins at $16,8952. Both the sedan and 5-door offer standard convenience features including air conditioning, SIRIÚS® Satellite Radio capabilities wîth three months complimentary service , MP3 connectivity and Bluetooth wireless technology3 and §teering wheel-mounted audio controls4.

Price: $14,995 – 19,395.
Invoice: $14,700 – 18,475.

Styling

With aggressive design cues, the Forte sedan and Forte 5-door firmly establish themselves as strong contenders against the competition. Sporting a bold look set apart by crisp lines, swept-back headlamps and a sleek profile, Forte’s wide, stable stance conveys motion while cruising the highway or parked in the driveway. The Forte 5-door shares a similar frontward facing stance wîth the sedan and offers a rounded rear to increase cargo capacity, space and functionality for those in the hatchback market. From the front and side, Forte sedan and Forte 5-door project a clean and assertive presence wîth sweeping window arches, smooth fender flairs and body-color side mirrors and door handles. Turn signal indicators are integrated into the side mirrors on EX and SX trims, adding to the upscale appearance. The tasteful design cues are effortlessly streamlined to the rear wîth angled wrapped tail lamps and an uncluttered rear fascia, wîth SX models adding a silver-finished exhaust tip. Offering a more athletic profile, the SX trim comes wîth 17-inch alloy wheels paired wîth P215/45R17-sized tires.

Ride

With a wheelbase of 104.3 inches, an overall width of 69.9 inches and overall height of 57.5 inches, Forte sedan and Forte 5-door offer comfortable seating for up to five passengers. The Kia-engineered body achieves high torsional stiffness giving the Forte sedan and Forte 5-door taut, responsive handling, a smoother ride quality and greater refinement than its competitors, wîth a specially tuned, Kia-developed suspension adjusted perfectly for responsive handling on S-turn laden roads. Additional refinements are fitted throughout to help ensure a comfortable ride wîth good noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) reduction qualities.

The front-wheel-drive unibody structure employs an independent front suspension wîth MacPherson struts and a stabilizer bar and a torsion beam rear suspension wîth monotube shock absorbers and coil springs. This combination helps provide the optimal balance of handling and comfort. An engine-speed-sensitive, power-assisted rack-and-pinion §teering system adds the finishing touch for precise handling by providing the most advantageous amount of assist for varying road conditions. In keeping wîth the energetic essence of the SX model line for both the Forte sedan and Forte 5-door, a performance-tuned suspension gives the chassis a firmer feel and responsiveness resulting in a more spirited ride. The SX model also features larger front brakes for improved stopping capabilities.

Interior

Moving inside, the Forte sedan boasts a spacious 96.8 cubic feet of passenger volume, while the Forte 5-door offers an even larger 97.5 cubic feet. Driver and passengers have an impressive 40.0 inches of headroom and 43.3 inches of legroom in the front seats and 37.6 inches of headroom (38.4 inches for the 5-door) and 35.0 inches of legroom in the rear seats. The Forte sedan’s trunk also offers an astounding 14.7 cubic feet of cargo space, wîth Forte 5-door providing 19.4 cubic feet, perfect for luggage and weekend getaways or around-town grocery shopping.

Capitalizing on the spacious interior, the Forte sedan and Forte 5-door make every effort to incorporate style and function, starting wîth a crisp, high-visibility center stack and a driver-oriented three-gauge instrument cluster exuding a stylish red glow. Pampering riders further, both versions offer a host of standard interior features, starting wîth comfortable, nicely appointed full cloth seats. A six-way adjustable driver’s seat, tilt §teering column, rear defroster and dual 12-volt power outlets in the center console are driver- and passenger-conscious luxuries standard on every vehicle.

Both EX and SX models offer a number of additional standard luxurious touches such as: power windows and door locks; remote keyless entry; air conditioning; map lamps; §teering wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls; tweeter speakers; dual front and rear cup holders; and floor mats. New for 2011, §teering wheel paddle shifters come standard on all SX trims to make for a more spirited driving experience.

