2005 Kia Sportage New Car Buyer's Guide

What's New for the 2005 Kia Sportage?
After a two-year hiatus, Kia reintroduces the compact Sportage SUV. New from the ground up, the 2005 Sportage features a fresh skin; a 2.0-liter, inline-four cylinder or 2.7-liter V6 powertrain; a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission; and two- or four-wheel-drive platforms. The new interior features versatile seating, a flat-floor cargo area, and standard front, side and curtain airbags. Stability control is also included on every 2005 Kia Sportage. Peace of mind is assured with a 5-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, a 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty and five years of free roadside assistance.

Advantages of the 2005 Kia Sportage:

• Excellent powertrain warranty
• Comfortable seating
• Bargain price tag

Objections to the 2005 Kia Sportage:

• Cheap-feeling upholstery
• Lacks mid-range power
• Weak 2,000-pound maximum tow rating

Editor's Advice:
In our opinion, the 2005 Kia Sportage represents one of the most compelling value equations on the road today. It is sized right, equipped right, and priced right. Competing with a large number of crossover and traditional SUVs that cost between $19,000 and $24,000, the 2005 Kia Sportage holds its own. Considering how comfortable it is, how inexpensive it is, and how the powertrain is covered by a warranty for ten years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first, it's hard not to consider a test drive in the 2005 Kia Sportage.