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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  2017 Kia Sportage EX With premium an Tech package - 2017 Kia Sportage
  By BRIAN FINOCCHIO - January 23 - 6:10 am

  I absolutely love this car from the mean exterior to the plush interior, you get in and cannot believe its a Kia! The drive is smooth- could use a bit more power but not complaining. I bought from the Kia Depot in santa ana , ca and they were accommodating unfortunately they changed ownership and now the service is terrible and they dont honor deals that were made at time of purchase..love the car..just not who I bought it from.

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  The Sportier SUV - Kia Sportage - 2011 Kia Sportage
  By Tulsa NW - January 17 - 1:18 pm

  Need a large fuel tank, small tank causes more fill up on trips.

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  Just-Right SUV! - 2000 Kia Sportage
  By xVRM - January 6 - 2:00 am

  No mechanical problems to-date (36k mi.). Very nice standard features. Interior layout is excellent. Power adequate around town and in steady highway cruising Some scheduled maintenance pricey. Body hardware is good. No squeaks or rattles. Lack of body cladding is a plus.

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  Best Decision! - 2016 Kia Sportage
  By Carolyn - December 15 - 4:03 pm

  Buying this Sportage was the best thing I could have done. Its not too big nor too small. My family and I are very comfortable in it.

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  Went from a Forester XT to a Sportage SX AWD - 2011 Kia Sportage
  By mike_in_nepa - December 3 - 7:40 pm

  In the last 7 years, I had 2 different turbo AWD models (05 Legacy GT and a 09 Forester XT Ltd w/ Nav). It might seem like a step down to go from a Subaru to a Kia, but it actually was a large upgrade for the most part. My Kia Sportage SX AWD is equipped with the Premium Package with Leather, and the Navigation package. My Sportage SX outshines the Forester in terms of comfort, audio, and performance. The seats are very comfortable for long trips, the drivers seat is both heated and cooled, the cabin is much quieter, etc. Visibility is an issue here - looks great, but there are plenty of blind spots. Far less body roll than my Subarus. My fuel economy ranges from 23.1 to 25.5.

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  Fun Fun Fun - 2012 Kia Sportage
  By gwengweed - December 1 - 4:35 pm

  I am loving this car. I got the EX Turbo loaded up model and really enjoy it for hauling around my kids. It is sporty, has get up and go and is comfortable to drive. I am a short person and often struggle with some cars as I am hugging the steering wheel but not on this one. It is comfortable! I was looking for "a smaller SUV that is zippy and loaded" when I got my new car and it sure is all of the above. :) I had a Rav 4 prior that I also enjoyed, but this one really blows it out of the water for the price and what you get.

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  College Student DREAM SUV! - 2000 Kia Sportage
  By Charles - November 30 - 10:53 pm

  I bought my Kia Sportage used, with around 70K miles. Ive been wanting this one for two years, and was NOT disappointed. In a little less than a year, ive already put 20K miles on her - and it still driving like new. I got a white one with gray interior and its definitely a looker! Ive parked next to plenty of new year model SUVs (Saturn Vue, VW Tiguan, Honda CR-V) and my Sportage looks just as good! Ive been way up in the mountains and through the valleys and have been very pleased with ride quality and handling. Ice cold A/C is a blessing in this Southern California heat! My hour-long commute to the university is a real treat. Awesome car for college students!

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  I like it! - 2007 Kia Sportage
  By Ron - November 30 - 10:03 pm

  We leased our Sportage in Feb. 2007 mainly because we wanted to test the vehicle prior to actually buying one for the long term. The 4 banger is a little weak when it comes to hills. But on flat land it is just fine. Mileage is about 20/21 mpg in the city and 23/25 highway. Overall the quality of the vehicle is superb for a cheapy.This vehicle is very well made. Quality parts and hardware through out. The bottom line is I will buy one once our lease expires. But Ill get the V-6 instead of the I4.

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  Pleasantly Surprised - 2011 Kia Sportage
  By hek - November 22 - 7:59 pm

  Like most folks I was hesitant to buy anything Korean based on friends who actually bought them. After watching and researching the rise of both Hyundai and KIA I decided to give it go. I got a good deal thanks to having both a 2008 CRV and 1999 CRV which is what we used as a trade-in.Also, recent college grad helped as well. The 2011 KIA has its strong points and both Honda and Toyota better wake up. With 18s the KIA is definitely the more firm/harsh ride but also decidedly more sporty. The Honda has more cargo room and better visibility overall. The build quality is tight and the car pretty much sells itself which is a good thing because the dealers look like they need some upgrading.

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  Best of both worlds - 2009 Kia Sportage
  By Happy - October 31 - 7:03 pm

  Have had vehicle a little over a month and am very pleased, has plenty of power and good fuel economy. Have used it to move daughter to school and hauled the needed goods well. I love the color and it always gets comments. I am tall and heavy and it is a joy to get in andout of, I think I made a good buy for me.