Overview & Reviews

The Kia Sportage has never been one for small evolutionary changes. Originally a cheap, poorly made penalty box followed by a solid, yet utterly forgettable bargain-price SUV, today's Sportage is now a stylish and well-rounded compact crossover SUV. In human terms, the Kia Sportage has gone from a baboon to a Neanderthal and then George Clooney in the span of 15 years.

While the second-generation Sportage might be a cost-effective but rather uninspired used car choice, the current version stands out from the crowd in more ways than just looks. Thanks to its excellent build quality, stronger performance and generous array of features, it's far and away the most appealing Sportage yet. This third-generation Kia model remains on the small side among compact crossovers, however, and as such is a better choice for singles or those with small families.

Current Kia Sportage
The Kia Sportage is available in LX, EX and SX trim levels. The LX and EX have a 2.4-liter making 182 horsepower, while the SX gets a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine making an impressive 260 hp. All Sportages come with a six-speed automatic. Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive offered as an option.

Standard equipment for the Sportage LX includes alloy wheels, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, air-conditioning, a height-adjustable driver seat, cruise control, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and a sound system with satellite radio, a CD player and an iPod/USB audio interface. Stepping up to the upper trims gets you bigger wheels, LED running lights, keyless entry, a telescoping wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated seats, leather upholstery, a rearview camera, a navigation system and Kia's Uvo voice activation system. Optional features include power-folding sideview mirrors, a panoramic sunroof, a navigation system, leather upholstery, ventilated front seats and keyless ignition and entry.

The Sportage's interior features attractive styling. And though there is quite a bit of hard plastic, it's well-textured and build quality is good. Passengers and driver alike benefit from well-contoured seats and adequate head- and legroom. The rear seat comfortably accommodates two average-size adults, and the seatback reclines but doesn't slide. In terms of cargo capacity, the Sportage comes up a bit short in cargo space, too, offering a maximum of 26.1 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 54.6 cubes with the 60/40-split-folding seats laid flat. Bigger competitors boast as many as 73 cubes.

On the road, the Kia Sportage lives up to its name with its sharp steering and athletic handling that make it more engaging than most other compact crossovers. The downside is that taut suspension tuning means a bit of a stiff-legged ride over rough pavement and washboard highways. Power from the four-cylinder engine is simply adequate, but at least the automatic transmission shifts smoothly and quickly. The SX's engine delivers a healthy dose of acceleration and is a worthy alternative to the V6s and four-cylinder turbos found in competing crossovers.

Used Kia Sportage Models
The current Kia Sportage debuted in the 2011 model year and represents the third generation in the model's history. Trim levels and powertrains mirrored the current version with a few exceptions. Up through 2013 there was a base model that came only with a six-speed manual gearbox. Tweaks for 2012 brought improved handling, additional sound insulation (for a quieter cabin) and the introduction of the Uvo voice activation system. Also, these Sportages lack the newest version's updates, which include refreshed styling, a more powerful (182 hp versus 176 hp) 2.4-liter engine, improved navigation and sound systems, rear-seat air vents and updated Uvo telematics services.

The previous, second-generation Kia Sportage was launched for 2005 and ran until 2010. Considerably different from the previous generation, this Sportage featured a new unibody platform shared with the Hyundai Tucson (just as the current model does). Compared to the current Sportage, though, this generation was a bit bigger in interior size but far plainer both in design and interior material quality. There were no significant changes made during this generation.

There were two trim levels: LX and EX. Both trims are equipped with a healthy list of standard amenities, such as alloy wheels, air-conditioning, full power accessories, tinted glass and a six-speaker CD stereo. Satellite radio as well as auxiliary and USB audio jacks were added for 2009.

The LX was powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine capable of 140 hp. It came standard with a five-speed manual transmission, and a four-speed automatic was available as an option. Most Sportages with this engine were front-wheel drive, though Kia did offer all-wheel drive on manual transmission-equipped models. As an upgrade for the Sportage LX and standard on the EX, Kia offered a 173-hp 2.7-liter V6. It came standard with the automatic transmission and could be had with front-drive or all-wheel drive.

This Sportage might not have looked too big from the outside, but the interior had plenty of headroom and legroom, both in the front and the back. The rear seats split and folded flat for a level cargo floor and a maximum of 67 cubic feet of storage. Fit and finish was OK and materials quality was on the cheap side. Safety was a strong suit for this Sportage, with strong crash scores and a full complement of airbags, stability control and four-wheel antilock disc brakes.

