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2006 Kia Sportage SUV
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What’s New?
The Kia Sportage sees minor changes for 2006, including a new Sport package for the LX V-6 model, which includes fog lights, a sport gauge instrument cluster, a black mesh grille, dark metallic gray body side cladding, leather steering wheel and shift knob, rear spoiler, cargo cover, and the AM/FM/CD audio system with six speakers. The Sportage also gets an improved radio mast, standard air filtration, and a tire pressure monitoring system on EX models.
Overview
Kia’s compact SUV is available in two trim levels: base LX and upscale EX; each comes with a choice of two- or four-wheel drive. The LX comes standard with a 2.0L inline-four-cylinder engine producing 140 hp, and comes mated to a 5-speed manual or optional 4-speed automatic transmission. Optional on LX and standard on EX models is a 2.7L V-6 engine, developing 173 hp that comes bolted to a 4-speed automatic. Standard safety equipment includes six air bags (two advanced front air bags, two front-seat-mounted side air bags, and two full-length side curtain air bags); four-wheel disc brakes with ABS assist and electronic brake distribution; traction control; and electronic stability control.
Standard features include rear privacy glass, power windows with driver’s one-touch down feature, power mirrors, a roof rack, and an AM/FM/CD stereo system with six speakers. Cruise control comes as standard equipment on all V-6 models. The EX model adds a one-touch sunroof, fog lights, tire pressure monitoring system, heated outside mirrors, a leather-covered shift knob and steering wheel, illuminated ignition, remote keyless entry system, a cargo cover, and upgraded seat fabric. Options on the LX include floor mats, a rear cargo cover, and a cargo net. The EX is available with a Luxury package, which includes leather seats and interior trim, heated front seats, automatic headlamps, electrochromatic interior mirror with HomeLink wireless control system, upgraded stereo with subwoofer and external amplifier, and body-color bumpers. Leather seats and trim are also available as a stand-alone option for the EX model.
The Competition
Marketed to urbanites that occasionally need to haul bulky items and first-time SUV buyers, the Compact CUV (Crossover Utility Vehicle) segment is filled with more than 20 prospects. This segment continues to grow in popularity because the vehicles can offer nearly as much cargo capability as a midsize SUV, while delivering better fuel economy.
According to the J.D. Power and Associates Sales Report,SM the Ford Escape is the segment sales leader, delivering 165,122 units to customers in calendar year 2005. Three other models had sales of more than 100,000 units in 2005, including the Honda CR-V (150,219), Chrysler PT Cruiser (133,740), and Chevrolet Equinox (130,542). Kia’s Sportage found 29,009 buyers for 2005. Others in the segment include the Saturn VUE, Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Santa Fe and Tucson, and Honda Element.
The Kia Sportage sees minor changes for 2006, including a new Sport package for the LX V-6 model, which includes fog lights, a sport gauge instrument cluster, a black mesh grille, dark metallic gray body side cladding, leather steering wheel and shift knob, rear spoiler, cargo cover, and the AM/FM/CD audio system with six speakers. The Sportage also gets an improved radio mast, standard air filtration, and a tire pressure monitoring system on EX models.
Overview
Kia’s compact SUV is available in two trim levels: base LX and upscale EX; each comes with a choice of two- or four-wheel drive. The LX comes standard with a 2.0L inline-four-cylinder engine producing 140 hp, and comes mated to a 5-speed manual or optional 4-speed automatic transmission. Optional on LX and standard on EX models is a 2.7L V-6 engine, developing 173 hp that comes bolted to a 4-speed automatic. Standard safety equipment includes six air bags (two advanced front air bags, two front-seat-mounted side air bags, and two full-length side curtain air bags); four-wheel disc brakes with ABS assist and electronic brake distribution; traction control; and electronic stability control.
Standard features include rear privacy glass, power windows with driver’s one-touch down feature, power mirrors, a roof rack, and an AM/FM/CD stereo system with six speakers. Cruise control comes as standard equipment on all V-6 models. The EX model adds a one-touch sunroof, fog lights, tire pressure monitoring system, heated outside mirrors, a leather-covered shift knob and steering wheel, illuminated ignition, remote keyless entry system, a cargo cover, and upgraded seat fabric. Options on the LX include floor mats, a rear cargo cover, and a cargo net. The EX is available with a Luxury package, which includes leather seats and interior trim, heated front seats, automatic headlamps, electrochromatic interior mirror with HomeLink wireless control system, upgraded stereo with subwoofer and external amplifier, and body-color bumpers. Leather seats and trim are also available as a stand-alone option for the EX model.
The Competition
Marketed to urbanites that occasionally need to haul bulky items and first-time SUV buyers, the Compact CUV (Crossover Utility Vehicle) segment is filled with more than 20 prospects. This segment continues to grow in popularity because the vehicles can offer nearly as much cargo capability as a midsize SUV, while delivering better fuel economy.
According to the J.D. Power and Associates Sales Report,SM the Ford Escape is the segment sales leader, delivering 165,122 units to customers in calendar year 2005. Three other models had sales of more than 100,000 units in 2005, including the Honda CR-V (150,219), Chrysler PT Cruiser (133,740), and Chevrolet Equinox (130,542). Kia’s Sportage found 29,009 buyers for 2005. Others in the segment include the Saturn VUE, Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Santa Fe and Tucson, and Honda Element.
