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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  Love Kia - 2006 Kia Sportage
  By Donna Flynn - July 10 - 4:43 pm

  Absolutely love my Kia. Have had several comments about what a sharp vehicle it is. Recommend Kia to anyone. The warranty is fantastic. Drove it to Florida 10 days after buying it. For the first time in 4 years of going to Florida, our backs did not hurt from riding in a vehicle.

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  Stay away from KIA! - 2007 Kia Sportage
  By Traci - July 8 - 7:50 pm

  Cute vehicle, but has terrible traction in winter. Brakes were completely worn out after warranty expired (complete replacement in less than 2 years). KIA Warranty may be the best in the business, but dealers will find a way around it so dont let that be a purchasing factor. Had a front caliper fall off and almost flip over; rear axle squeals; battery dies often - but KIA says everything is great. Put over $600.00 in mandatory services and paid out $500.00 for additional maintenance per yr. Ill never purchase another KIA even if they offered it to me for free! If you want a vehicle that works OK for a year, then this is the car for you. enough said (youve been warned)

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  Great Ride - 2005 Kia Sportage
  By Dennis McCoy - July 5 - 5:56 am

  Great design and love the color combination we picked, white exterior and the black cloth interior. V-6 with sunroof and spacious for us as we are mid sixties and room for the grandkids. Already been on eight hour drive and seating is very ergomatic as not exausted when arrive at destination. Lots of compliments from friends and relatives.

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  2005 Kia Sportage LX FWDR - 2005 Kia Sportage
  By Susanne - June 30 - 8:43 am

  A great SUV, fun to drive. Gas Mileage is at 19 and 26 per dealership. I love the storage capacity and the ease of flipping over the back seats that lay completely flat. Its comfortable to zip around town in all day and is a great cross country vehicle as well.

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  Constantly in the shop - 2001 Kia Sportage
  By wspd16 - June 27 - 2:06 pm

  This is my first brand new car. Unfortunately also the worst. Problems stated at 3000 miles. Engine light is on almost every time I bring it in for any type service. All 4 power window motors went. Transmission problems, engine problems, wheel bearing problems, 4X4 problems, Defroster takes forever to clear front wind shield, cup holders broke easily. Vehicle had much more down time than its worth. Service department had to repeat their work two and three times before vehicle would run right for certain repairs.

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  Glad I Got It! - 2006 Kia Sportage
  By Kristi - June 26 - 4:16 pm

  I compared the Kia to the Tribute and the Escape. They all have similar mileage and features, but what sold me was that most of the Kia features were standard and not expensive extras. The only thing I added were the leather seats and I extended the 10 year warranty bumper-bumper instead of just the engine/drivetrain. Everyone comments on how attractive it is and on the cool features like all the storage compartments and comfort of the ride. I gave up a fun convertible and wasnt convinced I was doing the right thing, but this is one of the best cars Ive ever driven!

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  This is a GREAT car! - 2002 Kia Sportage
  By akbusdrvr - June 25 - 10:00 am

  I live in Alaska where we get lots of snow. This winter I did not have one problem getting around in the snow or ice. I like the auto lock hubs, no more getting out to turn the hubcaps! I also tested the automatic, and it did not seem to do as well as the manual transmission. Also, a person cannot beat the warranty on these cars. A great little UTE!

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  Kia sportage - 2007 Kia Sportage
  By Anna - June 25 - 5:33 am

  Got this back in March 09. I like it a lot. The biggestthing is safety. The gas mileage is ok. Also got it for 4- wheel drive to deal with snow/ice and driving country backroads. Got a good deal so other people might too.

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  Dont By it - 2002 Kia Sportage
  By paqman21 - June 19 - 10:00 am

  I would advise you to stay away from this SUV. It is not worth the money. If you are not in a windy city it might be good for you. I didnt like going from the first lane to the fourth lane in one swift blow.

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  2013 Kia Sportage LX AWD - 2012 Kia Sportage
  By rottensox - June 18 - 6:53 am

  I bought a brand new Sportage a few weeks ago. It had less than 400 miles on it from the dealer driving it from a different state. At 800 miles I noticed the rear differential leaking fluid. I took it back to the dealer and they are currently replacing the differential. I hope this doesnt represent the overall quality of the car as I paid over $20,000 for it.