In reviews, our editors found that this Sportage did few things poorly, but it failed to stand out in a segment where its competitors did things exceptionally well. Its dull styling and drab cabin did it no favors, while both its engines were unimpressive from both a power and fuel economy standpoint.

The Kia Sportage started life in 1995 as a body-on-frame compact SUV. Though it was one of the first such vehicles of its kind, it was too small and underpowered to compete with the roomier, more carlike mini-utes that Honda, Subaru and Toyota rolled out shortly thereafter. The base Sportage came with a meager 94-hp, 2.0-liter SOHC four-cylinder. Rear-wheel drive and a five-speed manual transmission were standard. Kia also offered a part-time 4WD version of the base trim. The 4x4 Sportage came with a twincam 2.0-liter four-cylinder good for 139 hp. A better-equipped EX trim came standard with 4WD and the more powerful engine. A four-speed automatic transmission was an option on all 4WD models.

Kia eliminated the single-cam engine in 1997, leaving all trims equipped with the twincam engine, now rated for 130 hp. That same year, Kia began offering the four-speed automatic on 2WD models.

In 1998, Kia added a two-door convertible to the Sportage lineup. It was available with both drivetrains (2WD and 4WD). After that, there were no more significant changes to the Kia Sportage, only minor face-lifts and interior modifications. The final year of production was 2002. Buyers should generally avoid these early models, as they weren't able to match the levels of comfort, performance and fit and finish offered by competing models of the same time period.

User Reviews:

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  very nice so far, but... - 2011 Kia Sportage
  By jlg1875 - December 7 - 6:49 am

  Bought the LX 2WD on Saturday and though so far I like it, I have a few gripes. I traded in a 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe SE after only 9400 miles. It was a decent vehicle, but living in NJ just outside NYC with constant stop and go traffic, my MPGs were averaging around 20. I agree so far with other reviews, the Sportages ride is very firm, and with a lot of local streets looking like the moons surface, I found that out quickly. However, Im used to it already as the Santa Fe was not the smoothest ride on its 18 inch rims (Sportage has 17 inch). Steering is also very light and will take some getting used to. Interior a little too plasticy, but I dont agree that rear visibility is all that bad.

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  Good car, so far! - 2002 Kia Sportage
  By Breezy - November 14 - 10:00 am

  13000 tough miles on this car in just seven months with no serious problems (the drink tray floor broke, but it still holds most cups and mugs). I like the fuel efficiency, which is the upside of less than stellar engine power. Its nimble in city traffic, and with its tight turn radius, short wheelbase and ample ground clearance, you can always find creative places to park. Weve had no trouble on dirt roads and gravel, but stay out of the snow, mud or sand unless you have the 4wd. If you plan to drive on such roads, consider getting a skid plate to protect the oil pan & vital parts.

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  Solid & Reliable - 2008 Kia Sportage
  By sanford - October 20 - 11:23 am

  I bought this car in July 2008. I was in a bind, had to get something quick, and couldnt afford hefty car payments. I got a good deal and went with it. For the price, it is a good car. Sturdy, reliable, solid. I have put 28,000 miles on it in 19 months and have not had it in the shop once- we wont mention the trip to the body shop after a silly accident in the snow, will we? I read reviews before purchasing but, worried about gas prices, still went with a 4 cyl. Not a day goes by that I dont wish I had paid the extra $800 for a 6 cyl. The interior is made with lots of rock hard plastic but, for the price, I would recommend this car to someone low on money yet desirious of an SUV.

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  1 year in - 2012 Kia Sportage
  By daw3 - October 7 - 9:46 am

  Well its been 1 year since taking owenership of the Sportage and I will admit no issues, except fuel ratings, lack of power for passing. Overall Im staisfied with the car, but again I feel somethings are lacking. Ive been reading all the reviews from owners and I must agree with some, but for the money where are you going to get such a fun car to drive. Honda, Toyota, Subrau are all over priced with the standard equipment you get with the Sportage. Im retired now but there was just something about the car, and I wasnt ready for a cookie cutter Nissan or Buick. I purchase a flat black mat for the dashboard since there really is a bad glare from the sun that just hits you right in the eye

