Overview

What's New for 2013:

• Refreshed Kia badge design
• Standard power-folding side mirrors
• Blue Interior package added for EX trim level
• LED running lights standard only on SX trim

Exterior Features
Available in base, LX, EX, and SX trim levels, the Sportage compact crossover SUV is equipped with standard aluminum wheels, power-folding side mirrors, and projector-beam headlights.

Interior Features
Bluetooth hands-free connectivity is standard on every Sportage, along with satellite radio, USB port, auxiliary audio input jack, power windows, power door locks, tilt steering wheel, trip computer, and air conditioning. With the rear seat in use, the Sportage can carry 26.1 cubic feet of cargo. Fold the rear seat and maximum cargo capacity expands to 54.6 cubic feet.

Optional Features
The Sportage LX includes larger wheels, LED turn signal indicator lights in the side mirror housings, dark-tinted rear privacy glass, and remote keyless entry. The EX trim adds 18-inch wheels, fog lights, seats with upgraded cloth fabric, power driver's seat, tilt/telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel, reverse parking sensors, Microsoft UVO smartphone connectivity system, and dual-zone automatic climate control. The Sportage SX includes leather seats, Smart Key entry and push-button ignition, Supervision gauges, and upgraded trim.

A premium sound system and a navigation system with a reversing camera are optional on all versions of the Sportage except the base model. Features reserved for the EX and SX include heated and ventilated front seats, auto-dimming rearview mirror with a Homelink universal remote, and a panoramic sunroof.

Under the Hood
Kia Sportage buyers have a choice of two different engines. All trims except for the SX get a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine that generates 176 horsepower. The Sportage SX is equipped with a turbocharged, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine generating 260 horsepower and 269 lb.-ft. of torque, the latter available between 1,850 and 3,000 rpm.

The base Sportage comes standard with a 6-speed manual transmission and front-wheel drive (2WD). Sportage LX, EX and SX trims have a standard 6-speed automatic transmission and offer Kia's DynaMax all-wheel-drive (AWD) system as an option.

Fuel Economy
EPA fuel-economy estimates for the 2013 Kia Sportage are:

• Sportage 2.4L 2WD with manual transmission: 21/29/24 mpg (city/highway/combined)
• Sportage 2.4L 2WD with automatic transmission: 22/32/25 mpg
• Sportage 2.4L AWD with automatic transmission: 21/28/24 mpg
• Sportage 2.0L Turbo 2WD with automatic transmission: 22/29/24 mpg
• Sportage 2.0L Turbo AWD with automatic transmission: 21/26/23 mpg

Safety
Kia equips every 2013 Sportage with 6 air bags, 4-wheel-disc anti-lock brakes with brake assist, traction and stability control, Hill Assist Control, and Downhill Brake Control. A reversing camera system is optional.

Despite individual test rating results that are identical, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gives the 2013 Sportage AWD a 5-star (out of 5) overall crash-test rating, while the front-drive model gets a 4-star rating. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has not rated the 2013 Sportage as this overview is written, however, the structurally identical 2012 model received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the Institute.