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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  Very Pleased! - 2006 Kia Sportage
  By TimK - July 24 - 12:13 pm

  We got the Sportage EX, 6 cylinder with leather - and its great. We researched and drove lots of small SUVs and this car had the most bang for the buck. Weve had it for a month and like it more every day. Its really not a "small" SUV, in my book, with legit room for five. Leather interior in the color scheme we wanted was hard to find, but worth the effort and money.

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  I like it! - 2017 Kia Sportage
  By Tamara Myles - July 23 - 2:01 am

  Its got everything!

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  Great Vehicle - 2007 Kia Sportage
  By Dr Dan - July 14 - 6:06 pm

  Purchased my KIA about 3 weeks ago. Looks, runs and performs great. I am getting 25mpg. Better than my 02 Cougar with no a/c. Great college student auto. Good room, front and back. Love the 5 yr. warranty. Go buy one today!!

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  Only two weeks so far, but two good weeks. - 2017 Kia Sportage
  By TJF - June 26 - 2:10 am

  Ive owned this vehicle for two weeks now. I traded in a Hyundai Azera so I was looking for something that felt as comfortable and equally appointed. I wasnt disappointed with the Sportage SX Turbo. From the two tone leather treatment to the center stack this vehicle offers comfort and all of the gadgets that I like. Please dont come to the party expecting good gas mileage, Ive owned Korean cars for over a decade now and theyre all notorious for poor gas mileage. Accepting that from the start I can find little more to complain about. The turbo is fast and the pedal is responsive. It offers 3 driving modes and if you want to get pushed back in your seat, select sport mode. Handling is responsive and ride quality is good and quiet. Ive not yet had the opportunity to see how the AWD handles itself in the snow but living in the NE, it wont be long. For me styling and comfort were two main concerns and this vehicle fits the bill. If youre looking for a vehicle that steps out from the lookalikes and blazes its own path, this vehicle is for you.

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  Love it! - 2005 Kia Sportage
  By Chris - June 18 - 10:03 am

  I traded in my Chrysler 300C (yes, the Hemi) for my Sportage because I wanted to pay less money and needed a car that conquers Clevelands snowy winters. I knew I would be tacking on some negative equity but received minimal with the Kia. Almost bought a new, unsold 2004 4X4 Hyundai Sante FE, but it had this subtle whistling whine at highway speeds. I LOVE my Kia! It drives like a car, the stereo is fantastic, the wind noise is mininmal with the sunroof open and it accelerates quickly and very smooth (apples & oranges comparing acceleration with my Hemi). I cant wait to drive the AWD in the snow with confidence. The rear seats fold flat and the rear legroom is very generous.

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  Kia Sportage 2011 - 2011 Kia Sportage
  By Deep - June 16 - 7:00 pm

  Its only been 4 days since I bought the vehicle, but this review might help anyone who is looking to buy an entry level SUV. When buying, the brands I considered were RAV4, CR-V, Santa Fe. The good thing about getting a Kia is the ability to negotiate a suitable price. Honda and Toyotas are a little too stubborn to do so. But really, the vehicle has an awesome build quality and drivability. I was surprised by the quality of the vehicle, especially comparing it to the previous Sportage. I highly recommend anyone to take an informed decision, if youre buying a Rav4 or C-RV just test drive the new Sportage! Thats exactly what happened to me!

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  Love My New Sportage - 2005 Kia Sportage
  By new owner - June 7 - 11:53 am

  I love the new style and ride! It has been a head turner already and has all the bells and whistles that more affordable SUVs have, yet half the price, oha nd the gas milage is great too. I am getting 23-26 mpg!

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  LOVE OUR SPORTAGE! - 2005 Kia Sportage
  By Helen - May 28 - 3:56 pm

  Wow! We love it! We test drove & purchased after driving comparable SUVs in the smaller but updated category. We also own a 2004 Kia Sedona & love the van after 2 Dodge Caravans. The worst vans we ever owned … as I have heard from many! Look at JD Powers reviews. We look forward to many years with our "KIA Family.” My extended family has also purchased a Kia Sedona & a Kia Sportage.

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  Glad I bought Kia - 2005 Kia Sportage
  By maryt - May 18 - 3:36 pm

  I had my Sportage 3 years and really love it. Handles well, carries everything I need. I downsized from a Blazer and could not be happier. The few times I have had to have it serviced have been good experiences.

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  Excellent Overall Package - 2005 Kia Sportage
  By RandM - May 16 - 10:43 pm

  Finally it arrived, and just in time for my wife and I to trade our ailing Passat in for such a fantastic vehicle. If you look at the interior fit and finish alone, youll be astounded like we were. The performance is great, the ride is awesome and the look (and ride) is much better than its cousin Tucson (by Hyundai). What makes my wife and I smile is that we get a bigger vehicle, with better saftey features, better warranty and V6 power at a price that was less than our 5-speed 1999 Passat. No wonder these are selling so fast! You really need to check em out, there are features galore (including adjustable height on center armrest, shopping bag hooks, MP3 player). Great Job Kia!!!