After a three-year hiatus from the U.S. market, the Kia Sportage returned as an all-new vehicle in 2005. For 2007, it is available in two trim levels: the base LX and the better equipped EX. Both front-wheel and four-wheel drive are available, as are a 2.0L in-line four-cylinder and a V6 engine.

The V6 boasts double overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder with an output of 173 horsepower and 178 ft-lb of torque. The four-cylinder uses 140 horsepower to achieve EPA ratings of 23 mpg in the city and 28 on the highway.

While you can get a five-speed manual with the four-cylinder Sportage, a four-speed automatic is the only available transmission with the V6 engine. All Sportage's are paired with traction control, electronic stability control, and ABS on four-wheel disc brakes. Passive safety features included front, side, and curtain air bags.

The LX features alloy wheels, roof rails, power mirrors, power windows, power locks, and a CD player. The EX comes very well equipped with air conditioning, a sunroof, all the power accessories you'd expect, plus cruise control and a trip computer. The Sportage EX also has a keyless entry and alarm standard. Inside you'll find a modern interior with faux brushed aluminum trim accenting the instrument panel and center console.

The Sportage's ride is reasonably comfortable for a small SUV. Most impressive in the Sportage is the V6's acceleration, which is quite peppy.

A Sport Package is available on V6 LX models. It adds a black mesh grille, special gauge faces, a cassette player, fog lamps, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a rear spoiler, among other visual enhancements. The EX models can opt for the Luxury Package, which includes heated leather seats, automatic headlamps, an electrochromic rearview mirror with HomeLink, and a six-disc CD changer.
Rear curtain air bags improve the 2007 Kia Sportage's safety equipment. Also, the Sportage's EPA scores have increased by one mile per gallon across the board.
Loads of features; plenty of safety equipment; excellent warranty; available V6 at some competition's four cylinder prices.
The 2007 Kia Sportage is a relatively new design that has a lot of positive Kia traits, number one being the amount of standard safety and convenience equipment, including side curtain air bags. The V6 Sportage also costs just about the same as some of its four-cylinder competition. Topping it all off is Kia's 100,000-mile warranty, making the Sportage a very economical value overall.