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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  Great work horse - 2011 Kia Sportage
  By Chris Biser - September 15 - 5:00 pm

  I have owned this car for 4 years and I am extremely satisfied with it. It is an economical car to drive for everyday, plus road trips for 2 or 3 passengers. I am getting about 28 mpg on it on the highway. The sound system is good, the controls are easy to reach, and its a nice, uncomplicated car to drive. Some downsides: moving from a Honda Civic DX, the blind spots on this Sportage were something to get used to. Its easy to miss cars right next to you. Ive learned to REALLY look before shifting lanes. Also, I am 56" and the door frame is sometimes a bit closer to my head than Id like. On the other hand, that sturdy frame also protects in a crash, so it is an easy trade off for me. My BF who is 61" drives it and doesnt seem to mind that door frame either, but maybe for some it is too much. The ride in the back seat going over speed bumps can be a bit stiff. Other than those 2 things, this car is fun to drive and has great safety ratings. I am extremely satisfied driving it. Have 100,000K on it now and plan to keep it to at least 300,000.

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  SX.. you wont regret it. - 2012 Kia Sportage
  By chazweez - September 13 - 7:30 pm

  I waited months for the 2012 model to come out because I didnt qualify for any of the rebates that the 2011 model was offering. Ended up buying a 2012 mineral gray AWD SX for $29,900 (not including taxes). The MSRP was 31,800. So they came down about $2000 off the MSRP. The oddest part of the day was when the east coast earthquake struck while I was signing for the car. I looked up to the sales guy and said "thats probably not a good sign". LOL. The cars been great so far... my only gripe is the reflection off the window. The front window is at such an angle that you always see the reflection of the dash on sunny days. Super annoying. Other than that, its an awesome car.

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  Unbeatable Value! - 2011 Kia Sportage
  By NJ Pete - September 10 - 5:56 am

  I walked into a Kia dealer w/o high expectations & was quite surprised at the line-up of new vehicles. I was looking for a new car w/ good fuel economy but have always liked the convenience of an SUV. A red 2011 Sportage was front & center in the entrance to the showroom. I looked at the price & mileage rating. Drove one of the test vehicles & bought it on the spot. I have only owned it for a few days, but my fondness of the Sportage grows every day.

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  My New Ride - 2017 Kia Sportage
  By Patricia Gingras - September 3 - 2:28 pm

  2017 Kia Sportage SX Turbo So smooth to drive count not be happier

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  Best bang for the buck! - 2016 Kia Sportage
  By Raymond Ptak - September 2 - 12:48 pm

  Purchase a previous rental LX AWD with 4700 miles for a $7000 savings over new. Vehicle is tight with no squeaks or rattles. Steering is god as well as handling, keeping in mind that it is a tall vehicle and not a sports car. Bought this model over the EX because the wife wanted simplicity. Another point to remember is the 10 tear, 100 warranty. While the Nissan Rogue and Honda CRV and others are comparable, their prices are thousands more without the lengthy warranty or the high J. D. Power quality rating.

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  Love this car! - 2006 Kia Sportage
  By lorijohnston - September 1 - 7:10 am

  This is the 2nd Kia I have owned, and I my 2nd positive review for this company. I bought my Kia brand new in 2006 with about 16 miles on the odometer. I currently have about 60K on this vehicle and it is still running beautifully. No major problems, decent gas mileage and plenty of room for my husband, two kids and 90-pound labrador retriever. With the 5-speed manual transmission, we dont seem to have the power issues that have been mentioned in previous reviews.

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  Great New Design - 2005 Kia Sportage
  By Diana - August 29 - 3:46 pm

  Great new style, easy handling, economical and more added safety features.

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  Great mini suv - 2006 Kia Sportage
  By Frank G. - August 17 - 9:43 am

  Vehicle handles very well, great acceleration for 173hp, very nice looking suv, idles quiet, comfortable seating, impressive inside room front and rear. Storage is adequate, especially when rear seats are folded flat.

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  One fun CUV! - 2011 Kia Sportage
  By bstoecker - August 10 - 7:27 pm

  Having put on my first 3000 miles on my new Sportage SX, I am having no regrets yet for buying a KIA. I still get the "What? You bought a Kia?" and I just say "yes i did" and am proud of it so far. Kia has finally came to the game table while both Honda and Toyota are asleep at the wheel. When i found out Kia added a turbo to this sharp CUV, I had to go check it out. 3000 miles later and I have really enjoyed it. What fun is this CUV is kinda in disguise. With many not knowing what is under this hood, it is fun shocking those next to you when this turbo kicks in and away you go. Another great aspect is the gas mileage. On a weekend trip I recorded 30mpg on the highway. Avg so far is 25.

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  Fun to drive, Sportage SX 2.0 Turbpo - 2017 Kia Sportage
  By SportyOne - July 24 - 8:27 pm

  The Sportage has everything you need. Its fast, with unbelievable take off and passing power especially in sports mode. Its quiet, comfortable, stylish and has an excellent sounding harman kardon stereo system. And for a small SUV, it feels roomier than the Rav4 and much more fun to drive. Love the two tone canyon and beige interior. We tried the Rav4, CRV, Escape and Rogue before deciding on the Sportage. Not as fuel efficient as other Suvs and we are at the pumps often but then again it doesnt help that we always want to be driving it. We average about 28 imperial miles per gallon(from Canada)