Reviewed by Susan Frissell 

Looking back several years at previous Sportage models, it’s hard to believe the 2011 Sportage is the same car. Well, it isn’t really. It’s all-new. inside and out and in its evolving has become one of the greatest CUV’s on the market. Debuted at this year’s New York International Auto Show, the 2011 Sportage will most definately be flying out the dealership doors.

Our test 2011 Kia Sportage was the EX version, the top-of-the-line of three: Base, EX, LX. Wanting for little, our EX came well-equipped with a long list of standard features and two options, including the Navigation w/SIRIUS Traffic and camera display and Premium Audio with extra amp and subwoofer ($1,500), and the Premium Package with Leather (Leather seat trim, Heated front seats, Air-cooled drivers seat, Push button start with Smart key, Panoramic sunroof, Rear Sonar, Auto-dimming rearview mirror with Homelink, Heated outside mirrors and cargo cover, $3,000). Without these options, the EX’s MSRP was $23,295.

Drawing from the Kia Kue Concept of auto shows past, the all-new Kia Sportage is the “new face” of Kia. The front end and signature grille tell us its a new version and look for the car company, and with sweptback headlamps and pronounced taillights this little CUV is a looker. Longer, wider and lower, the Sportage is just the right size; easy to park, maneuver, yet, big enough inside to haul around all your “stuff.”

If one opts for the EX version of the new 2011 Sportage you’ll get an added few things: 18-inch alloy wheels, 235/55R18 Silica tires, roof rails, rear spoiler, Chrome bodytrim and door handles. If you step down one to the LX model, you’ll add LED turn signal indicators and keyless entry, with tinted glass, 16-inch alloy wheels, 215/70R16 Silica low-rolling resistance tires, body-color door handles and side power mirrors. The Base Kia Sportage starts at $18,295; the LX at $24,795; and the EX at $23,295. While all within reason to begin with, the total vehicle price can easily rise, as in the case with our test vehicle, topping out at $28,490.

Standard features abound on the new 2011 Kia Sportage and include the latest in safety technology with dual front airbags, front seat mounted side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, ABS, Traction control system, Electronic Stability Control, downhill brake/hill-start assist control, rollover protection system, front active headrests, side-door impact beams and lower anchors/tethers for children.

Inside the 2011 Sportage is an attractive dash with all the goodies: dual-zone auto temp control, power locks, windows, electrically adjustable outside mirrors, keyless entry/panic alarm, AM/FM/CD/MP3Audio with 6 speakers, SIRIUS Satellite radio (first 3 months complimentary), USB and Auxillary audio inputs, multi-adjustable power front seats with lumbar, 60/40 split folding rear seats, cooling glove box, cruise control/trip computer, tilt steering wheel, steering audio controls, BlueTooth, 12-volt power outlet, intermittent windshield wipers (front/rear), front and second row cupholders, leather wrapped steering wheel and sunvisor extendor. This is a well-equipped compact SUV.

Chrome adorning the door handles and accents, along with fog lamps, rear spoiler and roof rails make this little cruiser appear ready to take on not only the urban streets, but the less-threatening backroads.

Other desirable features include the Halogen headlamps with projection beam lenses, low tire pressure indicator, front reading lights, Tach, and voice-activated system for the phone.

As with all vehicles that insist on having the audio controls (and now phone controls) on the steering wheel, it’s a pet peeve of ours. Sorry, all you techies who must have all the modern conveniences at your fingertips, but it never fails that we hit those unwanted buttons time after time, either flipping the station or turning on/off the voice-activated device. Just one more annoying thing to deal with.

You can’t help but love this little CUV and I suspect it will appeal greatly to the female driver. It’s just so manageable, comfortable to drive and maneuver, those bigger SUV’s will feel like driving a truck. Ladies, heads-u: This new 2011 Kia Sportage is the car that can aid in your driving skills.

SPECS:

MSRP: $23,295; total vehicle price $28,490; destination $695

Engine: 2.4-liter 16-valve DOHC I4, 176 hp., 168 lb. ft. torque

Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission

Wheelbase: 103.9 in.

Length: 174.8 in.

Width: 73.0 in.

Height: 64.4 in.

EPA Fuel Economy: 22/31 mpg

Fuel Tank Capacity: 14.5 gal. 

Tires: P235/55R18

Wheels: Alloy 

Warranty: 10 yrs/100,000-miles; 5 yrs/60,000-miles limited powertrain; 24-hour roadside assistance