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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  Whos a thunk it! - 2012 Kia Sportage
  By apol732 - February 12 - 4:28 am

  I saw the design change for 2011, and waited. 2012, read reviews, test drove it and a few others, and decided to buy. A year and a half, 31000 miles and no issues what so ever. Ive driven it from El Paso, TX to Jacksonville, FL four times. This is my first new car, i absolutely love it. i took alot of heat for buying a KIA, even I had my doubts, but I do not regret it one bit.

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  As named, a Sporty SUV - 2017 Kia Sportage
  By Rus Johnson - February 11 - 10:31 am

  I already have a Sorento so as a commuter vehicle for myself, I wasnt looking for lots of family room. Also, Im not young anymore, but not quite dead yet, so the radical sporty lines on the 17 Sportage were very appealing to me. I just got the EX model, and although I would not challenge any high end power cars out threre, it does zip nicely through traffic and allows for some competitive driving. The suspension is very stiff, lending to excellent road handling. I drive in Europe several times a year and often rent the BMW X3. Ive got to say, the Sportage handles every bit as well. The interior is great looking and ergonomic. I cant speak for reliability as I have not had the vehicle long enough, but you cant beat the long term warranty. For those in my neck of the woods, I have to stick a plug in for Mike at KIA Smithtown NY. He made the purchasing process a pleasure.

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  I love my Sportage - 2005 Kia Sportage
  By Beth - February 6 - 12:33 am

  When I first saw that Kia was reintoducing the Sportage, I had to check it out. My husband had a 2002 and regrets having traded it in. I researched on line and went to my local dealer to see it in person. I was impressed by the amount of room and the safety features. Plus it now had an available 6 cyl. engine. I bought an LX FWD in jade green. This model came with all the features I wanted and has plenty of room for my family of 5 plus baseball equipment etc. I compared the specs to those of the Sorento. The differences were only a matter of inches and the Sportage is very reasonably priced. I love driving it all over town!

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  Sportage EX Update - 2011 Kia Sportage
  By daviel - February 4 - 4:08 pm

  I sent in a review at one weeks ownership; I have 10,000 miles. I really cannot think of a single complaint-the Sportage is doing fine. I like the handling and the engine. I did not buy this car to be a rocket, but it is fine in traffic; gets off the line quick. Mileage is still good - I do not drive it for max mileage and its still good. a very comfortable car. I am delighted I bought it - my favorite car!

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  A bad choice - 2006 Kia Sportage
  By J - February 3 - 2:53 am

  I bought this SUV new 3 years ago, and liked it. However recently it started stalling when I tried to stop at traffic lights. A Kia dealership could not figure out what the problem was. The situation happens from time to time but nobody can fix it! Its a dangerous car.

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  2017 Kia Sportage EX With premium an Tech package - 2017 Kia Sportage
  By BRIAN FINOCCHIO - January 23 - 6:10 am

  I absolutely love this car from the mean exterior to the plush interior, you get in and cannot believe its a Kia! The drive is smooth- could use a bit more power but not complaining. I bought from the Kia Depot in santa ana , ca and they were accommodating unfortunately they changed ownership and now the service is terrible and they dont honor deals that were made at time of purchase..love the car..just not who I bought it from.

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  Bad purchase! - 2001 Kia Sportage
  By Zooball - January 22 - 1:26 am

  My story is not as bad as others, but here are the problems: unstable in winds, spark plugs a pain to replace, -cannot drive on any amount of snow -drink holders break easily -one passenger window stuck for a year -fuel pump squeals -check engine light constantly on -exhaust rattles -underpowered -extended warranty was a Ponzi scheme fraud -replaced battery only to cause more electrical problems -air conditioning weakens in a year -KIA dealership service is a joke at best -paid off car only to have it become un-driveable soon after -cannot fit three childrens car seats comfortably -would not sell on used market -mileage drops off rapidly -alarm so difficult to turn off it goes unused

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  The Sportier SUV - Kia Sportage - 2011 Kia Sportage
  By Tulsa NW - January 17 - 1:18 pm

  Need a large fuel tank, small tank causes more fill up on trips.

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  Just-Right SUV! - 2000 Kia Sportage
  By xVRM - January 6 - 2:00 am

  No mechanical problems to-date (36k mi.). Very nice standard features. Interior layout is excellent. Power adequate around town and in steady highway cruising Some scheduled maintenance pricey. Body hardware is good. No squeaks or rattles. Lack of body cladding is a plus.

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  Not an American Car - 2000 Kia Sportage
  By Driver61 - December 27 - 10:13 am

  2.0L with 5 speed, keep it in 2nd and 3rd to 5500 rpm to get on interstate. Too busy at 70mph/3200 rpm, but runs all day. Gets 25-26 mpg with air on. Once in a while 27 mpg. Runs & drives OK with full load (800#). Warranty service exceptional. No problems out of warranty except vacuum lines for 4WD hubs - a cheap fix, but a bother. Nothing but scheduled maintenance. Not a great car for the Interstate, but excellent for 55 mph rural highway. Will climb a goat trail in 4WD. This is a little truck, but excellent suspension and brakes. It deserves good tires, dont skimp. I use Michelin Harmony passenger car tires. Good in rain and snow. AC works OK, but with all the glass it gets hot fast, takes awhile to cool down.