MotorMouths

What else delivers the Sportage SX’s level of performance, packaging, styling, comfort and fuel economy for around $26K? Nothing, that’s what. Yes, this is a Kia, and it’s damn good.

For less than twenty grand, the 2011 Kia Sportage is just a great looking compact crossover deal. Even ten years ago, we couldn’t have seen this Kia coming, but we’re glad it’s here.

What we’ve got here is a pretty compelling, good-looking, sporty handling, inexpensive crossover. Like its cousin the Hyundai Tucson, this represents great value when compared to competition like the RAV4, CR-V and Escape.

The new Sportage is as sporty and attractive as anything in the class of small crossover utility vehicles. It sips fuel, delivers spirited driving characteristics and offers great interior space for the class.

The Sportage SX seems to aspire to the near-luxury segment, trying to sell on handling and acceleration. While I’m not 100% sure the Sportage is ready to lock swords with Acura on the CUV battlefield, it is a very solid alternative for CUV shoppers.b

We think that Kia clearly targets the single buyer and youthful (or youthful-minded) market with the Sportage’s aggressive design and fun-to-drive nature. And its base price undercuts any other vehicle we’d recommend.

he 2011 Kia Sportage is one of the cutest new cars on the road. It also packs an incredibly powerful punch with the features included for less than $30,000.

The 2011 Kia Sportage needn’t compete by simply throwing feature-laden mediocrity, like so much chum, in front of shoppers. The Sportage now offers the performance, features and sophistication of its main competitors.

Given the quantum leap in styling, infotainment, fuel economy, and dynamics, we think Kia’s actually found a different means of producing what the original Sportage was: an absolute bargain.

Now that the 2011 Kia Sportage has sophisticated European styling, a tasteful interior and a host of standard and optional gadgets not usually expected at this price point, it makes a strong case for itself.

The Sportage EX is definitely one of the most stylish cars on the road today. Its distinctive styling and modest utility make this a great package for anyone looking to get a compact crossover.

I grew to appreciate the Kia Sportage’s many standard features, and I was quite comfortable behind the wheel in most situations. A buyer who keeps their SUV for the long haul could be quite happy with one.