The new 2005 Sportage may not be able to emulate a mountain goat with quite as much agility off-road, it should be much more athletic when paved surfaces begin to wind on the way to the summer cottage
The Sportage delivers more front and rear legroom, second-row headroom, total interior volume and cargo space
The base engine is a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, featuring 142 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 136 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm
Transmission choices include a 5-speed manual or H-Matic 4-speed automatic, the latter the only gearbox offered with the V6. For all-weather traction the Sportage offers optional electronic full-time 4-wheel drive - front-wheel drive is standard.
Also, massive 15-inch ventilated front disc brakes and 9-inch drums in the rear take care of standard stopping duties.
Power actuation comes at no charge, but ABS and Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) is optional
Kia also boasts that its new Sportage features greater convenience than its rivals, by stowing its spare tire horizontally under the cargo floor, instead of vertically inside the cargo area or attached to the rear door. The new SUV's rear hatch is also said to be multifunctional, as it rises upward to allow easier access than side-swinging doors in confined areas and includes a convenient "flip-up" rear window.