2011 Kia Sportage Named Best New Crossover by About.com Readers
Kia’s 2011 Sportage compact SUV has been voted Best New Crossover Vehicle in the 2011 About.com Readers’ Choice Awards, following its US-market relaunch and the debut of a turbocharged SX model.
Kia’s 2011 Sportage compact crossover has been voted Best New Crossover Vehicle in About.com’s 2011 Readers’ Choice Awards. This recognition highlights the Sportage’s growing presence in the US market and reflects Kia’s ongoing efforts to boost its profile and appeal to a wider range of customers. The award is a result of reader votes, demonstrating positive consumer reception to the latest generation of the Sportage.
2011 Kia Sportage Wins Best New Crossover Vehicle
Background: Sportage’s Evolution and Kia’s Growth
The Kia Sportage was first introduced to the US market in the mid-1990s, at a time when the Korean automaker was still relatively unknown in North America. Over the past fifteen years, both the brand and the model have undergone significant transformations. The third-generation 2011 Sportage marked a turning point, introducing sharper exterior styling, improved interior quality, and a broader range of engines. These changes were part of Kia’s strategy to position itself as a serious competitor in the compact SUV and crossover segment, challenging more established rivals from Japan, Europe, and the US.
Kia’s design-led transformation has been a key factor in its recent success. The 2011 Sportage, developed as part of this initiative, adopted a more assertive look and offered new technology features that were previously unavailable in earlier models. The company aimed to deliver a combination of style, value, and equipment that would appeal to buyers seeking something different from the mainstream options.
2011 Sportage SX Turbo: Performance and Specifications
A major highlight for the 2011 model year was the introduction of the Sportage SX Turbo. This new range-topping version is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged direct-injection four-cylinder engine, producing 256hp. This engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and is available with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The Sportage SX Turbo is the second Kia model in the US to receive this engine, following the 2011 Kia Optima Turbo.
| Engine | 2.0-litre turbocharged GDI four-cylinder |
|---|---|
| Power | 256hp |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | Front- or all-wheel drive |
| Starting price (SX AWD, US) | $27,990 |
The SX AWD variant starts at $27,990 including destination charges, which is a significant increase over the base front-wheel-drive model. It is also $4,000 higher than the previous range-topping EX trim. The price difference reflects the additional performance, advanced features, and all-wheel-drive capability offered by the SX Turbo.
Market Impact and Consumer Appeal
The 2011 Sportage’s recognition by About.com readers follows a series of industry and consumer awards for the model since its introduction. This level of acclaim has contributed to raising the profile of both the Sportage and the Kia brand in the US. The compact crossover segment remains highly competitive, and Kia’s focus on distinctive styling, strong equipment levels, and value pricing has helped the Sportage stand out among its peers.
The Sportage’s combination of style, technology, and value has proven attractive to a broad range of buyers. The addition of the SX Turbo model has further expanded the Sportage range, offering a performance-oriented option for those seeking more power and advanced features in a compact crossover. The 256hp turbocharged engine gives the Sportage a notable performance boost, making it one of the more powerful options in its class at the time of its launch.
Kia’s Ongoing Commitment to Innovation
Kia’s efforts to innovate and enhance its product line are evident in the evolution of the Sportage. The company’s strategy of combining eye-catching design with practical features and competitive pricing has resonated with consumers and industry observers alike. The About.com award for Best New Crossover Vehicle serves as further evidence of the brand’s progress and the Sportage’s appeal in a crowded market segment.
As crossovers continue to gain popularity in the US and globally, the 2011 Kia Sportage’s success demonstrates the importance of offering a well-rounded package that meets the needs of modern drivers. With its blend of performance, technology, and value, the Sportage remains a key model in Kia’s expanding line-up and a strong contender in the compact crossover class.
