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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  Dash Glare Unacceptable! - 2012 Kia Sportage
  By ivor6244 - December 15 - 5:33 am

  Overall quiet, competent and pretty comfortable ergonomics-wise, although underpowered on hilly terrain.

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  Absolutely excellent vehicle! - 2005 Kia Sportage
  By Bob Peck - December 9 - 8:40 pm

  I really like my Sportage. Drove it to the Grand Canyon recently where it delivered good power, quiet and pleasant ride and decent fuel economy (27 MPG). Mine is the luxury edition with leather, great radio with 6 deck CD and excellent dash set up. Interior is very flexible and accommodating -- all for $20,000 with the 10 year warranty.

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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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  Kia Sportage - 2005 Kia Sportage
  By dana Owens - November 25 - 5:36 pm

  Ive had the Sportage one month and so far everything has performed to my expectations. I knew when I bought it that I was buying one of the cheaper sporty SUVs. It is not a powerful car but it gets about 24 mpg which is a great improvement from my previous car (Pathfinder) which got about 15 mpg.

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  Great small SUV - 2005 Kia Sportage
  By JD - November 19 - 10:56 am

  Better looking inside and out than Honda or Toyota, great interior space for a small SUV, workmanship quality on par with the best in class, nice V6 could use just a bit more power and refinement when pushed but overall a very nice powertrain, excellent brakes, handles more like a sporty sedan than an SUV.

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  After a month of use - 2011 Kia Sportage
  By Anonymous - November 19 - 2:00 am

  After a month, I rate this vehicle better than average and the leader in this class. The ride is stiff, perhaps too stiff. The Sirrus radio sounds a bit shrill at the mid level and treble, but the FM is not as bad. Maybe it is the antenna. It took some time, but I found a bass boost in the set-up program. But it does handle well and is comfortable, except for the ultra stiff ride. The mileage is a minimum 20.5mpg in town and 29mpg on the highway, not quite what I expected, but better than my 2003 Honda CRV. I like the Sportage better than the sister Tucson. Would I buy again, probably, but might spend $6000 more for a Buick Regal.

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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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  The better Kia Sportage - 2005 Kia Sportage
  By K McMichael - November 12 - 11:03 pm

  I must say that the new Kia Sportage has come a long way. Compared to the old kia sportages this new one is great.

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  2000 Kia Sportage - 2000 Kia Sportage
  By B.Z - October 23 - 6:26 am

  I have put more money into it than it is worth! Bought it used from Kia (was a rental car in Alaska) and I didnt get the warranty. The warranty should be for the car not the first owner. I have had the rear tire hinge rust and break, the gas door lock break, the air conditioning break at least 3 times, the window fell down (couldnt roll it up or down), the locks lock and unlock themselves whenever they want, the windows wont roll down when I want them too, the child lock doesnt work, and the engine has had its own problems leaving me stranded in 110 degree weather. Even with 4WD and studded tires its horrible in winter! I will never buy another Kia ever!

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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.