Article from SERVICE SPECIALS and eNews from Mark Kia

By price alone, the 2012 Kia Sportage (MSRP starting at $18,500) competes with a number of compact crossovers, and it’s easy to make a case that the Sportage exceeds those vehicles in many ways. Whether looking at the amazing value of the Sportage Base model or the luxury and power of the top-of-the-line Sportage SX, this hot selling Kia offers more than vehicles costing much more. Its sharply chiseled lines and bold details suggest a luxury-brand vehicle with the EX and SX models providing upscale details such as chrome door handles, LED daytime running lights, 18-inch alloy wheels and foglamps.

The Sportage driving experience lives up to the promise made by the crossover’s sporty looks. The 2012 Sportage Base, LX and EX models get their swift performance from a 176-hp 2.4-liter engine and deliver up to 32 mpg in highway driving. The Base model comes with a six-speed manual while all other models are standard with a six-speed automatic with Sportmatic^® control. All models except the Base offer your choice of front-wheel or DynaMax full-time electronic-control all-wheel drive.

The 2012 Kia Sportage really leaves the competition behind when the SX model comes into play. Would you consider a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine with Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) a premium feature? Like Kia, the Range Rover brand does because its 2012 Evoque model is also powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine with direct injection. The Kia Sportage SX engine, though, has 260 hp and the $43,995 Range Rover Evoque has 240. Plus, the Sportage SX specifies Regular grade fuel, not the more expensive Premium.

The available DynaMax All-Wheel Drive system in the Kia Sportage doesn’t simply react to conditions as some other AWD systems do. Instead, DynaMax continuously monitors driving conditions and anticipates traction needs, transferring power where it’s needed. In truly slippery driving, “Lock” mode distributes torque evenly between the front and rear wheels at speeds up to 25 mph.

All Kia Sportage models for 2012 gain new rear dynamic suspension dampers (shock absorbers) for a smoother ride. EX and SX models feature high-performance versions for maximum agility. Even with its focus on driving enjoyment, the 2012 Kia Sportage still offers the peace of mind of a “Top Safety Pick” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The 2012 Sportage interior design looks like it would be at home in a sporty coupe, but it provides much more room. You can choose luxurious leather in the Sportage, but don’t overlook the standard cloth seating in the Sportage EX because it’s pretty special. For 2012, Kia gave the EX seating a new Clean Tex^™ treatment that helps make it more durable with anti-bacterial, anti-soil and anti-static properties. Some parents might call those properties “pro-kid.”

Such attention to detail in the mid-line EX model reflects the Kia value philosophy woven throughout the Sportage line. You’ll find many features on the standard equipment list that are options on other vehicles including a cooled glovebox, HD Radio^™, automatic headlights, a power driver's seat with lumbar support, automatic-folding second-row seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a tilt/telescopic steering column and dual-zone automatic climate control.

The available Premium Package for the EX and SX puts the Sportage into the luxury class with features like a panoramic sunroof, leather-trimmed seats, heated front seats and an air cooled driver’s seat. This package also includes a rear-view back-up camera, the added convenience of push button start with Smart Key and heated side mirrors. Navigation with SiriusXM Traffic data is available as well.

You won’t pay extra for the advanced UVO powered by Microsoft^® voice-activated infotainment system in the 2012 Sportage EX and SX models, however. This high-tech system adds convenience and safety to managing phone calls and music play lists – all by voice activation.