(March 4, 2011) Kia today announced the launch of the all-new turbocharged 2011 Sportage SX compact CUV, scheduled to arrive in dealer showrooms later this month. 

The Sportage SX joins the 2011 Optima Turbo as Kia's second vehicle in the U.S. to feature the powerful Theta II 2.0-liter Turbo GDI engine and adds unique exterior and interior features and luxury appointments to provide consumers a high performance and high value crossover. 

In combination with a six-speed automatic transmission, the new Sportage SX features 256 horsepower and 264 pound-feet of torque while maintaining class-leading fuel economy of 27 miles per gallon on the highway, better than any other turbo-equipped compact crossover on the market today. 

In addition to powertrain enhancements, the Sportage SX employs sport-tuned suspension featuring firmer shock and strut rates for improved handling and dynamic performance over non-SX models. 

The SX front-wheel drive features a starting price of $25,795 while all-wheel drive models have a starting price of $27,2952.

"Sportage offers an ideal mix of performance, fuel efficiency and utility for the discriminating compact CUV buyer," said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing & communications, Kia.  "With the addition of a more powerful Turbo GDI engine, unique interior appointments and improved performance, the Sportage SX makes an already appealing CUV even more fun to drive."

Sportage LX and EX trims come standard with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine making 176 horsepower.