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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  3rd kia - 2010 Kia Sportage
  By koupon - July 1 - 5:06 pm

  Before kia I owned nine American and one Toyota. kia best ride 16 others before purchase ford equal other brands 3-5 levels down have medical thing have sensitivity to vibration and sound all city mileage 24 mpg had car 11 months total 11 years never major repair factory tires lasted at least 40,000 with them if use lucas injector cleaner 3 to 6 miles better fuel eco mpg. Go to kia dealer service ask how many are there for paid repairs bet under 30 percent if there are ten cars most scheduled maintenance or covered by warranty. Car dealers bad mouth them you are not buying low end entry level I would have ford escape hybrid but no one really new about how it works about details.

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  My Sportage is SeXy! - 2017 Kia Sportage
  By Ryan Zilker - June 24 - 2:27 am

  I have had my 2017 Sportage SX (FWD) for 4 weeks, and 1500 miles. I love it. I had a 2015 Honda CR-V[ibrate]. The Sportage feels like such an upgrade with all of the luxury and technology features, the turbo engine, the quiet interior, the better sound system, the improved handling. Honda is supposed to be the reliability king - I had problems and dealers unwilling to figure out the causes. As a loyal Honda customer (Ive had 5), I was nervous about moving to Kia. So far, so good. Im really happy that I made the move. Kia engineers seem to be really trying to put out a quality vehicle, and so far with the Sportage, they have. Comfortable seats, engaging driving dymamic. Honestly, it feels a little like a grown-up version of my 2010 VW GTI. Friends have been giving me sh!t about moving to a Kia...until they ride in it, and drive it. Theyre surprised. My only complaints thus far are the fuel efficiency (or lack thereof) and the numb steering.

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  I hate this SUV - 2001 Kia Sportage
  By Keith - June 22 - 12:23 pm

  My wife bought this. Worst mistake ever, spend the extra money, get a Honda or Toyota. I cant even give this thing away. No power, bad transmission, shakes over 65, even on brand new tires. I feel every bump in the road. I have 77k miles and it feels like its going to completely fall apart. My wife wont drive it anymore because its a death trap. I cant even sell it because I would feel bad for whoever buys it. Dont buy one of these!

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  I love my Sportage! - 2017 Kia Sportage
  By Tammi - June 21 - 9:39 am

  I have mobility issues, getting in and out is no problem. Im getting better all around gas mileage, I live in a rural area with lots of large hills, S curves, etc., and Im averaging 27.4 mpg. The drivers seat is the most comfortable Ive seen, the lumbar support is fantastic. Im so pleased with my Sportage!

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  KIA REALY IS THE POWER TO SURPRISE - 2005 Kia Sportage
  By Juilo Porven - June 19 - 6:13 pm

  I bought this vehicle before I moved out from Florida to North Carolina. I have made several road trips with this car and it has never giving me a problem. I maintain it at the dealership and have done every required service when it is due. The service I get is better than some Lexus or Mercedes dealerships. I also own a 06 Rio Sedan and have been very happy with it also. Like most folk I did the researsh on this vehicle and compared it to the Hondas and Toyotas. But when you look at the warranty and the value for your dollar the KIA Sportage wins hands down. I would recommend this vehicle to any one that wants a good SUV at a great price.

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  I finally got rid of it!! - 2000 Kia Sportage
  By lee103 - June 15 - 10:00 am

  After 4 years of breakdowns finally had to trade it in. I was unlucky one with warranty at 3/36,000, due to my job used up in less than 2 years. Brakes/rotors needed changing at less than 18,000 & 4 times after that. After 2 weeks the coil pack went and didnt have the car for 3 weeks. Many major items went in this car. My muffler fell off at 16,000, and 2 more times after that. Couldnt trade in right away, because of the loss of value, no dealer wants one traded in. Most unreliable and cheap car around they shouldnt be sold in the US unless they seriously chang their workmanship. They need the 100,000 mile warranty.

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  Better than expected - or reviewed! - 2002 Kia Sportage
  By gphvid - June 7 - 10:00 am

  Purchased this SUV after extensive research and price checks. Yeah, it could use a little more power, it is actually no problem with what it has. I got mine in the Limited version with all the options and still got it under $18k delivered. After 17000 miles, the ride is consistent and balanced and handles most road problems very well. Remember, this has a truck chassis, so it will be a little rough at first.

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  God Love this Car... - 2001 Kia Sportage
  By hildymac - May 19 - 2:00 am

  ... because I cant. Been in the shop over 20 times, the first time being 2 months after I got it for a leaky fuel line. Fan belts make it sound like a Singer Sewing Mach... and they cant EVER seem to fix them. Biggest POS ever. Im trading it in on a MINI when I graduate.

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  Value! Value! Value! - 2009 Kia Sportage
  By Phil Blue - May 18 - 10:20 pm

  Cash for clunkers and the rebate made trading in my wifes 2000 Ford Windstar a no brainer. Five days after purchase, we drove our daughter to college, 3500 miles round trip over a weeks time. The comfortable ride was an unexpected pleasure. I am 64" and get uncomfortable driving most vehicles for long hours at a time. This Sportage was extremely comfortable during 10 hour driving times. I truly believe the Korean automakers (Kia/Hyundai) are meeting the needs of consumers these days. I now have 15,000 miles on my Kia with absolutely no problems. The 4 banger motor struggles to pass on the hwy and take on hilly Tennessee mountains. I will never buy another American made car, KIA is VALUE!

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  Love My Kia - 2009 Kia Sportage
  By Bill - May 17 - 5:13 pm

  Just traded my 1996 Jeep Cherokee (cash for clunker)for a 2009 Kia Sportage. Gas mileage is great and love the value I got for my $$$. Could not be happier with the buying experience. Thanks Murray Kia!!