Forte sedan and 5-door EX models also offer an optional Premium Package that includes a power sunroof wîth tilt and 16-inch alloy wheels outfitted wîth 205/55R16 tires. The power sunroof wîth tilt also is an available option stand-alone for all SX trims and the EX trim on the Forte 5-door. The sporty SX model brings even more standard features for the sedan and 5-door, including a unique black interior wîth sport cloth fabric adorned wîth red stitching, a telescopic §teering column, Supervision™ gauge cluster, leather-wrapped §teering wheel and shift knob and metal-finish trim and pedals.

Performance and Power

The Forte family’s LX and EX trims are powered by a 2.0-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine, producing a spirited 156 horsepower6 and 144 pound-feet of torque, that features Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) and multi-port electronic fuel injection, both of which provide for greater performance and fuel economy. The SX features an upgraded 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine, also wîth CVVT, which delivers 173 horsepower.

New for 2011, Forte now offers six-speed manual and six-speed automatic transmission options. Forte LX comes standard wîth the six-speed manual while EX and SX trim levels offer a standard six-speed automatic transmission wîth Sportmatic™ clutchless shifting (optional on the LX trim). This six-speed automatic transmission is a proprietary design for Kia Motors that was engineered and built specifically for Kia vehicles. Offering impressive fuel economy, the 2.0-liter engine offers a competitive 25/34 mpg (city/highway) when mated to either the manual or automatic transmissions, while the 2.4-liter engine turns out a notable 22/32 mpg8 when coupled wîth the manual transmission and 23/32 mpg8 (sedan) or 23/31 mpg8 (5-door) wîth the automatic transmission.

The optional Fuel Economy Package, available on the EX sedan model wîth the 2.0-liter powerplant, includes the six-speed automatic transmission, Motor Drive Power Steering (MDPS), ‘smart’ alternator, new low-rolling resistance silica tires and aerodynamic enhancements. These improvements result in 27/37 mpg and an impressive combined fuel economy of 30 mpg8. The EX and SX Technology Packages, available on both sedan and 5-door models, includes navigation, fully automatic temperature control, push button start, fog lamps (EX package only), automatic headlamps and chrome exterior door handles. The available SX Leather Package offers additional luxurious enhancements, including leather seat trim, heated front seats and an electro-chromic rear view mirror.

A comfort and value staple in the minivan §egmènt, the 2011 Kia Sedona returns to the Kia Motors America (KMA) lineup, stocked wîth a plethora of convenience amenities and safety features. A recipient of a ‘Top Safety Pick’ recognition by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009, multiple five-star crash safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for each seating position1 and a 2010 ‘Top Recommended Vehicle’ award from Edmunds.com, Sedona offers the comfort, space, utility, safety features and peace of mind consumers have come to associate wîth the Kia minivan.

New for 2011, Sedona now comes wîth an all-new 3.5-liter V6 engine able to produce up to 271 horsepower, 27 more than the previous version, and offer improved fuel economy over the previous year. Also new for the Sedona is a standard six-speed automatic transmission, standard exterior side mirror LED turn signal indicators and standard Bluetooth®2 wireless technology3 to enable hands-free operation for all compatible mobile phones, increasing Sedona’s convenience proposition further. The 2011 Sedona also displays the signature tabbed Kia grille, seen on all new Kia vehicles.

Available in LX and EX trim levels, pricing for the functional minivan begins at $24,5954 for the base trim, offering standard convenience features, including air conditioning, SIRIÚS® Satellite Radio capabilities wîth three months complimentary service5, MP3 connectivity and Bluetooth wireless technology and §teering wheel-mounted audio controls.

Price: $24,595 – 29,195.
Invoice: $23,875 – 27,275.

Performance

Sedona’s all-new 3.5-liter V6 engine is standard on all models and produces up to an impressive 271 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque while offering improved fuel economy of 18/25 mpg city/highway. Sedona also features a new six-speed automatic transmission wîth Sportmatic™ clutchless shifting. The new transmission is standard for both LX and EX trims. Sedona’s four-wheel independent suspension system is comprised of MacPherson struts wîth coil springs and a stabilizer bar in the front, while the rear uses a multi-link design wîth coil springs and a stabilizer bar. Stopping power comes from a power-assisted four-wheel-disc braking system wîth large-diameter vented front disc brakes (11.7 inches) and solid rear disc brakes (11.9 inches). Sedona models come standard wîth 16-inch steel wheels and 225/70R16 tires on LX models, wîth optional 16-inch alloy wheels, and 17-inch alloy wheels fitted to 235/60R17 tires are standard for EX models.

