2021 Kia Sportage - Avoid even as a rental

[414bhp]

Hi all,

I took a summer vacation and Avis "graced" me with a 2021 Kia Sportage LX. Boy, talk about a reminder that basic-economy SUVs exist, too. The LX is the lowest trim level for the Sportage and it had no niceties, not even even automatic climate control. (Okay, there was Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.)

We needed to cover lots of boring highway miles, and the Sportage was a fine appliance for the job. It rides softly and holds an 80-mph cruise without strain. Getting up to 80 mph, though, is a moaning and groaning sweat-fest. The base engine is underpowered for an SUV of this heft.

I know these Sportage LX's are cheap---~$27k with AWD---but I'd still recommend looking at other options rather than getting into this entirely mediocre SUV. I'll avoid renting one again!

(My full Sportage review is here.)

Best!

[Ervin87]

Basically a POS of a SUV.