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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  How can you go wrong? - 2006 Kia Sportage
  By Best combination - August 17 - 11:26 am

  As part of my 3 month research process, I drove about 5 different vehicles, ranging from the Scion xB to the Mazda Tribute to the Kias twin, the Tucson. I was looking for a vehicle with good gas mileage, storage compartments and cubbyholes, rear legroom, traction control, side airbags and a good stance/appearance. The Tucson was nice, but the handling was different (not as tight) and the interior felt cheap. I liked the xB a lot (great mpg and unique styling), but the storage behind the back seat just wasnt enough. The Sportage had everything I wanted. The 4 cylinder performs well and I am getting 22 mpg combined. I didnt need a hot rod, I needed functionality and value.

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  My first SUV! - 2017 Kia Sportage
  By Valerie - August 5 - 5:56 pm

  Oh my Goodness! I love this Car! I got the Bronze EX with black leather interior that comes standard with Android auto play . The comfort goes on and beyond my expectations and it is easy to get in and out without having to slouch. It is a smooth ride and has a killer sound system. For my first SUV, switching from a sedan, it was the best decision I have ever made.

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  Kia Sportage review - 2006 Kia Sportage
  By jjf - August 3 - 3:06 pm

  Good vehicle, would buy one at next purchase and recommend one to friends and family.

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  The Perfect Car - 2006 Kia Sportage
  By sportagelover2 - July 26 - 3:58 pm

  I have owned 2 KIAs and loved them both. My 2006 Sportage has almost 200k on it and still going strong. I would never buy another kind of car. My next one with be a 4 wheel drive now that I live in the mountains. Thank you KIA keep up the great work! PS Try working on the rear end safety :)

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  My Sportage is Awesome. - 2011 Kia Sportage
  By Love My Sportage - July 25 - 10:00 am

  Have had my new Sportage for over two months and am so happy. It has plenty of power and drives like a well built vehicle. The six speed auto tranny is a work of art and I know it took Hyandai 4 years to develop it and has 62 less parts than the previous transmission. The Theta 2 engine is so quiet at idle that I think it isnt running at the lights! Sirius satellite radio is fantastic and now I cant live without it.

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  A Great Value! - 2006 Kia Sportage
  By KG in Tennessee - July 24 - 9:56 pm

  I love this little SUV. Looks great, ride is smooth and the V6 has plenty of power. I originally was looking at a Sorrento and spotted the redesigned Sportage. No regrets!

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  Kia crumpled, but I didnt! - 2002 Kia Sportage
  By mamaofpits - July 21 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Kia Sporty 4x4 as I wanted something rugged, safe, and able to get through flooded streets. It never let me down, always started right up and got me where I was going... except for one day. I was stopped in traffic when this monsterous extended van plowed into me at about 45 - 50 mph and was a chain reaction. I walked away with minor injuries... no broken bones! The paramedics were amazed. Either the Kia is indeed built to be very safe and sturdy and/or my guardian angel was with my that day. Would I buy another one... absolutely!

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  sportage - 2002 Kia Sportage
  By bill winters - July 15 - 2:00 am

  4x4 rubber boot replaced,no other problems

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  Six Years Later - 2001 Kia Sportage
  By Inazone - July 9 - 6:20 pm

  I purchased my Sportage new in August of 2001, with utility truly being the #1 selling point. I wanted something with 4WD, decent ground clearance, and easy access for loading and unloading large, heavy equipment. The various car-based SUVs lacked in one or more of those areas. The Kia has been very "adequate" overall. The fuel economy was as listed, which honestly was a bit disappointing to me. Handling on a windy day is poor, and it is worthless on slippery roads without 4WD engaged. Ive had numerous locking hub problems fixed under warranty - never left stranded, but I dont trust it entirely. Problematic power windows and alarm, but it runs great with scheduled maintenance.

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  2013 Kia Sportage AWD - 2012 Kia Sportage
  By rottensox - July 8 - 7:23 am

  In my earlier post I described the problem with the differential. The dealer replaced it with a unit from California. When they test drove it, it didnt sound right so they are now replacing that unit with a new unit from Washington. By the time they do that, they will have had the vehicle longer than I have. Anyone considering buying a new 2013 Sportage should get down and inspect the rear end for any signs of a fluid leak prior to purchasing it.