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:

• 

  Great SUV for your $$$ - 2007 Kia Sportage
  By Danielle - September 11 - 10:23 am

  I really like all of the neat features that come standard with the vehicle. For example, something as small as the shopping bag hooks in the back are very female-friendly for all those female shoppers out there like myself.

• 

  Fun with Turbo - 2012 Kia Sportage
  By christophg - August 28 - 3:32 am

  Overall I am very happy with my purchase. The car is actually faster then I expected. The Turbo must work wonders with the little 2.0 liter. Even at 80 MPH, it still has some room to go. I have the Navigation option which I think is overpriced & would probably be better off with just using my iPhone. Fuel economy is not as good as I expected but it never is & I drive it pretty aggressively. It seems to have more road noise than some of its competitors & this was supposed to be improved on this model year.

• 

  Not Happy :-/ - 2007 Kia Sportage
  By 07kiaowner1 - August 27 - 10:54 am

  I just got the car about two weeks ago. i had a 2001 chevy suburban and with todays gas prices i was ready for a gas saver. The dealership told me the gas mileage was 22 city and 27 highway. i was truly excited about the car till i went out of town the first time. in fifth gear going 70mph my rpm is running about 3000!!! when i checked my gas mileage i got 23 mpg and nothing but highway no city driving at all!!!! i get 21 mpg in town very happy with that but highway sucks im a 22 year old college student that still cant afford the trips home to see family thanks to a lie of a dealership and the poor gas miles of my new kia :(

• 

  Steel gray Sportage EX - 2005 Kia Sportage
  By lhobbs - August 19 - 2:10 am

  I love this car. I have owned 6 cars in the last 12 years from Ford, Nissan, Mazda, Mitsubishi and Kia, but the supposed loser of the bunch, my Kia Sportage, is the most solid and fun to drive of them all. It looks good, has decent power from the V6, has an awesome interior with many standard features, plus the best warranty you will find anywhere. Granted, I havent owned it for a long time so reliability is a question mark. One thing that I hate is taking a car in for repairs although honestly my other cars were reliable. I am taking a chance with Kia knowing fully well it could be a bomb. But if you look at the old Kias and compare them with the new ones I believe that is a chance worth taking.

• 

  looking for something else - 2005 Kia Sportage
  By angryKowner - August 12 - 7:16 pm

  At first I loved it, despite the fact that at the dealer when I had to take it back for a missing cup holder and a wash that didnt happen. It was dry wiped but once I got home and decided to wash it myself I saw why, they had ran into something, a dent and some scratches with yellow paint was on it. But I let it go, it had been christened. Not even 2 years old yet and has been towed twice during this winter weather. First they said it was frozen and or flooded. Second time they did a fuel induction ($171.00 out of pocket) thinking that was the cause of it not wanting to start...not. The next time it didnt start I used a blanket to cover the engine over night, it started! Silly but true.

• 

  not bad at all - 2007 Kia Sportage
  By nichos - August 10 - 9:56 am

  Purchased this vehicle 9 months ago for my 100 mile round trip commute. Gas mileage has been better than expected 25-28 mpg. Interior is good size for my 64 300lb frame. Power is okay. Not going to win races, but does fine for my commute. Put almost 20000 mile on it so far and had no problems.

• 

  Excellent Sport Utility - 2000 Kia Sportage
  By BigT - August 7 - 10:00 am

  We have really enjoyed our Kia Sportage EX 4X4 in all of the different elements. From the beaten path to the snow covered roads, this SUV handles extremely well. We have traveled with this car using the car rack and the towing package. With 36000 miles this vehicle has become an outstanding vehicle for our young family. Overall we are pleased with KIA quality and looking into our second KIA vehicle.

• 

  Double take on the New 2005 Sportage!! - 2005 Kia Sportage
  By Renee - August 4 - 5:20 pm

  When I first saw the 05 Sportage, I was really impressed and didnt really think it was even a Sportage! The new design has certainly improved in looks and space since previous models. After my test drive, I purchased the 6 Cylinder Ex in Jade Green. I was really impressed by the size and standard saftey features, not to mention the warranty. The interior is very spacious, and the rear occupants have decent leg room. The ride seems very car like, smooth and not jittery. I like the privacy windows (no need to have the vehicle windows tinted). The covered storage tray above the spare tire is nice to stow items securely and out of view. I really am enjoying and driving my new Kia Sportage!

• 

  Itiswhatitis - 2001 Kia Sportage
  By Getaclue - July 19 - 2:00 am

  I enjoy my sportage convertible! Did any of you that complain think you were buying an M Class or BMW SUV? For the money and considering the warranty its a solid value. Needed more power and the cup holders suck, but it looks like nothing else out there when the top is down and zips around town very well.The new generation Kias are much better, so I guess were...pioneers!

• 

  Still love it after 2 years!! - 2012 Kia Sportage
  By julie46 - July 17 - 4:08 pm

  Tough, reliable, fun, great mileage, roomy. Have had people bang doors into us hard, no dents and a little rub and the mark came out. Ran over a piece of steel on I-5, thought itd rip its belly open. Nope just a little dent. Did great in the snow. Our tires have 33,000 miles and doing great!! My friend has a crv and their tires are wore out at 30,00. Fun to drive and cool looking..my friend bought one just like mine because i love it so. Keep up the good work Kia!1