Upgrading to the 2008 Kia Sportage LX V6 gets you standard cruise control and a more powerful 2.7-liter DOHC V6 engine that delivers 173-hp and 178 ft-lbs of torque. It is matched to a 4-speed automatic with overdrive and increases towing power from 1500 to 2000 pounds, but reduces fuel economy to 18/23 mpg. In addition to the cruise control, this front-wheel drive compact SUV offers full power features, a 6-speaker CD player, intermittent front wipers and a rear wiper, a tachometer, tilt steering, 16-inch alloy wheels with all-season tires, and 60/40 split-folding rear seats with a folding armrest.

Rear seats fold flat, as does the front passenger seat, providing up to 67 cubic feet of storage space, which is supplemented by the standard roof rack. Tie-downs are standard, and access to the cargo area is through the tailgate or the independent flip-up rear window. The 2008 Sportage LX V6 sits on a unibody platform and Macpherson strut front and multilink rear suspension. Dual front-side and side curtain airbags for both rows, traction control, electronic stability control, passenger airbag deactivation, 4-wheel disc and ABS brakes, and halogen lamps are all standard. A Sport Package only offered for the LX V6 adds foglights, a rear spoiler, a CD player with MP3 playback, leather steering wheel and shifter, remote entry, special sport gauges, and alloy trim. Other options include a tow hitch, remote start, and side step rails.