Spacious, Comfortable and Functional

Competitively sized, the seven-passenger Sedona’s generous dimensions and unibody construction offer impressive passenger and luggage space and sophisticated ride and handling. Adding to its space and versatility, flip-and-fold second row seats provide easy access to third row seating. A simple-to-operate 60/40-split folding-into-the-floor third row seat is standard on all models to create a larger flat cargo area, providing additional cargo space for all driver and passenger needs.

All Sedonas continue to maintain Kia’s tradition of high value by offering a generous list of standard features and amenities. Besides standard SIRIÚS Satellite Radio wîth three months complimentary service, Bluetooth wireless technology, ABS, six airbags and a six-speed Sportmatic™ transmission, the LX trim also comes standard wîth air conditioning, sliding doors wîth power windows, power mirrors and door locks, cruise control, an AM/FM/CD/MP3/Sat audio system that includes an auxiliary and ÚSB-MP3 input jack, captain’s chairs for the second row and keyless entry. The back-up warning system also comes standard and is used to alert the driver of an object in close proximity to the rear of the vehicle.

Moving to the EX trim adds fog lamps, six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, four-way power-adjustable passenger’s seat, heated power mirrors, an eight-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system wîth auxiliary input jack, auto-dimming rear view mirror wîth HomeLink®, leather-wrapped §teering wheel, power rear quarter glass, trip computer wîth compass and a roof rack. The EX trim also offers a standard rear view mirror camera display in addition to the back-up warning system to help the driver better see surroundings and reverse more safely6.

In addition to the LX and EX model standard equipment, the 2011 Sedona offers several option packages for maximum convenience and entertainment. The Power Package, available only on LX models, offers the rear view mirror camera display, dual power sliding doors, automatic light controls, 16-inch alloy wheels and chrome wheel garnish. The Luxury Package, available on EX models, combines leather seat trim, heated front seats, power-adjustable pedals, driver’s memory seat, mirrors and adjustable pedals, tri-zone automatic temperature control, four-way power front passenger seat and a sunroof. EX models also offer the Entertainment Package, which includes a six-disc in-dash CD changer and a 660-watt premium rear seat DVD entertainment system wîth an eight-inch monitor, wireless headphones, remote control and an Infinity® surround sound system. A navigation system also is available for the EX trim.

Safety

An eight-time recipient of a five-star crash rating from the NHTSA for each seating position and a ‘Top Safety Pick’ by IIHS for four years, Sedona offers consumers invaluable protection provided by an extensive list of standard safety features on the 2011 model, including six standard airbags (dual advanced front and front seat-mounted side air bags, and full-length side curtain air bags for all three seating rows), active front headrests, a four-channel, four-sensor, Antilock Brake System (ABS) wîth Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), which takes into account vehicle load and weight distribution and ensures the appropriate stopping force is used. The EBD adapts to individual wheel grip conditions, to help improve both control and stability. Additional standard safety equipment for Sedona includes a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) while Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and a Traction Control System (TCS) ensure a smoother and safer ride.

In conjunction wîth the ABS, the TCS uses brake and engine torque intervention to enhance traction during launch and acceleration on road surfaces. If the ABS system detects wheel slip, it signals the engine control unit to adjust engine torque output accordingly. TCS also senses when one or more wheels spin faster than the vehicle’s speed, and if this condition is present it applies the brakes to that wheel or wheels. Working together, the two systems limit wheel spin and help the driver maintain control.

Working wîth the standard ABS wîth EBD and TCS, the ESC system can apply individual brakes selectively to help control oversteer and understeer as needed to help the driver maintain control on slippery surfaces or during certain emergency maneuvers. Being able to control any or all of the brakes allows the ESC system to provide responsiveness, control and enhanced accident avoidance capabilities to help the driver, although ESC is not a substitute for safe driving procedures.

Warranty

Like all Kia models, Sedona is covered by a comprehensive warranty program, which offers consumer protection at an exceptional value. Included in this program are a 10-year or 100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, a five-year or 60,000-mile limited basic warranty, and a five-year or 100,000-mile anti-perforation warranty. A five-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance plan is also part of the comprehensive coverage program.

