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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  Best vehicle Ive ever owned - 2005 Kia Sportage
  By pattistolar - April 8 - 12:09 am

  I love my 2005 Sportage. Ive had it since it was 6 months old and its never given me any problems whatsoever! Its 8 years old now, with 160,000 km and is the best vehicle Ive ever owned. Just change the oil and it just keeps on going. Great in the snow too with just all seasons tires. Yay for Kia!!

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  New Adventure! - 2011 Kia Sportage
  By gd - April 6 - 10:00 am

  I just purchased my Sportage in August and I mist say I am impressed. After owning 2 Hondas and a Maxima, I was afraid to go outside my comfort zone. So far so good. I enjoy the comfort but the ride is a little harsh. Hopefully I will get use to it. I will report back on the progress.

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  Sporty, Great Small/Midsize AWD SUV, BEAUTY! - 2013 Kia Sportage
  By Rhea Addair - April 2 - 8:14 pm

  The Front Seats arent very Comfortable, lacks Support & Padding for Long-Trips Especially if You have Arthritis, Fibromyalgia or Other Physical Types of Pain b/c It can also be kinda hard to get out of if Traveling for a Period of Time in Combo w/ The Comfort Level (Poor) of The Front Seats... Other than this Issue, LOVE IT, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED ECONOMICAL, SPORTY, AWESOME,SAFE, SUV... YOULL LOVE IT!!!.. I DO..and, Many More People also, Love em or The Larger KIA Sorento 4 cyl. AWD as well.. Great VALUE SUVs in a KIA!!.. I am now also a KIA LOVING FAN.. A Believer Myself...

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  Kia Makes A Comback - 2005 Kia Sportage
  By Nancy - March 15 - 10:20 am

  I wanted to buy a Sportage when they first came out - am very glad I waited for the 2005 model. I did a lot of research and I dont feel that you could have put more features in a car for the price and the warranty is outstanding. The warranty had a lot to do with choosing this car but competing dealer had same warranty and I still chose the Sportage. It looks good, rides well and is just an all around great means of transportation. The dealership was great and couldnt beat the price - 17,500 with my trade. I am very happy with my Spotage and am glad I decided to buy it.

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  Luv my Kia - 2002 Kia Sportage
  By iceman8147 - February 18 - 2:00 am

  I purchased (2) Kia Sportage convertables over a year ago. Both my wife and I love them. They are perfect for the Florida beach / rush hour traffic scene. You sit up nice and high, but can zip in and out of traffic. With the top off, you can enjoy the fresh ocean air. I have worked in the US automotive industry for 20 years, but after driving my little SUV, I am impressed. The fit and finish on our Sportages was as good as or better than vehicles that I have seen at the NA assembly plants. For the money, they are quite a value. If they had a small V6 in it rather than the I4, fuel economy would be better as the 4 cylinder is worked pretty hard.

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  Great Car, Great Price! - 2005 Kia Sportage
  By Josh - February 13 - 4:16 pm

  I have owned my Sportage for almost a year, and I love it. It is the best car I have ever owned, and you cant beat the warranty. Drives great and looks like a more expensive SUV. I would definitely buy another Kia, they have really stepped up their U.S. models lately!

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  EYE CATCHING!!!!! ITS INCREDIBLE AWESOME - 2017 Kia Sportage
  By Delois Roseboro - February 12 - 6:24 pm

  2017 new color Brunt, no spare tire, rear view camera, blue tooth and much more

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  EYE CATCHING!!!!! ITS INCREDIBLE AWESOME - 2017 Kia Sportage
  By Delois Roseboro - February 12 - 6:20 pm

  2017 new color Brunt, no spare tire, rear view camera, blue tooth and much more

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  I love my Sportage - 2005 Kia Sportage
  By Beth - February 6 - 12:33 am

  When I first saw that Kia was reintoducing the Sportage, I had to check it out. My husband had a 2002 and regrets having traded it in. I researched on line and went to my local dealer to see it in person. I was impressed by the amount of room and the safety features. Plus it now had an available 6 cyl. engine. I bought an LX FWD in jade green. This model came with all the features I wanted and has plenty of room for my family of 5 plus baseball equipment etc. I compared the specs to those of the Sorento. The differences were only a matter of inches and the Sportage is very reasonably priced. I love driving it all over town!

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  Sportage EX Update - 2011 Kia Sportage
  By daviel - February 4 - 4:08 pm

  I sent in a review at one weeks ownership; I have 10,000 miles. I really cannot think of a single complaint-the Sportage is doing fine. I like the handling and the engine. I did not buy this car to be a rocket, but it is fine in traffic; gets off the line quick. Mileage is still good - I do not drive it for max mileage and its still good. a very comfortable car. I am delighted I bought it - my favorite car!