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:

• 

  Not Impressed - 2007 Kia Sportage
  By patti - September 14 - 1:56 am

  I purchased my Kia Sportage in Sept. 07 and I loved it! Within 2 months, 2 fuses blew and I had to have the brake light replaced. In April 2010, with only 36,000 miles on the car, I needed a new transmission. (Under warranty, but not the point)! Upon getting the car back, I have since brought it in for service, again, transmission related. I feel that I purchased a lemon, even though I bought it brand new!

• 

  Kia Sportage versus Rav 4 - 2007 Kia Sportage
  By mjbauer24 - August 3 - 5:23 pm

  Just drove our new Kia Sportage home yesterday. We owned an SUV prior to this purchase, but unfortunately it got totaled when I hit a patch of ice last week. After being used to driving an SUV (we had a mini-van prior to that) I dont like the feel of a car, so we test drove the Kia Sportage and the Rav 4. Both performed well, but when it came to price the Kia won. Almost bought a Kia several years ago but didnt like the way they drove. The 2007 model has greatly improved Kias performance and reliablity tests.

• 

  A Competitive vehicle - 2008 Kia Sportage
  By monere - July 26 - 3:06 pm

  This vehicle was 50 percent of the time used in very harsh, snowy, hilly and icy winter conditions of northern canada for the last 15 months. It performed mainly at low speed, backcountry road and also some highway conditions max speed 90 km/hour. Fuel consumption was normal under those conditions and was 12,63 litres/ km. Engine starts easily even under - 30 degrees celtius. Overall performance was more than more acceptable. Overall quality and handling was excellent. The engine performance improve sharply and significanly after 5000 miles. Breaks, ABS and ECS systems are excellent. Car suspension is optimum and bumps are absorbed easily.

• 

  My Little Kia - 2002 Kia Sportage
  By Amaranta - July 20 - 3:00 am

  Its been a year and so far I havent had any problem with my little Kia. I recommend this car if you are looking for a fun and not too expensive car.

• 

  Love it! - 2011 Kia Sportage
  By suzq328 - June 30 - 5:50 pm

  Ive had my new 2011 Kia Sportage for just 10 days now and Im liking it more every day. I was previously driving a 03 Jeep Liberty Limited that I absolutely loved but after 133,500 miles the maintenance costs were going up while the dependability was going down. Cant really compare the Jeep with the Sportage but I am very pleased with my choice. There is plenty of oomph when I need it and the 30 mpg is awesome.

• 

  2002 Kia Sportage - 2002 Kia Sportage
  By DanielleB11 - June 23 - 2:00 am

  good on gas; fun to drive in the summer

• 

  Great SUV! Need customized parts !! - 2006 Kia Sportage
  By J. Elton - June 22 - 4:13 pm

  I originally went to buy the Sorento and my wife liked the Sportage EX V6 loaded. Need I tell you what we got? I really wanted the BMW grille kit that would go on the Sorento. It is really sharp. It doesnt exist for the Sportage. There are no places to get sport parts for this vehicle. I have tricked out the stereo w/in-dash 1din DVD player w/ headrest LCDs and bluetooth for my phone and also Garmin Nuvi 660 w/ btooth. Mine is fast and sporty w/2 tone silver. I have a 1999 BMW 528i that now sits. This is a very fine vehicle for what I spent. I would buy again 4 sure! Love the fact remote start. Get it! Oh and I debaged it. It now says Kia nowhere. I got custom Sportage logos instead.

• 

  Surprisingly good - 2012 Kia Sportage
  By pickandpray - May 19 - 3:16 am

  We went to the dealer intending to buy a soul but after a test drive of the sportage, we were sold (space, trunk and power were pluses over the soul). Though it was more than we wanted to spend, it has proven to be a reasonably good choice with our limited budget. After 3 years, the only issues we have is the ignition switch which doesnt always sense the key is out and continues to beep as youre leaving the vehicle and the wide "A" pillars which can make a fairly large blind spot when you want to turn. The blue tooth phones voice recognition is spotty but is great when it works. Night visibility is mediocre without fogs (a must have). Original Tires lasted 52k miles.

• 

  2006 kia sportage fwd-problems - 2006 Kia Sportage
  By Nanna56 - May 14 - 1:10 pm

  I purchased my KIA and loved it until 2 mo. after purchase, I left for Pa. to visit family. One hr. from destination it started shorting out. Acted like running out of gas-had half a tank. Had it towed to KIA Dealership, was told it was a filed out spark plug. Only replaced 1 spark plug. Went back to Vt. no problem. One month later left for Fl. One hour before destination started doing the same thing. Towed to KIA Dealership, after 3 days and a $250.00 car rental bill was told the problem was fuel pump. Has been fine since. Now my key will not turn in ignition everytime. Just came from KIA Dealership and will cost me $250.00- $300.00 for ignition.

• 

  Kia Improvement - 2006 Kia Sportage
  By Poncebx - May 10 - 10:03 am

  It is a very good car but there is room for more improvement, like fuel economy, and back lumbar and an arm rest for the drive. Over all it is better then other SUV that I have had.