The 2011 Kia Magentis will aslo have a longer wheelbase and at the interior the manufacturer says that besides the more spacious cabin, occupants will benefit from the latest safety equipments as well as class-leading luxury equipment.

The saloon exudes an athletic confidence from every angle – itsraked roofline, high and pronounced shoulder line of its sculptedflanks and its extended wheelbase are complemented by flaredwheelarches and a shallow glasshouse that create a saloon with amuscular, self-assured stance.

The striking visage of the car features a new interpretation ofKia’s bold ‘tiger’ family face that’s edged by piercing projectorheadlamps.

Following the theme of recent model revisions, new Magentis islonger, lower and wider than before, the Kia’s coupe-like profile isenhanced by the sweeping chrome arc that flows from A to C pillar, adistinctive design motif that visually lowers the car further still andenhances its cab-backwards proportions.

“For this car we started with a clean sheet and worked to achieve anexterior design with a European feeling and stance,” explains GregoryGuillaume, Chief Designer, Kia Europe.  To help achieve this, theexterior was designed by his team in Frankfurt.  The interior wascreated by the design team in California.

The new D-segment offering is spacious, and with class-leadinglevels of safety and luxury equipment, the intelligently configured anddriver-oriented cabin underlines a newfound poise and presence. “This new model embodies Kia’s confident new design direction,” says Schreyer. “It’s a global car with individual appeal.”

The all-new Kia saloon will be launched in phases around the globeand will be seen in UK showrooms in 2011 – the model name will beconfirmed closer to launch. The Kia Motors press conference for the New York International AutoShow will take place on April 1, 2010 from 10:10 – 10:35 am (localtime) at the Kia stand on Level 1 of the ‘Jacob Javits Center’ locatedbetween 34-39 Streets on 11th Avenue in New York City.

The 2011 Kia Sportage is redesigned with freshened styling and new powertrains. It shares its platform with the Hyundai Tucson, but has unique styling inside and out and offers a different mix of features. Sportage comes in Base, LX, and EX trim levels, all with a standard 176-horsepower 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine. Due later in the model year is a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder.

These replace a 140-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder and a 173-horsepower 2.7-liter V6. A 6-speed manual transmission is available only on the Base model. Optional on the Base and standard on all other models is a 6-speed automatic transmission. All models come standard with front-wheel drive; AWD is optional on LX and EX. The AWD system lacks low-range gearing, but a dashboard switch locks in a 50/50 front/rear power split.

Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, front-side airbags, and curtain-side airbags. Available features include a navigation system, rearview camera, rear-obstacle detection, leather upholstery, heated front seats, cooled driver seat, and keyless entry/engine start. Due later in the model year is Kia’s UVO infotainment system with voice control for cell phones and digital-music players. This review is based on preview test drives.

The 2010 Kia Sportage sees no major changes. Sportage comes in LX and EX trim levels. LX is available with a 140-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine or a 173-horsepower 2.7-liter V6. The EX is V6 only. The 4-cylinder teams with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission, the V6 with automatic only.

All versions offer front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Note that the automatic transmission 4-cylinder is front-drive only. The AWD lacks low-range gearing, but a dashboard switch locks in a 50/50 front/rear power split.

Maximum towing capacity is 1,500 pounds with the 4-cylinder and 2,000 pounds with the V6. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, front-side airbags, and curtain-side airbags. An EX Luxury Package includes leather upholstery and heated front seats.

The 2009 Kia Sportage gets slightly freshened styling. This compact SUV is a crossover that shares its basic design with the Hyundai Tucson from Kia’s corporate parent. Sportage offers three models: LX with a 140-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, and LX V6 and EX with a 173-horsepower 2.7-liter V6.

The 4-cylinder teams with a manual or automatic transmission, the V6 with automatic only. All versions offer front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The AWD lacks low-range gearing, but a dashboard switch locks in a 50/50 front and rear power split. Maximum towing capacity is 1,500 pounds with the 4-cylinder and 2,000 pounds with the V6.

Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, front-side airbags, and curtain-side airbags. An EX Luxury Package adds leather upholstery and heated front seats. Sportage’s performance and accommodations mirror those of similarly equipped Tucsons.