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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  Better than the Audi I have owned - 2013 Kia Sportage
  By Mike - April 19 - 9:47 am

  First is the cost to run. Regular Gas Vs. Hi test 0.20+@ gallon better Second Serivce done regularly at dealers 1/3 to 1/2 the cost Third Comfort is equal sound system is equal Fourth Insurance is much cheaper

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  Mileage disaster - 2005 Kia Sportage
  By imtoad - April 18 - 1:40 am

  I really enjoy this car except for the mileage. It is rated 19 mpg city but despite the fact that I am very rarely ever stuck in traffic, I rarely average over 14.2 mpg.

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  Its not just a KIA - 2011 Kia Sportage
  By islesfan303 - April 14 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this car for about a week now and I couldnt love it more. After looking at several other small SUVs, (Equinox, Terrain, Outlander etc.)I stumbled upon the Sportage. I would have never even thought to look at a Kia, but a family member had just gotten a great deal on Sorento. For the money you cant beat the amount of features you get with this car. The LED running lights look awesome day and night. The comfortable fabric seats have cool stitching and small designs on the lumbar area. I really only got the EX because of the LEDs and the 18 inch rims - Im glad I did because they make the car stand out big time!

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  05 SPORTAGE LX-6CYL, - 2005 Kia Sportage
  By jr - April 2 - 6:33 pm

  The new Kia Sportage is very roomy on the inside, and there is lots of room for backseat passengers. When I first saw the Sportage, I couldnt believe it! The size of this new compact suv, it sure has nothing in common with previous models. The ride is carlike and smooth, quiet, and comfortable. The stereo and ac controls are easily in reach. The steering wheel tilts to adjust to the driver, and the seats have lumbar adjustments. When comparing the Sportage to other suvs, the standard safety equipment which includes 6 airbags, ABS, traction control and the awesome 100,000 miles warranty made the choice an easy one. I highly suggest you test drive this vehicle, youll be happy you did!!

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  Kia Sportage KX-3 SatNav auto awd , poor fuel consumption - 2012 Kia Sportage
  By pgw2811 - March 29 - 11:56 pm

  July 2012 .. I have just returned a Kia Sportage KX-3 SatNav automatic awd 2 litre diesel after not being able to get more than 30mpg with it , driving it at 70mph and 2000 revs on a more less flat smooth road . Kia advertise 47.9 mpg extra urban with the car I had with the 18 inch wheels , obviously this figure would be at 60 mph , even at that speed I still only got a fraction over 30 mpg . With this I phoned Kia customer service and spoke to someone who said his name was J V or J G , after explaining everything , I have never had such a not interested attitude in my life after buying a £25000 vehicle . After saying , I would like to get an honest opinion please on a very poor fuel consumption that I am getting with the Kia Sportage that I have just paid £24,995 for and certainly not happy with the fuel consumption . All I got at the end was take it back to the Kia dealer ...I did that and got just the same not interested attitude , we are too busy to look at it , it will be 6 weeks before we can look at it , then send a technical report to Kia , then we maybe get the response back from them in a couple of weeks or so . With that , I had , had enough and quoted sale of goods act 1979 , that it does not do what you advertise and I want my car back that I traded in . Whether I got my car back because they had not sold it or because I quoted the sale of goods act or they were going to get more profit out of me , I don’t know which , but I was glad to get rid of that diesel guzzler . I certainly will not be buying anything with a Kia name on it again as there after sales customer interest is zero .

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  First Time Buyer - 2006 Kia Sportage
  By KenL - March 22 - 2:36 am

  Looking for small SUV and tried both Honda and Toyota and found that this was best for the money. We have not done any highway driving but was getting initial 17 - 19 MPG. I replaced the air filter with K&N and now getting 23 - 26 around town. Pickup is slow but once it gets going it is fine, but with I wish it had 5 or 6 speed automatic. For the price of $20K with V6 auto, power everything, CD / MP3, sunroof, keyless with alarm, alloy wheels, upgraded interior, etc.

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  my first SUV, and I love it!!! - 2006 Kia Sportage
  By dan - March 21 - 10:23 pm

  I traded in my leased 2006 honda civic for a used 2006 sportage with 15,000 miles on it (basically new). I love the interior and exterior its a great ride. I actually find driving fun again for the first time since I was 16. Car has plenty of power, all the features you could want for a base v6 model. I lost some gas mileage when I traded civic in, but I knew that would happen and accepted it.

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  High-country commuter - 2008 Kia Sportage
  By CeBeU - March 3 - 7:53 pm

  Use/specs: A "commuter" to handle ~400 miles per week, consistent 5%-8% mountain grades transitioning between 6000 to 9200 elevation daily on everything from asphalt freeways to washboard/rutted high-country roads, AWD for heavy winter snows and recreational pursuits in the Rockies, acceptable MPG, reasonable build quality / warranty to survive for ~3yrs, pre-owned, low miles and inexpensive price-point. Other than the "twin" Tucson, nothing compares (for me anyway). Is it my "ideal" vehicle choice for these needs? No, but for the above this is/was an excellent buy. Highly recommended if you have similar needs.

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  The Surprise of the SUVs - 2000 Kia Sportage
  By ~ - March 3 - 10:00 am

  When I bought this SUV, I wanted the feel of a car, but room of an SUV. I have nothing but good experiences with this Kia Sportage. If you are looking for an SUV but are shy on the funds to afford the top of the line, take a look at the Kia. You could find that it is just the right car/SUV for you.

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  better than my old rav4 - 2005 Kia Sportage
  By Love my Kia - February 21 - 7:36 pm

  I have always been impressed with my Toyota. After having the Sportage for only five weeks, it has really impressed me. I went with the Kia because it was less money, and I got the leather and all the other bells for a great budget!! The drive is extremelly comfortable, with a great ride, and even with the compact size its very roomy. The v6 is peppy and still gets great gas milage! This is a SUV that is great for commuting and for long trips. Over all the Sportage is one you have got to take a look at.