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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  Fun car with lots to offer - 2017 Kia Sportage
  By SStar - October 26 - 11:07 pm

  Ive owned my Sportage for about a month now and I am in love. I had a 2007 Mazda3 for 9 years, so this car to me is luxurious and an upgrade in every way. Having the extra packages makes me feel like I have the SX for the EX price (minus the turbo too, obviously). Its a really fun car, looks different, I feel like I dont need to use a muscle. Its just everything I ever wanted!

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  EXCELLENT CAR - 2006 Kia Sportage
  By PAUL - October 24 - 2:33 pm

  Love this car. Plenty of power with the V6 engine. Drove to Pittsburgh from New York and then to upstate Saratoga NY. Averaged 25 mpg on the highway with the air conditioner on full blast. A real fun and easy car to drive. No real complaints to date.

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  My new SX turbo rocks! - 2017 Kia Sportage
  By Ken - October 13 - 12:11 pm

  This has everything I was looking for (SUV, size, power, styling, tech, etc.). I like German makes, but for for this level of equipment youll be spending north of $45,000. I like that this trim includes everything, no nickel and diming for options. Mine is Pacific Blue with the beige interior. I think the cool grey interior would be nice as well. Kia reliability is up there with the best in the latest surveys. Looking forward to a long ownership. Update: zero defects in the first year. Ride is a little stiff but last night I rode in a RAV4 and it was worse. Steering is nicely weighed and responsive. Transmission is excellent, always seems to be in the right gear. Love the low rpm torque pull in second and third gear. Al the tech stuff works great. Mileage could be better and the gas tank is small (15 gallons). Overall totally satisfied with my purchase.

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  Good Improvement - 2005 Kia Sportage
  By Georges Saade - October 5 - 8:20 am

  Its a 4 cyl. Aut, Steptronic. I like the features and the Traction Control. When you are inside you wonder if youre really in a small SUV. I think Kia has done a good Job! I dont really know a lot about the reliability but I guess its ok.

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  Good town car - 2005 Kia Sportage
  By Cindy - September 20 - 3:03 pm

  The 2005 Sportage makes a GREAT car to drive around town. It also is fun to drive on the freeway but does lack some power when you have big hills. All around it is a great family car.

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  Kia Sportage... hard to go wrong with this one... - 2013 Kia Sportage
  By mikekia - September 13 - 2:12 pm

  The Kia Sportage 2013 ex awd is a real masterpiece for the value. What I got, for mid-20s price, is an awd vechicle with a lockable differential (not avail w/CR-V or CX-5), along with 176HP and 6 speeds (not avail w/RAV-4), along with a boatload of extras. And nice extras like: satellite radio, back-up camera, cooling glove box (for sodas), all weather mats, cargo storage cover, roof rails, on-board juke box (uvo), led lights, and much more. And if youre worried about craftsmenship, dont - because its got a 10year, 100,000mile drivetrain warranty. Add to that the mileage I get, on ave 25mpg, and the sporty feel, and nice ride - its a winner in my book. Yeah!

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  Fun lovin SUV - 2005 Kia Sportage
  By Mike - September 8 - 2:06 am

  I purchased my 05 Sportage EX about a month ago and it is great. Yeah, the mileage is little to be desired, but gets a little better with time. I did do some modifications, like a new exhaust system and K&N filter, and that made a huge difference in the performance and a few extra miles in mileage as well. I love that the rear seats recline back a bit for long trips. If you are thinking of buying a small SUV, I definitely suggest you go look and drive one. I used Costco to purchase mine and saved a few bucks, but most of all, I didnt have to haggle over the price. I got mine for right at $20,000 (with cloth seats). Kia has come a long way and really improved on their vehicles.

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  Fabulous SUV - 2007 Kia Sportage
  By wmackay - August 30 - 4:54 am

  Love this SUV. After driving domestic vehicles for the past 10 years, Dodge Caravan, Pontiac Sunfire and some others including SUVs decided to go with a Kia. Previously had 2 Toyota Camrys 93 and 94 wagons which were great. Purchased a 2007 with 18,000 miles on it. Previous owner had absolutely NO problems with it. Ive owned it for 3 years now and it has about 45,000 miles on it. The only problem Ive had was one caliper having to be replaced. Its a dream to drive in the Canadian winters. Much better traction than some of the 4wd vehicles with the Michelin winter tires. Will NEVER go back to a domestic vehicle. Seems like these sites get all the negative on them but mine is +.

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  A $16K 6cyl 4x4 - 2009 Kia Sportage
  By Laura - August 23 - 9:50 am

  What is not to like about a quality 4x4 6 cylinder SUV for $16K. Electric windows, power locks, cd player, excellent in the snow. Only one problem was the right side power mirror stopped working. Will wait for a month and see if any other little things pop up. The best deal is a 10 year / 100,000 mile warranty. Come on now see if you can come close to Toyota and Honda with this kind of deal. I researched this hard before I bought and I am please as punch to get this great car. Time will tell how it stand up but so far so good.

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  Sportage Rocks! - 2005 Kia Sportage
  By Jeff - August 21 - 3:33 pm

  Electronic Stability Progam, ABS and traction control are standard! Great stereo 6 cd changer, "Sportmatic" slap stick is storty.