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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  Good and bad - 2013 Kia Sportage
  By sporty74 - September 28 - 1:46 am

  I like the styling inside and out. Seats are comfy on long trips. Getting better gas mileage than advertised. AWD is great. But, suspension is really bad. I have to avoid potholes and minor bumps so I do not cringe at the noise. Can feel every bump through the steering wheel. Interior road noise is very high. The gas engine sounds like a diesel at idle. Not sure if I would buy another one, unless they made major improvements in the new models.

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  Waste of Time - 2008 Kia Sportage
  By Natalie - September 15 - 6:29 pm

  This car is not worth the money. Kias are not mad to last.

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  Sportage - 2002 Kia Sportage
  By bbbaker - September 6 - 2:00 am

  I was pleasantly surprised with the power and comfort of such an economical vehicle. Interior has a spacious feel. Back seat folds down and was able to haul items that I normally would have borrowed a truck for.

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  Better than expected - 2005 Kia Sportage
  By KiaOwner - August 31 - 9:30 am

  Weve had the car about 4 months and 6,000 miles now and have been very pleased with it. Other than a recall on the gas tank, weve no problems with it. The dealership was very unhelpful right from the purchase, but the payoff has been a great vehicle for relatively little cost. We looked at all of the small SUVs and this one was by far the most comfortable and well assembled. Its small enough to move around easily but big enough to throw a bunch of groceries in back and carry 5 people comfortably. Its quiet -- much more so than any car Ive owned before. For the money, I couldnt be more pleased with it. I like it much better than my sister-in-laws CRV!

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  GOOD RIG FOR THE $ - 2001 Kia Sportage
  By RICK - August 29 - 9:23 am

  I purchased my Sportage new to replace a nissan that had over 300k on it! My expectations were high and for the most part I am very satisfied. Now my Sportage has 246k miles and as long as I replace the drive belt and change the oil as scheduled I should get much much more out of it. The horsepower is a bit low so I ordered it with a manual 5 spd trans to help make up the difference and the cup holder is a piece of crap but other than that, I love it! My plan now is to retire it from the road and turn it into a toy for offroad!!

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  Buyer beware!! - 2000 Kia Sportage
  By MotherRockDog - August 18 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Sportage 4WD because the price was right and the warranty couldnt be beat. I need a 4WD where I live and it seemed like a nice little SUV. Well its a good thing it has such a great warranty because its in the shop practically every other month with a variety of problems. From minor things like the dome lights not working and the door to the gas tank not opening (I had to pry it open with a screwdriver), to major things like the nuetral safety switch crunching into a dozen pieces under the clutch pedal and the 4WD breaking TWICE (so far). Ive been without 4WD for most of the winter. My Sportage has been carted away on a flatbed three times so far.

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  Love My Kia - 2001 Kia Sportage
  By mike meldahl - August 18 - 2:00 am

  I commute 130 miles a day and my Sportage has never let me down. I have done nothing but change the oil, rotate the tires, and had a 30k tune- up.

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  Lucky or a Good SUV? - 2002 Kia Sportage
  By Meaggro - August 18 - 2:00 am

  Ive had mine for a little over a month and I love it. Could use more Horsepower. Cup hold is in a real lame place. Stereo sounds great and the add-ons (cargo mat and window visors) were worth the money. Like the full size spare and the fold down rear seats. Good, solid car overall. Also own a Sedona (LOVE IT), this is my second Kia. I love this company, but the dealership makes all the difference. Ive had both a bad experience and a great experience with two different dealerships.

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  Love my 2012 Kia Sportage BUT Wheres The Rattle? - 2012 Kia Sportage
  By jponder - August 17 - 3:52 am

  I never thought Id own anything but a Ford or Chevy but the Sportage caught my eye. I test drove several and decided a White LX AWD with the Convenience Package was perfect for me! I now have 5800 miles on it and I love it BUT I have this annoying little rattle thats driving me insane. It sounds like its around the lower part of the windshield/dash area. Ive now had it to the dealership 3 different times, an hour and fifteen minute drive one way, and they cant find it! It doesnt do it until I reach 60mph and then its non stop. Has anyone else had this issue?

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  I love my Kia! - 2002 Kia Sportage
  By Jewle - August 6 - 10:00 am

  I would recommend the Kia Sportage! I bought a vehicle to slow me down, and take my time, this one is it. It runs great, and if I get stuck in snow or ice, I have 4 wheel drive. Shes cute too!