Consumer Reports: 2011 Kia Sportage outscores Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, Nissan Juke

2011 Kia Sportage
2011 Kia Sportage

The new 2011 Kia Sportage outscored the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport and the Nissan Juke in Consumer Reports’ recent test of three small vehicles that connect the line between hatchbacks and SUVs.

Click here for more news on the Kia Sportage.

“The melding of more carlike qualities in these vehicles comes with some concessions like passenger room, visibility, and versatility compared with that of other SUVs,” said David Champion, senior director of Consumer Reports’ Auto Test Center in East Haddam, Connecticut. “But the Sportage outmaneuvered the other two competitors because it manages to have greater interior space without losing its fun to drive character.”

While all three vehicles received a Very Good overall road test score, the 2011 Kia Sportage emerged the winner in the segment.

In the March issue, the Honda Odyssey also beat the Kia Sedona scoring an overall road test score of ‘Excellent.’ The Kia Sedona scored ‘Very Good.’

Refresher: All 2011 Kia Sportage models come standard with a 2.4L DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder engine with CVVT making 176-hp. Estimated fuel-economy comes in at 22/31 mpg (city/highway). A 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo GDI engine making 270-hp will be available in the 2011 Kia Sportage SX, which will go on sale shortly after the Base, LX and EX model. Prices start at $18,295 for the base model.

2011 Kia Sportage:

– By: Omar Rana