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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  Little Quirks - 2012 Kia Sportage
  By mycar34 - November 5 - 10:28 am

  After reading several of the reviews I had to commit on several of your issues ... I am unable to clean the windshield/dash to stop the reflecting. On sunny days its dangerous. I have tried several high end windshield cleaners and nothing has helped. Unexplained noise ... Its been driving me nuts since I bought the vehicle. It rattles even the slightest bump in the road. I think, I figured it out. The glove box rattles. I used some heavy paper and jammed it in and it helps. The interior ... It scratches terrible. Anything leaves a mark! I dread the reduced trade in value due to scratches.

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  Not bad at all - 2008 Kia Sportage
  By KiaKonvert - November 4 - 5:26 pm

  Traded a Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo V8 for a 2WD Sportage back in 2005. We already owned a Kia Sedona minivan, and have short commutes, so were not put off by Kias less than stellar mileage. I use it to carry a load of sailboard equipment on the roof and it drives well under that load. This SUV is reliable and very safe. Unfortunately, it has been in three crashes, but is built like a tank and appears to be very repairable. Not a single issue with either car except Hankook tires, which are just serviceable. I recommend an upgrade to a good truck tire. (We also have a Honda CR-V)

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  First Impressions - 2011 Kia Sportage
  By happi81 - October 29 - 6:26 pm

  I purchased the Sportage EX with the Leather/Navigation package which gives you all the toys and still came in under $30k. They present a great value when looking at price, features, and warranty but at the same time they look amazing...at least in my opinion. However, here are the cons for me. 1. Our volume button on the steering wheel broke within 2 weeks 2. Rear dimming lights are too dim. Cant really see anything except for headlights of other vehicles. 3. Almost impossible to navigate through back window.. too small 4. Seatbelt indicator is beyond annoying, beeps incessantly. 5. Seatbelt on the passenger side bangs against door when not in use. 6. Ride is very stiff and unforgiving

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  Non smoking Campers view 2008 sportage. - 2008 Kia Sportage
  By 4wheels2move - October 12 - 10:13 pm

  This review do to recal on the 2007 sportage Going home from the dealership my check engine light went on. I read the manual. I checked for recalls on the web. I found one recall for brake sensor and took the 2008 kia back . I told them of the recall. Kia checked the computer and told me they had never had five sensors bad , reset my computer and sent me home. Light came on just down the street. I told them I thought it was the brake sensor. The computer said steering. They replaced it. Almost home check engine light again.I told them brake sensor gives false codes. They replaced pitch,yhaw, finaly the last the sensor a brake sensor done. When cruise control stopped working. Problem fixed

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  to soon to tell - 2005 Kia Sportage
  By michael rabinowitz - September 21 - 1:00 pm

  Tight handling,designed booth inside and out handsomely.Im kinda of crossing my fingers on reliabilty.

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  Not the Greatest, But it gets you there. - 2000 Kia Sportage
  By R. Eubank - September 8 - 9:50 pm

  This "Economy" car is one of few that I can fit comfortably in. Im 62" and the drivers cabin is roomy for a small car. The backseat is even OK. Not very powerful, but use 4WD in the mountains...it gets you there; not quickly, but it gets you there. I thought that the 4-cylinder would get better gas mileage, about 19 in town and 22 highway. All in all, I would but another Kia. Mmaybe the "Sorento." Hmmm, now there is a car.

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  A Great Value for the Money - 2000 Kia Sportage
  By Chief Ike - August 25 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car second hand in 2001. Since then, we have put nearly 50,000 miles on it, and driven it everywhere. Given that the price is so low compared with the CRV, Jeep Liberty, and other similar mini SUVs, I dont have any complaints. Honestly, we have driven across the country twice, and used the 4x4 on a daily basis during tough northern winters. If you treat your Kia well, it will treat you well in return. No joke, for the money, pound for pound, this is the best investment I have ever made in a car. I highly recommend it.

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  Why all the bad reviews? - 2001 Kia Sportage
  By TNelson - August 18 - 9:26 pm

  I love my Sportage and plan on keeping it for another 8 yrs or so. I also had issues with the power windows and chirping fan belt but I also had an excellent Dealer to deal with who actually honored my warranty. When I drive in the snow, I can pass ANY car on the road with flying colors!

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  Umm!! - 2011 Kia Sportage
  By gd1 - May 27 - 6:24 am

  Well I purchased the 2011 Kia Sportage LX in August 2010 and I must say the firmness of the SUV was an issue with me. I enjoyed the Navigation and Satellite but it wasnt enough for me to keep the car due to my monthly payments. It was great in the snow. I hope my trade in was worth it. Bye Bye Kia!

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  Really Fun Car! - 2000 Kia Sportage
  By helenk49 - May 17 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my Sportage for three years and I love it. It has a remarkable turning radius and is so much fun to drive. It has a tow capacity of 2000 pounds so it easily pulls my small tent trailer.