The test drive: Who would have expected Kia to come so far? Certainly not Mr. Driver's Seat.
I've found other Kia models - the Soul, the Forte, and the Sedona - to be a little rougher than the average car. But the Sportage - at least in the 30-grand SX version I tested - is refined and handles and drives well.
Passing lane: The 2.0 four-cylinder turbo puts the "Sport" in Sportage. The power made it among the quickest vehicles I've tested. The 2011 model I tested was a little hard to control when floored; new suspension components for 2012 may have addressed this nuisance. But even as is, it's not a deal-breaker. An all-wheel-drive version likely offers more stability as well.
The six-speed automatic TipTronic shifter actually shifts the gears; some larger models have built-in overrides that take away some of the driving enjoyment.
In the snow: If you're shopping for snow traction for your little SUV, the 235/55/18 tires on the SX may not help you much. They're probably too wide and too short to help when the weather turns harsh, although there's no testing this theory in weather like we've had.
The bare-bones Base model has narrower and taller 215/70/16s, and starts at $18,500, but you're stuck with a stick. Starting at $20,800, you can get an automatic and 225/65/17s, roughly splitting the difference. (A four-wheel-drive model can be had for as little as $22,300.)
In any of these other models, you'll be powered by a non-turbocharged 2.4-liter four, though, so it'll be a little slower.
Inside: Rear legroom is good but not stupendous, about on par with a Tiguan or Forester. We fit Sturgis kids 2.0 through 4.0 (18-, 17-, and 11-year-olds) back there for a shopping trip and got raves on legroom, and everyone thought the seating width was good.
