This is the last year for the convertible Sportage, a two-door, four-seater compact SUV, available in rear-wheel drive.  A removable soft top exposes the rear seats, while the front seat features a fixed hardtop, resembling a smaller Subaru Baja.  The rear-wheel drive 2002 Kia Sportage Convertible gets air conditioning, privacy glass, and improved audio this year, and comes standard with full power features, tilt steering, a tachometer, cassette player, and intermittent wipers.  A 2.0-liter, 130-hp I4 engine sits under the hood, available only with a 4-speed automatic transmission.

A Kia first, a driver's knee airbag is standard, along with dual front airbags.  Unlike the 4-door, ABS brakes are not offered as an option, but other extras include alloy wheels, a CD changer, cruise control, and remote entry.  The two-tone body paint and rear spoiler are not available.  There is no roof rack, due to the convertible top, and the cargo room is reduced to 13 cubic feet (half of the four-door).  Wheelbase is also shorter than the 4-door, by about 12 inches, meaning a tighter back seat for passengers. Affordability, handling, and styling are the big draws for the 2002 Sportage Convertible, while the 18/23 mpg is a turnoff.  Other negatives include the small passenger and cargo room, the cupholder location, and a tendency for power window failure and for brake dust to collect in the wheel wells.