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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  No CD player! - 2017 Kia Sportage
  By Dawn Boyer - June 12 - 3:07 am

  The turbo takes off like a rocket. Like zero to sixty in five seconds. Or maybe faster. Only downside is that there is no CD player. Drivers side door difficult to reach to close when it is fully open. Passenger door has a nice handle.

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  user friendly - 2002 Kia Sportage
  By oh ya - June 1 - 10:10 pm

  the kia is an affordable and economicly sound purchase. It could use some more horses under the hood, but for the price its worth it. Powerful when in four wheel drive, still limited to slow accelaration.

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  Kia Sportage - BEWARE - 2001 Kia Sportage
  By jfoote - May 27 - 10:00 am

  Losses value quicker than Enron stock. Purchased 2 years ago for 15000, now only worth 6500. Terrible gas milage and worse handling. Slower than everything out there. Grannys in Buicks would pass me and laugh.

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  A stylish and sporty SUV - 2016 Kia Sportage
  By RG3000 - May 26 - 9:46 am

  I purchased a 2016 Kia Sportage and was pleasantly surprised at the handling and peppiness of the sportage. There are many vehicles that use the word "Sport" but they rarely live up to the billing. I was really impressed by the sporty ride and handling of the Sportage. I have the model before the redesign that I love (the new style not so much). I have had no problems with the vehicle and have taken it on several road trips and she held up well.The seats are comfortable for long trips. The area where the Sportage does not shine is fuel economy. If the MPGs were a little better it would be a near perfect vehicle.

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  Little Red Wagon Convertible - 2001 Kia Sportage
  By Shammy from AZ - May 12 - 12:06 am

  Have a Red 2001 2 door automatic Sportage with 2WD. I bought it used and love it! The truck is reliable. I drive 80 miles a day. A blast with the rear top removed. The seats are comfortable and you have a good view of the road ahead. The 2.0 Mazda engine runs strong and the acceleration is fast enough to pass traffic. The 4 speed automatic shifts smooth except when the truck is cold ... then it locks out overdrive until warm. Does ride like a truck but that is expected. The frame is tough as I live on a dirt road with lots of ruts and bumps. With the exception of squeaks and rattles this truck is holding up very well. The previous owner maintained it well. Hoping to get many miles out of her.

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  2001 Kia Sportage - 2001 Kia Sportage
  By LadyDi - May 7 - 10:00 am

  I love my Kia. For the price and comfort it cant be beat. Its fun to drive and I can view the road much better. The dealership in Clearwater is also great. Thanks Kia

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  Best for the money - 2006 Kia Sportage
  By esd - April 25 - 10:13 am

  My experience was that when I first test drove the Sportage, it was a lot whole lot different than the 2002 predecessor. The exterior was a little bit more taller than the 2002 version. The interior was even nicer than the old one too! Below the front passenger airbag was some kind of handle bar just to hold on to.

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  Great SUV for the money - 2000 Kia Sportage
  By williwasfirst - April 23 - 10:59 am

  I had a 2000 Kia Sportage base automatic 4x4 (there is no option for that exact car on Edmunds form here so I picked the closest. I drove this car from about 15,000 miles to 100,000, cross country and back. There are nicer SUVs out there obviously but this one was reliable and inexpensive. Its also kind of fun to drive. The 4x4 is great in snow. Also if you live in the city and park on the street you will love it. At 156 inches long, its very easy to parallel park. I was always amazed at the spots I could fit in. Easier than a Honda Civic.

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  I Love my 2005 Sportage !! - 2005 Kia Sportage
  By Kathy - April 12 - 5:13 pm

  As a consumer I have to say I really love my 2005 Kia Sportage. The new design is roomy, comfortable and makes me feel safe and secure. I always likes the looks of the original Sportage but must say the larger 2005 Sportage is really a good looking car. The warranty with the 60,000 or 5 year roadside assistance along with the extended 100,000 mile warranty at no charge in the purchase price would be hard to beat... and that aspect made a large impact on my purchase decision. I live in a small city that as severe winters and heavy snow..while I didnt buy a 4x4 I have no worry regarding winter performance. Besides, with the roadside assistance at no charge to me I trust Kias dependability.

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  My new Toy - 2006 Kia Sportage
  By Matt - April 12 - 10:53 am

  I needed to get out of the sports car I was in. So I did my homework and went to the auto show in Cleveland Ohio and fell in love with the Sportage. Been in heaven since. Great car for the money. Make sure you get the v6 EX 4x4.