kia sportage 2011

Kia redesigned its midsize Sorento for 2011, and the Kia Sportage is next in line. In fact, based on its introduction at the 2010 New York Auto Show, several reviewers say it looks like a scaled-down version of its big brother.

Aside from the new aggressive-looking sheetmetal, the redesigned Sportage gets a new all-wheel drive system, two new engines (including a turbocharged four-cylinder), a new cabin design, and more standard features than ever.

Kia hasn’t yet announced fuel economy numbers, but says the engines are expected to provide better figures than the 2010 Sportage. A new quick-ratio electric power steering system will also save on fuel and improve handling. The Sportage is expected to earn fuel economy ratings similar to its Hyundai Tucson cousin, which would make it one of the most fuel-efficient SUVs in the class. The base Tucson is rated at 23 mpg in the city and 31 on the highway.

The Sportage will continue to offer Kia’s great warranty coverage: a five-years/60,000-mile basic warranty and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty

Key Details

The 2011 Sportage will be offered in two trims, LX and EX. The base LX model is expected to come with more equipment than before, providing Bluetooth and satellite radio as standard features. The uplevel EX is expected to come with more innovative and luxury features than Kia typically offers -- such as a panoramic sunroof, heated and cooled seats, a cooled glove box, and Kia’s new UVO voice control system (a system similar to Ford’s SYNC).

The Sportage’s new base engine is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder that makes 176 horsepower. Sometime after launch, Kia also plans to offer a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder in mid-2011 (horsepower has not yet been announced). These will be paired with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission.

The Sportage’s new all-wheel drive system is biased toward the front wheels but also includes a lock feature that splits torque between the front and rear wheels at speeds up to 25 mph. Though it’s designed more for inclement weather than rough terrain, the system comes with Hill Start Assist Control and Downhill Brake Control, which help out when driving on uphill grades or steep descents.

Stay tuned for our full review of the 2011 Kia Sportage