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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  Would Rather lose money - 2001 Kia Sportage
  By Upside Down Kia - April 10 - 10:00 am

  Well I am so glad my wife and I decided to go totally upside down on our car loan and managed to buy a 2005 Ford Focus. This car was a lemon since mile 60001. The dealership ordered parts and never called us back, they would charge an arm and a leg for basic problems, the brake dust was awful, there was no power uphills, no one wanted to work on it, the radio was horrible, the interior design was not well thought, the only thing I can say somewhat positive is that we basically putted into the dealership and left that day with a car. Although, I see now why they were all smiles.

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  Recent Kia purchase - 2009 Kia Sportage
  By WSB - March 31 - 2:43 pm

  after inflated ford escape and toyota dealer sticker prices I purchased my first Kia , This SUV seems well constructed and tight, It handles well and is fund to drive and even with all the added options its cost is almost half that of the others. After 30 years of American car dealer deception the purchase was a nice change.

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  What were you expecting? - 2002 Kia Sportage
  By pah-leez - March 14 - 2:13 pm

  I recently purchased a 2002 Kia Sportage 4x4 2DR convertible with 70,000 miles on it, as a winter car. (I drive a BMW M Roadster convertible in the summer.) The only thing Ive had to do so far is replace the tires. It rides a little rough, but its a truck! Trucks are not going to ride as smooth as a car. So far I am happy with my purchase. I think it has a lot of pep for a 4 cyl (and remember Im used to an "M" engine!)... and face it, its adorable!

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  Love my Kia - 2008 Kia Sportage
  By msclub8six - March 14 - 7:33 am

  Just purchased my first Kia, I love it! It drives very nicely, quiet cabin and plenty of room for a family of five. Im not sure about the gas mileage, 155 miles on a half a tank. The ECS OFF light came on the day after buying the car, getting fixed this week. Dealer said the sensor has to be reset. The warranty is great. The car will be paid off before the warranty is gone. After driving a automatic for so long the clutch was easy to relearn.

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  Same Problems - 2001 Kia Sportage
  By Kevin - March 11 - 3:13 pm

  Same old things happening to me as well. Rear window on right will not open. Motor replaced 3 times. New Rear end, Gearbox, clutch replaced 3 times. First when Gearbox went. Driveshaft dropped out while driving. 4X4 does not work. I repalced with standard hubs. ($1600.0o to try to fix orgional) Molding clips let go. Painr bubbling over winshield. Plugs and wires replaced before they should have been. Cup holder both front and back pice of junk.Gas tank neck clogged and now it burps out gas if you try to fill normally.Rear coil spring on passenger side repalced twice.Engine light stays on regardless.Heater motor and switches replaced.Rear sparetire bracket replaced. More o So much fun right...

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  Excellent choice for small cuv - 2017 Kia Sportage
  By JSA - March 7 - 6:41 pm

  Great car in every respect. Kia lies about mpg. I consistently get 36-38 hwy (manual calculation), not the 30 mpg Kia promised. Its comfortable for long trips and the piece of mind when driving it is priceles. Best of all its the best looking cuv out right now.

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  Wont buy another - 2017 Kia Sportage
  By g graves - March 3 - 9:55 pm

  This is my 5th Kia and Im done! The gas mileage is in the low 20s for city driving. The radio reception without Sirius radio is poor. When temps are in the teens the engine has a hard time turning over. It always starts but it seems to struggle. We havent had below zero temps yet so dont know how that will go. Dealership cant replicate the problem. The major problem with this vehicle is that the steering wheel has locked up 3 times in the last 2 months when I turned it off. The key wont turn, the steering wheel wont move, and the gear shift is locked. The steering wheel needs to be perfectly straight when the car is turned off or I may be stranded. Love Kia vehicle assistance but this is a MAJOR pain . The dealership is zero help with this problem. The tow truck driver has gotten the steering wheel turned but offered no suggestions. The 1st Optima I owned also did this.

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  So Far so good! - 2009 Kia Sportage
  By Ms.Kiesha - March 1 - 12:46 pm

  So far I absolutely love this vehicle, the only thing I dont like is the non- adjustable headrest, which can be uncomfortable on long drives...its great on gas, the radio system is great...I love it!

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  Love this car! - 2009 Kia Sportage
  By CircleGirl - February 18 - 10:46 am

  After owning a Honda, a Toyota and a Mazda, I gave Kia a gry this time. So far, I love everything about this car! The ride is smooth and quiet. The interior is impeccable. The external styling is sporty and attractive. The car handles very well on all types of road conditions and Im sure the 4WD has saved me from spinning out into a ditch several times already. I love being higher up off the road, and I think this car is a great buy.

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  Good car bad rebates - 2011 Kia Sportage
  By kylet2011 - February 15 - 5:12 pm

  I have had my sportage about 3 weeks with no complaints about the car. Beware of your finance person and the fine print of your rebates. I am in a situation where the finance guy said I was ok with a rebate, and I drove off the lot, only to get a call a week later saying that I didnt qualify for the rebate. The finance guy was a real jerk about it, to the point that I refused to talk to him and would only talk to the sales mgr! Jack Miller Kia in North Kansas City, MO.