Jump to content
Create New...
  • William Maley
    William Maley

    2013 Kia Sportage SX AWD

    William Maley

    Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

    June 5, 2013

    “The Power To Surprise”

    This was Kia’s tagline back in early to mid 2000’s. It was supposed to reflect that the automaker had grown from its cheap car roots to being somewhere in the range of mediocre. It is sad Kia doesn’t use that tagline anymore since now, their lineup really does have “The Power To Surprise”.

    Case in point, the 2013 Kia Sportage. The longest running nameplate in Kia’s lineup has changed from a rough and ready compact SUV to a compact crossover with some very distinctive looks. But is that all there is to the Sportage's "Power to Surprise"? I spent a week with a 2013 Kia Sportage SX to find out.

    gallery_10485_660_452644.jpg

    Let's start with the exterior; a dramatic departure from previous models. The Sportage looks be something you would expect to see from the Europeans, not Kia. Up front is Kia's family grille and headlights with a strip of LEDs running along the outside edge. The side profile shows the curvy lines and sloping roofline. Also the doors feature scalloping to add a bit more character. The back is very smooth and clean.

    gallery_10485_660_215215.jpg

    There are a couple of problems with Sportage’s design. The thick D-Pillars and sloping roofline make outward visibility somewhat null and void. Thankfully my test Sportage had a back-up camera to help me out somewhat. However, I was wishing for a blind-spot monitoring system whenever I was on the freeway. The other problem deals with the tailgate release. Any idea where it is? If you said the bottom edge, then give yourself a pat on the back. The problem with this location is that its a bit of stretch to get there. I’m hoping a power tailgate is in the cards for the Sportage.

    Heading inside, you get the impression that Kia had locked their exterior and interior design teams into two separate rooms and weren't allowed to see each others work till the Sportage was put into production. It doesn’t seem the interior really belongs here at all. Also, I found most of the dash materials to be of the hard plastic variety. This is somewhat of a disappointment since Kia has made great strides in adding more soft touch materials. Build quality is very high with no apparent gaps or trim pieces loose.

    gallery_10485_660_1211035.jpg

    Up front, driver and passengers get power adjustments and heated leather seats. The driver also gets a cooled seat, a surprising feature to find in the entry-level compact crossover class. The center stack is well laid out and controls are within easy reach. My test Sportage also came equipped with the optional navigation system which in my books is still one of the best out there for its ease of use and amount of features. In the backseat, headroom is somewhat tight due to the panoramic sunroof. Legroom though is very good.

    Under the hood, you’ll find two different engines. LX and EX models use a 2.4L inline-four producing 176 horsepower and 168 pound-feet of torque. The SX model uses a turbocharged 2.0L inline-four with direct-injection making 260 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque. That is mated to a six-speed automatic to either the front-wheels or my test vehicle’s AWD system.

    gallery_10485_660_361369.jpg

    With torque arriving between 1,850 and 3,000 rpm, the Sportage SX really scoots. This is very noticeable when you’re trying to make a pass or you stomp on the accelerator. Also noticeable is how much time it takes for the turbo to spool up. You’re wondering where the power is when you leave a stop and a few moments, the power arrives. It isn’t a deal breaker per say, but adjust your driving habits accordingly. The six-speed does a very impressive job of providing smooth shifts.

    The EPA rates the 2013 Sportage SX at 20 City/25 Highway/22 Combined. During my time, I saw an average of around 21 MPG.

    The Sportage SX’s ride attempts to be sporty with a firmer suspension. However the suspension doesn’t quite make it the Sportage SX feel sporty at all. It does reduce body rolls, but also makes for a very unpleasant ride - especially if you live in area where the roads are less than perfect. Steering is okay with the system providing a good amount of weight.

    Kia has got half of the recipe right with the Sportage SX. The turbo engine adds quite the punch and the exterior design could be in an art museum for how beautiful it looks. However the interior looks to be a bit of an afterthought and the ride needs some finessing. If Kia can work on those problems, the Sportage could be one of the best in class.

    gallery_10485_660_56626.jpg

    Disclaimer: Kia provided the Sportage, Insurance, and one tank of gas.

