2012 Kia Sportage Review
The 3rd generation Kia Sportage is a completely new car. The premium styling is accompanied by a new and refined interior, making the 2012 Kia Sportage one of the best small SUVs that money can buy. Base models are equipped with stability control, manual transmission, satellite radio and more.
The BuyingAdvice Team Says:
Buyers of the new Kia sportage should forget the stigma that was brought on by previous generation models, because they are getting a completely different car. The 2012 Kia Sportage is affordable, stylish, comfortable, and comes with a long warranty. If value for money is what you are looking for, then you should look no further.
What’s New For 2012?
The 2012 Kia Sportage is now made quieter courtesy of improved sound-deadening. The suspension was also improved to deliver better handling and greater driving comfort. The Sportage LX now also gets standard 17-inch wheels with low rolling resistance tires for better fuel economy. The EX and SX trim now also come with the Uvo hands-free system so you can easily sync your mobile phone and music player.
What is the Predicted Reliability?
Kia vehicles have a long history of reliability, starting with the 2nd generation Sportage that was released in 2005. The standard warranty is also worth mentioning as it remains to be one of the most comprehensive and lengthy vehicle warranties in the market. Historically, the Kia Sportage had very minimal problems with the engine, transmission, and suspension. The 2012 Sportage is predicted to be better in all aspects including vehicle reliability.
Analysis Of Safety Ratings And Features:
The 2012 Kia Sportage is an IIHS Top Safety Pick for 2012. It got the highest score of ‘Good’ in front-offset, side impact, and roof crash tests. The Sportage AWD also got 5 out of 5 stars from the NHTSA, while the front-wheel drive model receives an overall 4 out of 5 stars. The 2012 Sportage also comes standard with advanced safety features including stability control, hill start and descent control as well as side curtain airbags.
Pros and Cons:
Pros
+Funky styling
+Fun-to-drive demeanor
+Premium features for a low price
Cons
-Small cargo room
-Stiff ride
-Backseat doesn’t slide or recline
Head-To-Head Competition:
The Subaru Forester comes standard with all-wheel drive but it costs $2,000 more, and it has the same amount of cabin space as the Sportage. The Hyundai Tucson costs around $1,000 more but it comes with a more refined cabin. The Kia Sportage has the lowest base price among the bunch. It also has a more powerful 4-cylinder engine with slightly better fuel economy than the Tucson and the Forester.
What Others Are Saying:
“The aggressive-looking Sportage offers suburbanites a chance to look rugged without having to struggle to lift their skinny-jean-clad legs into a tall vehicle.” – MotorTrend.com
“Still, apart from the lackluster interior, you won’t find this combination of style and horsepower at such a compelling price anywhere else.” – AutoGuide.com
“But while the Sportage isn’t stunning, it is visually dynamic and it turned heads everywhere I drove.” – Cars.com
Read more about the 2012 Kia Sportage from the Kia manufacturer web site.
