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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  Good Choice - 2009 Kia Sportage
  By Chris - September 4 - 7:30 am

  Overall, we really like the Sportage. The ride is excellent and very smooth for a SUV. The acceleration is a little sluggish but isnt missed in normal driving. The headrest positioning is a little uncomfortable but can be adjusted with some work to a workable compromise.

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  Now fixed and so far ok - 2011 Kia Sportage
  By regy65 - July 22 - 7:00 pm

  Bought vehicle at 200 miles on it misfire in engine, and needed new intake manifold, so far so good, Stiff ride across country compared to other suv., noisy front end suspension over rough roads or bumps this should be addressed by kia since a little to loud for a brand new suv. down hill assist works good on a steep steep hill. the 4x4 lock in option is great but yet left in just standard awd works well that way also. Head lights are a little to dim for me and my wife at night. So I hope that Kia does some TSP,s on the items that I have suggested, would help me to buy Kia again, we will see and keep you posted

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  Cute - 2001 Kia Sportage
  By davey - July 7 - 11:46 am

  Kia is really cute and draws attention. Good mileage with 25 overall. Cup holder location is poor. Transmission shudders a little on starts. I like the little SUV but would probably go with Honda CR-V if had to do again.

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  Kia noise - 2007 Kia Sportage
  By richard - July 4 - 9:46 pm

  Economy not what I expected. Handles good, rides good. Engine has plenty of pep. Big problem with noise from suspension sounds like shocks or shock bushings. Dealer checked twice, still same noise. Dealer says all Sportages have same noise. No more Kia Sportages for me.

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  Need to have eyes like bats. - 2016 Kia Sportage
  By tusabellin - June 2 - 12:07 am

  My one very BIG complaint is that the headlights are just terrible. Night driving is actually dangerous. These headlights should all be recalled and replaced. The mileage is also very poor. No reason why this car should be getting less milage then the one I traded in which was a 2010 Tuscan.

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  I love it! 2011 Kia Sportage Base - 2011 Kia Sportage
  By Itzel - May 23 - 8:54 pm

  I have had it for 2 months. I love it and my three-year-old son loves it as well. I like the color because I have never seen it on a car. I have gotten many compliments on it. I have plenty of space for me as I am 52. Its equipped with a backup camera and Bluetooth connection. The only thing we have done is an oil change and new tires l. I dont like plastic edges on the outside of the car.

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  Nice Vechicle - 2005 Kia Sportage
  By Sgt Ard - May 17 - 10:13 pm

  Drove Sportage EX V-6 with out leather lux pkg rode very hard, Then drove EXV- 6 with leather pkg big difference in ride very smooth, So try both before you buy I bought my sportage for 21,226.00 MSRP was 28990.00 lux pkg.

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  Decent value for a second vehicle. - 2002 Kia Sportage
  By Dan O - May 7 - 10:03 pm

  Looked around for an inexpensive second vehicle for the wife. Considered sedans(e.g cobalt, g5, focus & corolla), but eventually I stumble upon a fully loaded kia sportage. It was exactly what she needed to get around town, it had 4x4, lots of room and 4 doors. Sure it was a little underpowered, but around the city she really didnt really need to be a speed demon. The 4x4 works great in snowy conditions, the storage capacity in the back is functional (Fit a dresser in the kia, even with the back seats not able to lye flush with the back). The aluminum rims can be a pain, especially with air pressure loss. This vehicle is fun, practical, and for us has been a valued purchase.

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  Can You Ignore The Ride? - 2011 Kia Sportage
  By ryan2006 - March 27 - 11:36 pm

  Ive had my Sportage for approx 1 month and 1000 miles. I traded in a 2010 Mazda 3 Grand Touring. The Sportage was the closest I could get to the 3s handling, performance and options. However, the 30k price tag was a bit hard to swallow. I really feel like I took a huge leap of faith buying a Kia...especially awith a $$ that could get me almost any other CUV out there. The warranty is great, but who wants a vehicle that needs to be in the shop alot. I only have two complaints: 1. The ride is rough. 2. Satellite reception is extremely spotty. So far, happy with the purchase. I just hope Kia is ready to deal with customers expectations of those spending 30K on a vehicle.

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  Fun to drive but disappointing fuel economy - 2016 Kia Sportage
  By Eddie H. - March 23 - 6:23 am

  I bought one of these about a month ago. I wanted a smaller SUV for my family, its me, my wife, and two toddlers. Comfort of interior is pretty decent and we love the steering wheel (really comfortable). Ride quality is firm but I like it, I dont understand how anybody would want a "loose" suspension/ride. We got a pretty big snow storm recently and it did great and the AWD didnt even kick on. Its a very easy vehicle to drive, the only two complaints I have are the gas mileage is not as good as Id like it to be, it averages out to around 22mpg. The second is that it can be hard to see any other vehicles when changing lanes. Overall Im pretty happy with it and I think it was a pretty good buy, I would recommend it to anybody.