    Year - 2013

    Make – Kia

    Model – Sportage

    Trim – SX AWD

    Engine – 2.0L Turbocharged GDI Four-Cylinder

    Driveline – All-Wheel Drive, Six-Speed Automatic

    Horsepower @ RPM – 260 @ 6,000 RPM

    Torque @ RPM – 269 @ 1,850-3,000 RPM

    Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 20/25/22

    Curb Weight – 3,355 lbs

    Location of Manufacture – Gwangju, South Korea

    Base Price - $28,400.00

    Estimated As-Tested Price - $32,450.00* (Includes $850.00 destination charge)

    Options:

    SX Premium Package - $2,000

    Navigation Package - $1,200

    William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.


    User Feedback

    Recommended Comments

    There are no comments to display.



    Join the conversation

    You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
    Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

    Guest
    Add a comment...

    ×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

      Only 75 emoji are allowed.

    ×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

    ×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

    ×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.


  • google-news-icon.png



  • google-news-icon.png

  • Subscribe to Cheers & Gears

    Cheers and Gears Logo

    Since 2001 we've brought you real content and honest opinions, not AI-generated stuff with no feeling or opinions influenced by the manufacturers.

    Please consider subscribing. Subscriptions can be as little as $1.75 a month, and a paid subscription drops most ads.*
     

    You can view subscription options here.

    *a very limited number of ads contain special coupon deals for our members and will show

