2005 Kia Sportage Trims and Specs

A completely redesigned mid-compact SUV for 2005, the Kia Sportage LX is the base model front-wheel drive offering, with a new 2.0-liter, 140-hp DOHC I4 engine and choice of 5-speed manual or 4-speed Sportmatic auto tran. Built on a car platform with a longer 103-inch wheelbase, the 2005 Sportage LX features four-wheel independent suspensions, ABS brakes, a front and rear stabilizer bar, and traction and stability control, all standard. Also new are six airbags, which include dual front and side impact for both rows of seats. Rear seats split-fold flat and expand the trunk to 67 cubic feet of cargo room, and they also recline. Cupholders, a front power outlet, storage consoles, grocery hooks and cargo tie-downs, and a standard roof rack add more convenience.

The 2005 Sportage LX comes with power features, intermittent front and rear wipers, a tachometer, heated mirrors, and a CD player. Air conditioning is optional on base model. Other add-ons include running boards, a rear spoiler, and a trailer hitch for up to 1500 pounds of towing capability. The 2005 Sportage LX gets high marks for its increased interior passenger room, overall styling, and interior design. The 21/26 mpg, though not bad for an SUV, does not win fans among owners.

Identical to the base LX in terms of features, the new 2005 Kia Sportage LX 4WD employs On-Demand four-wheel drive, which automatically assigns torque (or can be disengaged for a 50/50 split) and a center locking differential for better handling in tricky road conditions. It teams up with skid plates, 16-inch alloy wheels, ABS brakes, traction and stability control, front and rear stabilizer bars, and a fully independent suspension to deliver a confident ride. Two rows of seats fit four in this compact SUV, with the rear seats split-folding 60/40 flat and able to recline. Cargo capacity expands from 23 to 67 cubic feet, and a roof rack and tow hooks add further versatility.

A 2.0-liter, 140-hp I4 powers this SUV, accompanied only by a 5-speed manual transmission. Full power features, heated mirrors, tilt steering, a CD player, tachometer, and intermittent front and rear wipers are standard on the 2005 Sportage LX 4WD. The 4WD version adds air conditioning to the list as well. Dual front-side and rear side impact bags are an important safety feature. Spending more will get you running boards, a rear spoiler, and a trailer hitch. Owners love the roominess, but wish there were more standard convenience features and better gas mileage.

Back after two years, Kia's compact SUV got longer and rests on a new unibody platform. It also got more power, and the 2005 Kia Sportage LX V6 shows off the 2.7-liter, 173-hp DOHC V6 engine that rates 136 lb-ft of torque. A 4-speed Sportmatic automatic is the only available transmission. The front-wheel drive SUV also features industry-leading six airbags -- four side impact and two frontal. Rear seats recline and fold flat, tripling cargo space to 67 cubic feet. Cupholders, a front power outlet, and storage consoles offer convenience, and a standard roof rack, tie-downs, and tow hooks expand cargo options.

ABS brakes, traction and stability control, skid plates, 16-inch alloy wheels, and four-wheel independent suspension provide a sturdy feel behind the wheel. Standard equipment includes cruise control, air conditioning, full power features, heated mirrors, tilt steering, a tachometer, CD player, and intermittent front and rear wipers. The liftgate opens separately from the rear window. A rear spoiler can be added, as can running boards and a tow hitch. A cargo cover and cargo net help out in the trunk. Though owners of the 2005 Sportage LX V6 like the extra power, they feel it could use more for acceleration. Interior room and layout is top-notch, but drivers would like more optional features for the LX line.

The top offering in the LX line of this redesigned compact SUV is the 2005 Kia Sportage LX V6 4WD, which packs more power and better road handling, thanks to a 2.7-liter, 173-hp DOHC V6 engine, 4-speed Sportmatic, 16-inch alloy wheels, and On-Demand four-wheel drive, which automatically apportions torque. These are packaged with skid plates, ABS brakes, traction and stability control, a center locking differential, and front and rear stabilizer bars. Lack of low-range gearing, however, means you can't take the 2005 Sportage LX V6 4WD off-roading.

Dual front airbags and four side impact bags are standard. Both rows of seats recline, and the rear seats fold flat for 67 cubic feet of storage. A roof rack, tow hooks, and optional trailer hitch lets you add more cargo and tow up to 1500 pounds. Standard equipment on the 2005 Sportage LX V6 4WD includes full power features, intermittent front and rear wipers, a CD player, tachometer, and tilt steering. A rear spoiler and running boards can be added to the exterior. Storage consoles and a front power outlet add further convenience for families. The style and car-like handling are big hits with owners of the 2005 Sportage LX V6 4WD, who say it performs well in the snow. More standard features or option packages are desired.

A little more luxury is included in the redesigned 2005 Kia Sportage EX V6, a compact front-wheel drive SUV that seats four in two rows, and is powered by a 173-hp, 2.7-liter DOHC V6 and 4-speed Sportmatic. No manual transmission is offered. Like the rest of the lineup, the 2005 Sportage EX V6 comes with ABS brakes, traction and stability control, 4-wheel independent suspension, front and rear stabilizer bars, skid plates, and dual front-side and rear side impact airbags. Foglights are added on the EX, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror is optional.

Upgrading from the LX, the 2005 Sportage EX V6 adds cruise control, leather wheel and shifter, a trip computer, a CD player with MP3 playback, and a security system. This is in addition to intermittent front and rear wipers, tilt steering, and full power features. The liftgate is independent of the rear window, and the cargo area is expandable to 67 cubic feet. It features tie-downs and a cargo cover and a cargo net. Options include a CD changer, heated leather seats, a rear spoiler, running boards, and a 1500-pound capable trailer hitch. Drivers praise the easy car-like handling, ride comfort, the storage room, and the relatively low price for all the standard features. 19/25 mpg is disappointing.

More rugged than its previous incarnation, the 2005 Kia Sportage EX V6 4WD is a compact SUV with a longer 103-inch wheelbase and wider stance, adding up to more stability. The 4WD is On-Demand, and can be automatically apportioned or disengaged for a traditional 50/50 split. Traction and stability control, front and rear stabilizer bars, a center locking differential, independent suspension, ABS brakes, and skid plates prepare it for tough conditions, but it is not recommended for off-roading. Dual front airbags up front and four side impact bags add extra safety. The 2005 Sportage EX V6 4WD gets its juice from a 173-hp, 2.7-liter V6 engine and 4-speed Sportmatic and sits on 16-inch alloy wheels.

Rear seats recline (a favorite feature) and fold flat, increasing the 23 cubic foot cargo area to 67 cubic feet. A standard roof rack and tow hooks, and optional trailer hitch increase storage versatility. A cargo net and cover, plus tie-downs and hooks are included. The 2005 Sportage EX V6 comes with foglights, full power features, cruise control, a CD/MP3 player, leather accents, intermittent front and rear wipers, heated mirrors, a trip computer, and a security system. An auto-dimming rearview mirror is extra, as are heated leather seats, a garage opener, running boards, and a rear spoiler. Good handling, lots of room, interior layout, and overall style are highlights for owners. Negatives include low fuel economy (19/25 estimated) and somewhat sluggish acceleration.