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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  Value for Money - 2009 Kia Sportage
  By Tony G - May 21 - 7:16 am

  I researched many cars offering similar amenities. The KIA appeared to offer better features for the lowest price. I was not disappointed, it has great features and is very well built. While not a powerhouse the engine offers sufficient power for highway driving. The seating layout and flexibility is well done providing real flatbed storage. The transmission is smooth. I wish that KIA offered a larger tyre option, but it is not a major flaw. The finish and engineering are of high quality. The entertainment system, bluetooth and component inputs make offer more luxury features than are found on many prestige cars. I was surprised and disappointed to find an ashtray, GPS space would be better.

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  Who would have known? - 2011 Kia Sportage
  By dezcars - May 15 - 10:00 am

  I purchased the EX FULLY LOADED AWD version. With every conceivable option it still only came to $30,065. The Orange color is eye popping, went to Niagara Falls and back from Syracuse NY and got 29.4 mpg with only 700 miles on the odometer. The hidden tray in the back wasnt in any of the vehicles on the lot so the dealership ordered it for me. Since its supposed to be in the vehicles as standard equipment, I got it for free. I bought the optional 10 year 100K bumper to bumper warranty and looking over what it covers its worth every penny. I was looking at all types of vehicles for my wife, she spotted this as it came off the truck. Its an outstanding vehicle. Youll love it. KIA? You Bet!

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  Crazy about my KIA - 2008 Kia Sportage
  By Love my KIA in Wisc. - May 3 - 10:33 am

  I wanted a midsize SUV after always having sedans, but wanted something good on gas, and a good warranty. I am SO HAPPY with this car! We cant believe how much we can fit in it, and will never have to ask friends to pick up large items for us that we cant fit in our car. My husband who drives a Cougar, says he doesnt like sitting up so high, but I can see better over snowpiles. Yet anytime we both go anywhere, he wants to drive my KIA! I must say, I am really impressed with this vehicle. I average about 19-20mpg city, 23-24Hwy. So far, not one problem with anything. I drove a Ford Escape, Jeep Patriot, Saturn Vue; all felt like riding in a truck! My KIA has a nice soft ride.

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  my first kia - 2007 Kia Sportage
  By kimne - May 2 - 3:03 pm

  After having my first accident with another type of car, I was particularly interested in a safe vehicle while still trying not to go over budget. I finally decided on a Kia Sportage and I think I made one of the best choices in a car that I have ever made. It has a 5 star rating, and it was not bad on my budget while I feel that I got a decent small SUV with a good warranty for my money. It has averaged about 22-23 mpg overall, but that is not bad compared to other SUVs on the market at the moment. I have three other family members who are buying Kias now, although they all opted for the Amanti. My little SUV handles great and I drive an avg of 700 miles per week.

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  So far, so good - 2005 Kia Sportage
  By artgpo - April 30 - 6:33 am

  My wife has an 05 Sportage. The car has been driven almost 2,000 mile during the first month. There are no negatives except the gas mileage could be better. We saw the EPS rating before purchase so there are no suprises. It averages 21 in mixed driving. The Sportage is quiet comfortable and very well assembled. It looks as though the Korean manufaturers are now a serious force for the Japanese and American manufaturers. If you are looking for a small SUV I would recommend test driving the Sportage before making your decision. We compared the CRV side by side with the Sportage (dealer loaned us a new CRV). The CRV is longer. End of advantages for Honda.

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  Kia is stepping up to the plate. - 2005 Kia Sportage
  By Eddie White - April 25 - 1:13 am

  After careful planning and research, I finally bought my 05 Sportage (First one sold in Anchorage). I purchased the Black Cherry EX 4WD with the luxury package for a price of just over 22000. I was very skeptical about buying a Kia or any Asian vehicle (especially since I am from Detroit MI). However the reviews from the pros were considerably good. So after test driving one for myself, I felt I had to buy one (too hard to resist). The Sportage is done very well both inside and out and the luxury package makes it that much better. The engine has good pick-up and go when you need it too! Plus a ten year warranty thats unmatched by most. Kia steps to the plate with a home run hit

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  Kia Sportage - 2007 Kia Sportage
  By aj - April 12 - 4:20 am

  The Kia Sportage is a very good car for the price it is worth. I was going to buy a ford edge but instead I got the Kia Sportage. So far the car has been doing well; the fuel economy is great - 22 in the city and 27 in the highway. There is one problem when the highway you hear the road too much but everything else is great. I recommend it for a family of 4 or 5. The trunk space is really good and the seats fold flat to make the trunk bigger. It is a great car, looks kind of sporty andhas a nice touch to it. It could use more power but thats ok.

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  Just bought an 06 Sportage! - 2006 Kia Sportage
  By Big Dog - April 11 - 6:30 pm

  I own 2 02 Honda CR-Vs AWD, and thought they were the neatest things on wheels. Mileage got high on one, and I looked at newer CR-Vs- the 07s seem not to be as relaible or have as good ride- so looked at 06-07 Sportage. WOW! Far better ride- larger interior, more power than CR-V,better quality ride and comfort. Much better steering- much easier, and a far better AWD system. I can lock in 4WD from a stop- CR-V must have wheel spin first. This is just a superior vehicle all around. I got a great price, and repspectful service from dealer, plus warranty. Car was so clean, I thought it was new when I picked it up last Saturday!

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  Bought A Beauty At a Bargain Price - 2005 Kia Sportage
  By Albert J Gonzales - April 11 - 1:03 pm

  Having owned a 1998 Spotage I was anxious to get my hands on the new and improved model for 2005. It is one of the best vehicles I have ever owned. I get plenty of looks and questions about it. It has plenty of power for my needs, which includes many long hills to climb, with camping gear.

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  A real sleeper - dont tell anyone - 2007 Kia Sportage
  By steve - April 2 - 6:16 pm

  I saw a Sorento last year and wanted it but when I saw the Sportage I was sold just on the outside looks and size. Now that I own one, I see that its a real sleeper. It has great speed and handling; its the SUV that thinks its a sports car, or I drive it like one. I feel very safe when Im driving. Its quiet when the doors are closed to road noise. Its the first luxury car/truck Ive ever owned. I keep finding small key extras. With the 10yr/10k, 5yr roadside, 3yr paint, Ill have this one a long time to come and Im loving it. Ive dressed up my truck and get looks all the time.