With styling that is reminiscent of a Honda Pilot from the front and a Jeep Grand Cherokee from the rear, the 2005 Kia Sportage is an attractive SUV. The large Kia badges and distinct side profile give the Sportage a unique character that stands out from the small SUV crowd, aside from its close resemblance to the Hyundai Tucson, on which the Sportage is based. Affixed to the top of the 2005 Kia Sportage is a pair of rails that serve as the base for the optional roof rack. The top of the rear bumper features a black step pad that offers grip when access to the roof is necessary, and in the case of the EX, also prevents the painted bumper from being scratched. Short front and rear overhangs keep the body length down to 171.3 inches, with a wheelbase of 103.5 inches. Ground clearance measures 7.7 inches for all models; that's about one inch more than four-wheel drive Toyota RAV4 models, and about three-tenths of an inch lower than both the all-wheel drive Honda CR-V and the four-wheel drive Ford Escape.
