As the base model, the 2008 Kia Sportage LX comes loaded with safety and convenience features. The front-wheel drive compact SUV seats five in two rows. Rear seats split-fold flat 60/40, with a fold-down armrest. The front passenger seat also folds flat. The 23 cubic foot cargo area extends to 67 cubic feet and comes with tie-downs and a power outlet. The rear window features its own wiper and flips up separately from the tailgate. Under the hood is a 2.0-liter, 140-hp DOHC I4 that delivers 136 ft-lbs of torque at 4500 RPM. It is paired with either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic. It gets 23/28 mpg.

For family safety, along with the dual front-side and side curtain airbags for both rows and passenger airbag deactivation, the 2008 Sportage LX offers 4-wheel disc and ABS brakes, traction and stability control, side guard beams, skid plates, halogen lamps, and 16-inch alloy wheels. Together, these earn five stars in front and side impact tests. For family comfort, the 2008 Sportage LX provides power windows, locks, and mirrors, a 6-speaker CD player, cruise control, intermittent wipers, a tachometer, a tilt steering wheel, and front and rear 12V power outlets. Remote start is optoinal. For the exterior, you can add a rear spoiler, side step rails, and a roof rack with cross bars.