2006 Kia Sportage Trims and Specs

The 2006 Kia Sportage LX is the front-wheel drive base model of this mid-size SUV. Powered by a 2.0-liter, 140-hp DOHC I4 engine with variable valve timing, it comes standard with a 5-speed manual or optional 4-speed auto tran and sports 16-inch alloy wheels. It features an independent suspension and front and rear stabilizer bars, and comes standard with ABS brakes, traction, and stability control. Two rows of seats fit four or five, with six airbags (including second row side impact), and the seats fold flat to nearly triple cargo space from 23 to 67 cubic feet. Rear seats recline as well.

Standard features include power windows, locks, and mirrors, a trip computer, tachometer, tilt steering, a CD player, and front power outlets. The rear window comes with a wiper and opens separately from the liftgate. For more storage options, there is a standard roof rack and a tow hitch, for up to 1500 pounds of towing. The cargo area comes with tie-downs. Various overhead and center consoles offer more storage. A rear spoiler, cargo cover, and running boards are available options. Owners of the 2006 Kia Sportage LX like its style inside and out and the list of standard features, but wish it had more horsepower.

Four-wheel drive capability is found on the 2006 Kia Sportage LX 4WD, which is the main distinguishing factor from the base model front-wheel drive LX. The 2006 Sportage LX 4WD carries the 140-hp, 2.0-liter DOHC I4 under its hood and comes only with a 5-speed manual transmission. Like its 2WD sibling, it features dual front-side and second row side impact airbags, ABS brakes, and traction and stability control, and adds a center differential to the four-wheel independent suspension. The 4WD is on-demand, meaning it automatically sends power to whichever wheels need it, depending on the road condition.

The 2006 Sportage LX 4WD offers full power features, tilt steering, a trip computer, CD player, intermittent front wipers and a rear window wiper, power outlets, and several storage consoles. Rear seats recline and fold flat for 67 cubic feet of cargo room. Tie-downs are included, but a cargo cover is extra. A roof rack adds more space, and a tow hitch lets you add on even more. Optional running boards help with access, and a rear spoiler can also be added. The Sportage is estimated at 21/26 mpg, which is pretty good for an SUV. Highlights seem to be the well-laid out interior, smooth ride, and reclining rear seats. Some drivers complain about the gas mileage and the underpowered four-cylinder engine.

A bigger engine and more standard equipment comes with the 2006 Kia Sportage LX V6, a small to mid-sized crossover SUV with two rows of seating, and rear seats that recline and fold flat (60/40) for up to 67 cubic feet of cargo space. Under the hood sits a 2.7-liter, 173-hp DOHC V6 engine matched to a 4-speed automatic. No manual transmission is offered with the V6. The front-wheel drive 2006 Sportage LX V6 offers dual front-side and rear side impact airbags, a four-wheel independent suspension, front and rear stabilizer bars, 4-wheel ABS brakes, and traction and stability control, which earns it high marks from the Insurance Institute.

Going beyond the 4-cylinder base model LX, the 2006 Sportage LX V6 adds cruise control to the long list of power features, intermittent wipers, rear window wiper, tachometer, trip computer, tilt steering, CD player, and cupholders and storage consoles. A roof rack, cargo tie-downs, and tow hitch make room for more storage, and skid plates and 16-inch alloy wheels add to the safety factor on the road. There are more offered option with the 2006 Sportage LX V6, including foglights, a security system, MP3-compatible audio system, and leather trim, in addition to a cargo cover, rear spoiler, and trailer hitch. Drivers like the ease of the fold-flat seats, but hate the low 19/25 mpg and wish there was even more horsepower.

Able to hit 173-hp with its 2.7-liter DOHC V6 engine and 4-speed automatic, the 2006 Kia Sportage LX V6 4WD is also an On-Demand four-wheel drive SUV with a center differential, front and rear stabilizer bars, skid, plates, traction and stability control, a 4-wheel independent suspension, and 4-wheel ABS to help conquer tough roads and weather. Lack of low-range gearing, however, means it is not a true off-road vehicle. The 2006 Sportage LX V6 4WD also comes with six airbags, front-side up front and side impact for the second row. Seats 60/40 split-fold flat, and the front passenger seat also folds for longer objects. The cargo area can expand from 23 to 67 cubic feet, and a roof rack and tow hitch offer more storage options.

Full power features, air conditioning, a CD player, cruise control, a trip computer, intermittent front wipers, tilt steering, and a front power outlet are some of the standard equipment on the 2006 Sportage LX V6 4WD. The rear liftgate opens separately from the window, which has its own wiper. Tie-downs help secure cargo in the bay, and a cargo cover is optional. Other options include foglights, running boards, leather trim, an MP3-compatible audio system, security system, and a rear spoiler. Drivers like the interior room, the confident 4WD handling, reclining rear seats, and the overall style of the 2006 Sportage LX V6 4WD. They wish the cruise control was wheel-mounted and the 19/25 mpg was a bit higher.

The 2006 Kia Sportage EX V6 is the high-end offering for the mid-compact crossover SUV. This front-wheel drive version features a 2.7-liter, 173-hp DOHC V6 engine and 4-speed auto tran. No manual is offered. The EX combines more luxury features with the Sportage's good use of space, to provide a safe and comfortable family SUV. Dual front-side airbags in the front and side impact in the rear seats are standard. Other safety-oriented equipment includes ABS brakes, front and rear stabilizer bars, a fully independent suspension, and traction and stability control. New for the 2006 Sportage EX V6 is a tire pressure monitor.

The 2006 Sportage EX adds leather trim, a security system, a CD/MP3 player, foglights, heated mirrors, variable power steering, and a sunroof into the features mix. This is in addition to cruise control, power windows, locks, and mirrors, and front and rear wipers. A roof rack, cargo tie-downs, a cargo cover, and tow hooks are standard. Rear seats recline and split-fold flat for up to 67 cubic feet of space. Extra options on the 2006 Sportage EX V6 include heated leather seats, a CD changer, automatic headlights, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. A trailer hitch (up to 1500 pounds), running boards, and rear spoiler are also available. Comfortable, roomy, and solid are words drivers use to describe their Sportage EX, but they are disappointed by the 19/25 mpg.

Though not a true off-roader, since it lacks low-range gearing, the 2006 Kia Sportage EX V6 4WD features On-Demand four-wheel drive, which automatically sends torque to the wheels that need it most, making it a sturdy, confident, and solid vehicle in changing weather and road conditions. Combined with a center differential, independent suspension, 16-inch alloy wheels, skid plates, ABS brakes, and traction and stability control, the 2006 Sportage EX V6 4WD earns good safety ratings. New this year is a standard tire pressure monitor. Dual front-side airbags and rear side impact bags also add to the safety value.

Power outlets, storage consoles, cupholders, and reclining rear seats are some of the family-friendly features. Rear seats also fold flat for 67 cubic feet of cargo space. The cargo area features tie-downs and a cover, and a roof rack and tow hooks offer more storage versatility. The 2006 Sportage EX V6 4WD comes with a sunroof, MP3/CD player, heated mirrors, leather trim, full power features, a trip computer, cruise control, and a wiper for the rear window, which lifts independently of the hatch. Heated leather seats, auto-dimming rearview mirror, automatic headlights, foglights, a rear spoiler, and a trailer hitch are nice options. Good room, a well-designed interior, reclining rear seats, and car-like handling are highlights for owners of the 2006 Sportage EX V6 4WD. Gas mileage is always disappointing, and owners wish power seats were an option.