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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  Scammed - 2002 Kia Sportage
  By cheated by dealer - August 12 - 10:00 am

  Horrible quality. Windows wouldnt go up, drivers seat not bolted securely, cup holder broke, dome light burnt out twice in 6 months. The scotch-guard on the seats didnt work, stains on them and there are parts already rusted! Cheap vehicle and now the dealer wont standy by it indicating I "only" bought a $20k vehicle and not to expect much. Getting rid of vehicle within 1st year and taking huge loss, worth only 1/2 of its value & will have to add remainder on new car loan.

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  LOVE MY KIA <3 - 2005 Kia Sportage
  By CHRIS - August 10 - 8:30 pm

  I Just Got My Kia!! I LOVE IT! Its an awesome and fun Cute-Ute to drive. Rides smooth. GREAT interior Design, VERY Spacious. Kia has really stepped up to standards with the totally re-designed, more powerful, luxury Sportage.

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  better deal than gm - 2008 Kia Sportage
  By the best - August 4 - 3:30 am

  My sportage was a leftover 2008 and i bought it feb 2009 i was very happy with the warranty and the rebate of 4000 .i will never go back to gm after owning a kia.it handles good on the road ,and in the snow and ice.only complaint i have is that the front seats need to have arm rest.

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  Love My 2008 KIA - 2008 Kia Sportage
  By Love My Kia - August 3 - 11:13 am

  Bought new at end of Dec 2008. First brand new car. This car is great, interior room, style, gas is good. Gets about 25 mpg. Not having the problems some are having. Guess they got the defective models. This is the most comfortable vehicle I have driven. I am very pleased with my car. No major complaints

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  I Love My Kia Sportage! - 2007 Kia Sportage
  By Jerry - August 2 - 11:36 am

  My aging Blazer needed replacement. I did a lot of research before buying a small SUV. Initially, Kia was not on my list. My perceptions were based on the 90s cheap built Kia that mechanics discouraged buying. A happenstance visit to a Kia dealer changed all that. One week later I returned to purchase my Silver EX Luxury Edition Sportage. Why? Styling, bang for my $$, fuel economy and standard features found only as options on similar vehicles. Im not disappointed. The interior is plush and the exterior is eye-catching. The engine/transmission is what I expected and want - a nice balance between power and fuel economy. Summary - you wont be sorry. Believe me, Im particular!

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  Happy owner - 2017 Kia Sportage
  By Rich Surface - July 29 - 12:10 pm

  Great car , bought 1 st one sold by Hurst Tx dealer on Friday and love car .

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  LEMON ON WHEELS - 2001 Kia Sportage
  By KPLIN - July 20 - 10:00 am

  My very first new car and I had to buy this one. It spends more time in the shop then in my driveway. Rotors bad, over and over, rear shot, windows dont work, oil leaks, 4wheel drive broken - twice and the list continues. Wouldnt recommend this car to my enemy. All it needs is a picture of a lemon put on the side and it would be perfect. Resale value dropped so bad, I cant even afford to get rid of the darn thing. No wonder its discontinued.

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  Great cute ute - 2011 Kia Sportage
  By rusticdriver - July 15 - 5:59 pm

  Finally got rid of my 10 yr old Toyota Sequoia-had problems with it from the get go. I live in rural Vermont on dirt roads and need clearance and 4WD plus room for 2 dogs and 2 kids. I love the Sportage. Very fun to drive and great gas mileage for 4WD-about 25 mpg average, mostly on rural roads. So far, good on dirt roads and I dont have serious tires on it yet. I bought the EX and the seats are very comfortable especially with the lumbar support for the driver. Very quiet ride. Visibility is fine in back, but the combination of the pillars and side mirrors in the front is a safety hazard! I cant see medians while turning left and I cant see people in in crosswalks.

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  Great Little SUV - 2001 Kia Sportage
  By Chief - July 6 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Kia in spring of 2001 and have loved it. Its 4X4 capability is incredible for such a low priced vehicle. Ive taken it to the beach and it goes right along with the rest of of the bigger SUVs and trucks. Just remember to let some air out of the tires when you ride on sand. My kids love to ride in it. I would recommend a Kia to anyone who doesnt want to go broke buying a new SUV. I have had only one mechanical problem since purchase and that was a faulty oxygen sensor.

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  I love my new KIA Sportage! - 2005 Kia Sportage
  By Stephanie Smith - June 21 - 8:20 am

  I love my new 2005 KIA Sportage!!! It drives like a dream! It turns tightly and doesnt ever feel like it is leaning when you turn. It has great pick-up and smooth shifting. I love all the storage and the upholstery and carpeting. The standard alarm and keyless entry and sunroof were great bonuses! Best of all is the 10 year 100,000 mile drivetrain warranty and the 5 year 60,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty! How can you beat that?