  • Similar Content

  • Posts

    • I have already been to Kia's website and understand its versatility. It will also, again, never make it here as a consumer level van if at all. Even if ti does, half of those "features" will disappear for the U.S., like how your Kia honest have the near 360 captains chairs in the 2nd row like they do in overseas markets. Lastly, you said it looks cooler, and while looks are truly subjective, I could poll 100 people and count on less the number of fingers on one hand and that would be the number folks would say the Kia looks better than the VW. That thing is hideous on the outside.
    • They want to replace them with resource units that swear loyalty to the orange sh*tgibbon.  They want mindless red hat zombies.
    • Economist have reviewed how a 25% tariff against signed trading partners in North America will affect us and this is based on a family of 4, average increase in food costs of $185 per month. Example is that the U.S. has moved to importing fruit year round and in many cases the rare fruit is not available any other place but outside the U.S. and they also pointed to America's love of Avocado's and Guacamole, which is 90% brought in from Mexico with only 10% produced here during our summer season. Then they point to the fact that the bulk of timber comes in from Canada, so building will have a 25% jump in costs. This just screams stupid. National security adviser Mike Waltz sends home dozens of NSC officials Why would you send home those that know the best on places that hate America and possibly replace them with Yes men that are clueless about the state of the world. Just Stupid on a Major Level.  This anyone could see happening, the board of Tesla better start thinking about finding a new CEO/Chairman if they want to survive. Elon Musk Getting More and More Unpopular, Now Disliked By Majority of Americans: WSJ Poll
    • The first-ever all-electric V-Series vehicle, the LYRIQ-V delivers signature performance blended with craftsmanship and technology in a 2026 performance model.  To quote John Roth, vice president, Global Cadillac: “V-Series captures the spirit of Cadillac, embodying our relentless pursuit of engineering excellence through our racing and production vehicles, LYRIQ-V takes this commitment a step further in the EV era, pushing our performance pedigree of V-Series to new heights with a powerful, personalized and high-tech driving experience that fits perfectly into our customers’ lives.” The 2026 LYRIQ-V is a sporty luxury vehicle that delivers a multifaceted, iconic character with pure performance-driven experience that includes the following: Cadillac-estimated 615 hp and 650 lb-ft (880 Nm) of torque Cadillac-estimated 0-60 time of 3.3 seconds with Velocity Max, making it the quickest Cadillac ever A multi-layered, unique exterior and interior signature sound Competitive Mode, enabling a suite of traction management features specifically engineered to increase vehicle agility LYRIQ-V will be sold in the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, as well as other global markets to be announced at a later date. Production starts early 2025 at General Motors’ Spring Hill Manufacturing plant in Tennessee. Lets dig into the Performance side of this latest V edition to the Cadillac lineup.  LYRIQ-V is stated to deliver an estimated 285 miles of range using a 102 kW battery pack in an AWD dual motor configuration that gives the owner 615 hp with 650 lb-ft (880 Nm) of torque. This V is engineered to deliver Cadillac's signature isolated precision, quiet, smooth, effortless experience while delivering a strong connection to the road. LYRIQ-V comes with a standard continuous damping control, specifically calibrated for the V edition that combines a lowered multi-link suspension, quicker steering ratio, V handling in a comfortable yet spirited ride. Velocity MAX, a driver selectable feature unleashes the vehicle's full performance capability at a push of the button on the steering wheel. LYRIQ-V will come with the additional performance-supporting and enhancing technologies: V-Mode takes performance customization further, allowing drivers to save performance-focused settings, including Competitive Mode and a unique sound experience. It’s intended to offer instant access to their preferred performance-driving settings via the V button, mounted on the steering wheel. V-Mode can also be accessed in the Drive Mode app within the 33-inch-diagonal advanced LED display. Unique, multi-layered sound experience. Interior and exterior signature sounds are synchronized for an orchestrated sonic experience. Launch Control, designed for consistently thrilling straight line acceleration. When engaged in V-Mode or Velocity Max, the vehicle will deliver an extremely rapid 3.3 second 0-60 acceleration. Competitive Mode enables a suite of traction management features specifically engineered to increase vehicle agility. Brembo® performance front brake calipers are standard. In addition to providing excellent stopping capability, they’re designed to provide consistent, fade-resistant performance during spirited driving. Available red calipers are accented with the V-Series logo. Standard Super Cruise 6, the industry’s first truly hands-free driver assistance technology (with three years of OnStar connected service). The LYRIQ-V’s unique exterior design elements create a distinctive persona, projecting power and refinement through a sporty aesthetic. As with other V-Series models, the LYRIQ-V is identifiable by a unique lower front fascia and side rockers, body colored lower trim, and available carbon fiber accents, offering an unmistakably distinct persona. The Black Crystal Shield integrates Cadillac’s signature choreographed lighting. The V-Series logo adorns the rear doors and the tailgate, while a unique chin spoiler and rockers and V-pattern mesh on the front lower grille further distinguish the LYRIQ-V from other models. Unique to LYRIQ-V, 22-inch wheels with a dark sport finish and an etched V-Series logo come with a choice of standard summer or available all-season tires. LYRIQ-V will come standard with a black painted roof. It offers an exciting exterior color palate, including an exclusive limited exterior color option, Magnus Metal Frost, further reflecting its sporty persona. LYRIQ-V’s cabin includes details that reinforce its performance persona and integrates them with cutting-edge technology. Key features shared with the LYRIQ include a panoramic fixed glass roof, a 23 speaker AKG9 Studio Audio System with Dolby Atmos® and a stunning 33-inch-diagonal advanced LED display. LYRIQ-V will launch with a dual-plane Augmented Reality Head Up Display. LYRIQ-V’s interior distinctions start with the steering wheel, which is uniquely styled with the V-Series logo, a standout V-Mode button, a sport rim with sculpted hand grips and an aluminum Regen On Demand paddle. Additional unique and specific interior details include: Power-adjustable seat bolsters for the seatbacks and seat cushions on the driver and front passenger seats Infotainment experience updated with specific customization options reflecting the V-Series persona A signature V-Series illuminated sill plate Celebrating the iconography of the V-Series brand, LYRIQ-V exudes deliberate craftsmanship with standard paperwood décor, available Nappa leather seating and available embroidery and V-pattern detailing on the seatbacks. MSRP starts at $79,990, including destination freight charge, and excluding tax, title and dealer fees. Dealer sets final price.   View full article
    • I own everything I want to own, other than a few LP albums. This will hurt the very folks that voted for him. Muy bueno. Me gusta mucho come escrebes....  
  • Who's Online (See full list)

    • There are no registered users currently online
  • My Clubs

×
×
  • Create New...

Hey there, we noticed you're using an ad-blocker. We're a small site that is supported by ads or subscriptions. We rely on these to pay for server costs and vehicle reviews.  Please consider whitelisting us in your ad-blocker, or if you really like what you see, you can pick up one of our subscriptions for just $1.75 a month or $15 a year. It may not seem like a lot, but it goes a long way to help support real, honest content, that isn't generated by an AI bot.

See you out there.

Drew
Editor-in-Chief

Write what you are looking for and press enter or click the search icon to begin your search