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  Try it - 2011 Kia Sportage
  By STEVE - October 7 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is a nice compact package the only thing it needs is a we bit more power I would highly recommend they re-engineer this vehicle with a turbo or a 6 cylinder

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  Read and Research Before you Purchase - 2016 Kia Sportage
  By Sharon - September 26 - 5:32 am

  This was our first Kia and all is not what is said about this little car. We have the SX with a turbo engine. The gas mileage is terrible. Our Hummer H3 did better than this Kia. The front and rear seats are the most uncomfortable seats I have ever sat in. Very hard and uncomfortable. The navigational buttons are all over the place. Some on the left, some on the right but no rhyme or rhythm on any of them. The turbo will automatically kick in at a high speed and the car takes out from under you. The turbo engine is very very fast and takes off out from under you. The biggest problem is that i am 53" and I hit my head on the door entry every time I get in the car. The door/head clearance is deplorable. The sunroof position because i have to have the seat forward is behind me so it does me no good to have the sunroof open because it is behind me so to see out I have to look up and behind me. When they [pn they positioned the sunroof they set it back way too far. We tried to call the dealer after the first week to tell them this car would not work but after six weeks and 51 calls the dealer would never call me back. I even tried to call the owner of the dealership to tell him this car was not working out for us but he also refused to call. The very worst thing about this car is the back sunroof is cosmetic only. It will not open but there is a sunshade that you have to open with your hand which means you literally have to pull the car off the road and climb into the back seat and open the sunshade to see out the back sunroof and the same with closing it. This I find to be cheap and "cheesy" for such an expensive car of this class. From the outside this car is a beauty and very sporty and and eye catcher but that is where this car stops. I find it to be unsatisfactory in all fields except it is a joy to drive. You have to try to ignore the blind spots, which are there, the extremely small back storage with zero to no light. The only thing good about this car is driving it. Other than that just go out and buy a Hyundai Santa Fe because for the price that is a better car but not as sporty and as flashy as the Kia SX. Other than that if you want to drive fast this is the car to have because this is a car that goes fast in a few short seconds. We made a mistake in purchasing this car and the trade in value of this car is zero to nothing. For the best Kia in this class the products used are how it was made was cheap and cheesy. Then make sure you deal with a dealer who will let you return the car for another if you decide to buy. Our Kia dealer would not even return one out of 51 calls over a period of six weeks. We are now paying for a car we hate and a dealer who refuses to make good on what they promised which was if you do not like it we will get you into something that suits you. A better choice would have been a Kia Sorento.

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  Eight for the moola - 2000 Kia Sportage
  By Boberto - September 12 - 11:23 am

  I use this puppy to haul the ole race car around and man does it do the job. The car weighs in at about 4500 lbs and this thing drives without even knowing its there. Even with the high mileage I was surprised to see it never hurt my fuel economy. I would recommend this little engine that definitely could for anyone towing light campers and needing that 4wd to help get to those out of the way places.

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  2005 Sportage - Love It! - 2005 Kia Sportage
  By J. Cannon - September 1 - 3:36 pm

  We bought this as our main family car & just happened to look at the Kias. We were also looking at Vues, RAV4s, and CR-Vs. The Kia provided the best interior space & features that we enjoyed. Our 2 kids have plenty of room. The drive is comfortable & the car feels almost indestructible ... try it, open the door and slam it! It sounds solid! The Sportage provides all the creature comforts we want but still feels a bit rigid (which we like). We currentlyget 27 mpg on highway & 23 on city, not too bad. For a small SUV it does fine in mpg. We definitely do not regret getting the Sportage. The price was great & the quality was better than the others. The standard features are perfect.

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  Better Sportage - 2005 Kia Sportage
  By Kendra - July 16 - 5:30 pm

  I feel that this new design of the Kia Sportages are very cool. It is a whold new look and now they really look like SUVs. I would tell lots of people to buy one because, they are not that expensive and yet they are stylish.

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  Well designed car. - 2011 Kia Sportage
  By tk6 - May 28 - 12:27 am

  Im very happy with my Sportage SX. It is a lot of car for the money. It serves my need for something big enough to carry me, my wife and toddler on weekend daytrips. It does it while managing to be fun to drive, fairly frugal on gas, stylish and comfortable. Lots of tech features like USB, Bluetooth, backup camera, navigation, heated/cooled seat, dual-pane panoramic sunroof and premium stereo w/ sub.