Kia Sportage reviews

2002 Kia Sportage Driving Impressions

The compact size of the Sportage is a blessing in heavy traffic, able to slip through the herd with an ease larger SUVs can't match.

All 2002 Kia Sportage models are powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that puts out 130 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 127 pound-feet of torque at 4000 rpm. This engine was developed by Mazda and adapted by Kia. Sportage offers considerably more power than the 1.6-liter engine used in two-door versions of the Suzuki Vitara and Chevy Tracker, and similar output to the 2.0-liter engine found in four-door Vitara and Tracker models.

There's enough power to push the Sportage down a straight and level freeway with relative ease, but there's a lack of gusto on moderate grades. It's useful to build some speed before you start climbing a steep grade. You need to plan passing maneuvers ahead of time and start working the accelerator a little sooner than you would with a bigger engine.

When it comes to getting the most from the Sportage, the manual transmission is much better than the automatic. If your commute makes the manual an acceptable alternative, we highly recommend it.

The Sportage has a slightly raw feel in its ride and handling, a result of its truck-based design. Indeed, this back-to-basics quality is part of its charm. Just don't expect the chassis sophistication, the handling response or the vibration dampening you might get in larger SUVs, or in those based on cars, such as the Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4.

The payoff for this trucklike ride is greater off-road capability: Sportage 4x4 models use a traditional part-time four-wheel-drive system that is better suited for muddy terrain than an all-wheel-drive system, such as that found in the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Ford Escape and Mazda Tribute. Sportage 4x4 models are also equipped with a low-range transfer case for when the going really gets tough. This enables the Sportage to go places unreachable in a CR-V, Escape or Tribute. The rougher the terrain, the more of an advantage the Sportage offers. 4WD Sportage models have vacuum-operated, auto-locking front hubs, eliminating the need to climb out of the truck when the driver selects four-wheel drive.

On wet, slippery pavement, the Sportage lacks traction at its drive wheels when in 2WD, even during normal acceleration from a stop sign. A flick of a lever put us in 4WD and solved the problem. The Sportage was suddenly more sure-footed. However, part-time 4WD systems are not designed for wet pavement as the driveline will bind up on tight parking lot maneuvers. An all-wheel-drive system, such as what's found on the car-based SUVs is better for wet pavement.