Minimal changes are in store for the 2013 Kia Sportage compared to last year’s version. Now standard for 2013 on all trims are power folding exterior mirrors along with some minor cosmetic exterior changes. The 4-door crossover hatchback is expected to hit dealer showrooms in late fall of 2012.

Buyers can choose either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive for the 2013 Kia Sportage. The available FWD trims include the Base, LX, EX and SX, while the LX, EX, and SX are also available with AWD. The Base, LX, and EX trims come equipped with a 2.4-liter 16-valve inline 4-cylinder DOHC engine that makes 176 hp and 168 lb-ft of torque. The SX trims come standard with a 2.0-liter 16-valve inline-4 DOHC intercooled turbo engine that tops out at 260 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque. The Base trim is mated with a 6-speed manual transmission with overdrive, and the FWD LX, EX and SX trims are matched with an electronically controlled 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive. AWD trims come with a Dynamax electronic control-on-demand automatic transmission. All trims run on regular gasoline. The Base trim is estimated to achieve 21 mpg city/29 highway. The AWD LX and EX trims are estimated to get 21/28, while the FWD LX and EX trims are rated at 22/32. The SX trim is rated at 21/26 with AWD and 22/29 with FWD.

Standard equipment found in the Base trim of the 2013 Kia Sportage includes manual air conditioning, cloth seats, tilt steering column, power locks, power windows, 4-speaker audio system with AM/FM radio with CD player and door-mounted tweeters, halogen headlights, and 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels. LX trim buyers also receive keyless entry with a panic alarm and 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels as standard equipment. Upgrading to the EX trim adds dual-zone automatic climate control, power adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support, tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob, cooling glove box, back-up warning system, premium UVO Microsoft Infotainment audio system and 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels. SX buyers receive leather seats, daytime running lights and push-button start with a smart key as standard equipment. Available packages for the LX trims include the Convenience package, highlighted by roof rails, a rear spoiler, dual power heated mirrors with turn signal indicators and a telescopic steering wheel, and the Navigation package, with navigation and rear camera display. The Premium package, with leather seats, heated front seats, air-cooled driver’s seat, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, panoramic sunroof and navigation with Sirius/XM radio is available for the EX and SX trims.

The 2013 Kia Sportage has numerous safety features as standard equipment to ease any fears that potential buyers may have. The safety features include dual front advanced airbags, dual front seat-mounted side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags with rollover sensor, anti-whiplash head restraints, 4-wheel disc antilock brakes, stability control, traction control and a tire pressure monitoring system. All trims except the Base trim receive ignition disable and content theft-deterrent alarm system as standard equipment.

The 2013 Kia Sportage has a number of features that distinguish it fron other affordable compact SUVs, such as the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V and Nissan Xterra. Its roomy interior, available turbocharged engine and stylish design cues make the Sportage a solid choice for those in the market for a sporty yet functional crossover.