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:

• 

  Very happy with my sportage! - 2008 Kia Sportage
  By tlk7005 - September 19 - 7:40 am

  Quality, performance, and features for base model right up there with other manufacturers such as Toyota, Hyundai, Ford, Honda, etc. in my experience. Reliability has been great! Have put 12,000 miles on in 7 mos. Dealer has been a pleasure to work with as has service dept. Avg gas mileage is 25, mostly hwy! Roomy and comfy, even back seat. And large dog fits in cargo space. Curious about handling in snow yet? Price cant be beat and dealer practically gave away the extended warranty as well, which, by the way, beats the competitions warranties by miles, literally and figuratively! Love my 2008 Sportage so much I just bought a new 2009 last weekend to go with it! This time it is a 4WD.

• 

  Most bang for the buck - 2008 Kia Sportage
  By kiajerry - September 14 - 11:36 pm

  Best all-around and versatile vehicle i have ever owned. This is my third Kia, i already knew they are a great value. Cant wait till winter, this is my first all-wheel drive ride. The sportage is a nicer vehicle than my wifes 05 Mazda Tribute S. The only thing the Mazda has is a few more ponies. Way to go Kia!

• 

  Took a chance and it is paying off! - 2005 Kia Sportage
  By Dan - September 10 - 10:43 pm

  I researched this car and 3 other compact SUVs (CR-V, Rav4, Escape). The Kia was near the bottom in price but head and shoulders above the others in features. The only thing concerning me was the name. Kia doesnt exactly scream reliability...yet. I took a chance thinking the 10 year warranty was a good fall back if things didnt go well. After almost a year and 15k+ miles I am pleased in my choice. Have had no problems with the vehicle, only visit the dealer to change oil every 5k miles as the filter is exotic & expensive at a parts shop. Get compliments all the time on style, people think it is a luxury suv. Didnt want to review early just in case, but after a year this is an awesome buy!

• 

  Absolutely Awesome! - 2005 Kia Sportage
  By SparkerT - September 7 - 7:06 am

  Great style; smooth ride; roomy functional interior; excellent value. I highly recommend the Sportage for anyone in the market for a compact SUV. Its a great value and some real competition for its Japanese competitor SUVs which cost thousands of dollars more. Kia has a hit here!

• 

  Absolutely A Great SUV - 2008 Kia Sportage
  By Angela - September 5 - 12:43 am

  I was reluctant to consider KIA as a car that I would purchase. I went to the dealership by chance. Only to be sold on the beautiful looks of the Royal Jade Green Sportage. It looks comparable to the other SUVs in its class but a lot more affordable with the cost of fuel these days. It is surprisingly roomy and had most of the features I wanted in a vehicle in regards to safety for the family. I have 3 girls, 2 of which are teenagers and one in a car seat, and I was very surprised to see that my kids fit well in the back seat with no complaining. I think that it has more interior room than my 2007 Dodge Ram quad cab. I would highly recommend the KIA, as they have come a long way. Love it!

• 

  Good deal car - 2008 Kia Sportage
  By Ben Church - September 3 - 1:21 pm

  If you see one above 8000 pass good vehicle otherwise dont drive much to and from work mostly so car is keeping up good beside some rust now starting to appear

• 

  So far so good - 2017 Kia Sportage
  By Scott - September 2 - 5:16 am

  My wife just traded her 2014 Mustang for a base 2017 lx Sportage front wheel drive. So far havent missed the Mustang at all. The Sportage rides extremely comfortable and has been getting 26 to 27 mpg in town. The A/C will run you out. The visibility is terrific with little to no blind spots. The 4 cylinder has ample enough power around town and on highway for a SUV. Negatives? Stereo sound is wimpy and do miss the hid headlights the Mustang had. Overall we are satisfied with the look, ride, and performance of the 2017 Sportage.

• 

  Best vehicle I have ever owned! - 2008 Kia Sportage
  By SMA - September 1 - 12:06 am

  In 2006, our family purchased our first Sportage. It was Jade Green and I loved it so very much. Due to rising gas prices, we recently went on the lookout for a better commuter vehicle and, while impressed with the looks and mileage of the Kia compacts, we went right back to a new Sportage. This one is silver gray and happily accepted by the whole family. We love the safety it offers, the height, and the roomy interior. Im sure we will always go to the Kia Sportage as new vehicles are required by our family. My only issue is the ESC Off light came on as we drove it home from the dealership. Will call immediately to have it fixed.

• 

  This Time Kia Got It Right - 2005 Kia Sportage
  By Mark - August 28 - 12:16 pm

  We had originally considered a 2002 Sportage, but were concerned they were discontinuing the model. Now Im glad I waited. My previous experience with Kia came from owning a Ford Aspire (built by Kia), which gave me 60,000 trouble- free miles, so I knew Kias were reliable. The new Sportage is everything its namesake wasnt: Stylish, safe, well-built and a kick to drive. Not to mention a killer sound system (although a bit heavy on the bass, something classical music doesnt always need). The interior feels upscale, and is more comfortable than the more-expensive competitors I tested. With another New England winter coming (probably next week), I feel confident my Sportage will get me home.

• 

  Great Buy - 2007 Kia Sportage
  By Mikes Sportage - August 27 - 10:13 pm

  Looked at a bunch of different SUVs. Kia really has the market on more bang for your buck, friends told me to buy a Honda CR-V but I bought a KIA Sportage and Im laughing all the way to the bank with the money I saved, the standard up grades on the Sportage you pay for on other SUVs, would highly recomend this to everyone.