2007 Kia Sportage Review

The 2007 Kia Sportage, a compact sport utility vehicle, has an opening MRSP of $16,495. The vehicle is available as the LX I4, LX V6, and EX V6. Engine options are a 140 horsepower, 2-liter I4 as manual transmission with five speeds (and overdrive) or a 173 horsepower, 2.7-liter V6 as an automatic with four speeds. Towing capacity on the I4 is 1,500 lbs. while the V6 can handle 2,000 lbs. Available in both a 4x2 and a 4x4, the estimated gas mileage ranges from 19 city, 23 highway on the V8 4x4 to 22/27 on the I4 4x2.

All models have sixteen-inch tires with alloy wheels and are outfitted with privacy glass in the rear. The back liftgate is a split hatch with glass that flips open. The fuel door can be opened remotely and there are skid plates for the front end and the fuel tank. The included audio unit is a conventional combo playing across six speakers with the EX picking up the capability to play cassettes and MP3s.

All of the vehicles in the 2007 Kia Sportage line offer occupant protection via double airbags in the front as well as those mounted in the seats to deflect lateral impact. Additional bags are present in the curtain position. Disc brakes are present on all wheels and the vehicle has systems in place for traction and stability control. Child seats are held in place with the standard LATCH system and the locks on the rear doors are rated as child safe.