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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  Glad I bought Kia - 2005 Kia Sportage
  By maryt - May 18 - 3:36 pm

  I had my Sportage 3 years and really love it. Handles well, carries everything I need. I downsized from a Blazer and could not be happier. The few times I have had to have it serviced have been good experiences.

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  Excellent Overall Package - 2005 Kia Sportage
  By RandM - May 16 - 10:43 pm

  Finally it arrived, and just in time for my wife and I to trade our ailing Passat in for such a fantastic vehicle. If you look at the interior fit and finish alone, youll be astounded like we were. The performance is great, the ride is awesome and the look (and ride) is much better than its cousin Tucson (by Hyundai). What makes my wife and I smile is that we get a bigger vehicle, with better saftey features, better warranty and V6 power at a price that was less than our 5-speed 1999 Passat. No wonder these are selling so fast! You really need to check em out, there are features galore (including adjustable height on center armrest, shopping bag hooks, MP3 player). Great Job Kia!!!

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  You Cant Beat The Price - 2000 Kia Sportage
  By senorita - May 7 - 2:00 am

  My 2000 Kia Sportage runs great. I have never had a problem with it. Its a 4 cylinder so I get the oil changed religiously every 3,000 miles. It was a great buy for the money.

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  A Bargain at Twice the Price! - 2011 Kia Sportage
  By Scratchglassturnblue - May 4 - 2:00 am

  WOW. You got to be kidding me. Kia has a very satisfied customer! This is my second Kia. The 1st one was a Kia Sedona w/ 170k miles, nearly flawless. The Sportage gave me exactly what I was looking for and much more. The Toyotas, Hondas, Nissans and others are hopelessly overpriced.

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  Best of SUVs - 2008 Kia Sportage
  By mtyszka1 - April 18 - 3:53 pm

  Great on gas, better than expected handling, and no defects as delivered, a first for me as a buyer.

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  Love My Sportage - 2005 Kia Sportage
  By Gail Merritt - April 18 - 7:13 am

  I have owned a Sportage since 1998. I loved my first one but my new Sportage is way beyond comparison. The ride is smooth, the exterior is beautiful. I wanted something that didnt look like you were driving a box around and I found it in the new Sportage; its classy looking yet sporty. This car is even approved by my teenage grandson. The performance of the car is more that I expected and so far I havent found anything that I dislike about it. Youve got a hit in this one!

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  My Kia Sportage - 2005 Kia Sportage
  By William - April 16 - 2:46 am

  This is my second Sportage (2000)and I find that there is more power, better design and confort.

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  Over 200k! - 2000 Kia Sportage
  By nobother - April 2 - 8:00 am

  I purchased mine used 6 years ago to get me through the snowy mountains of Virginia, and it has never let me down. I drive it about 3500 miles per month and so far these are the only repairs: brakes, tires, 02 sensor (at 150k miles), batteries (gone through several of these), power window switch. Cloth seats feel cheap, but otherwise the interior is well planned and accessories are convenient. Exterior, for me, is pretty rough--it sort of looks like a beefy go-cart. I would recommend one for a new driver who will have to deal with inclement weather conditions. Easy to maneuver in snow/rain, easy to park, and there is plenty of glass all the way around so drivers can see surroundings

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  Shocked at the value here - 2011 Kia Sportage
  By Surpised_by_Kia - March 23 - 2:00 am

  Had it for 2 weeks. Still cant believe the value for the money. Styling is one of the best out there in the segment. Handles like a Honda. Loaded to the hilt, you can get one for $26.5K (invoice) and it comes with options only found in high end vehicles (rear camera, nav, BT, leather, USB, xeon, 18" rims, dual moonroof, backup sensors, 6spd auto, homelink, voice commands, ARE YOU KIDDING ME?). We shopped around and couldnt find anything close to it for the price - have to jump $8-10K to find a comp. Car feels like it has more than 176 HP, probably because of the 6 sp auto. In the market for a small, heavily optioned SUV? Look no further. Oh, and it has the 10yr/100K mile warranty. Nice!

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  Lemon, and Kia blames me? - 2012 Kia Sportage
  By metrogtiguy - March 16 - 7:05 am

  I bought this as an upgrade to my 2011 Sportage LX. The LXs 2.4L engine wasnt quite up to the task of pulling my 1,155lb camper. It would struggle up hills while the A/C was running. I figured I would get the 260hp turbo one, and alleviate that issue. Well, I was VERY wrong. @3,00 miles - detonation sounds in engine. Dealer told me it was normal @5,500 miles - Total spark plug destruction while towing 1,700lb trailer @6,500 miles - Again, spark plug failure, and hole in cylinder #3 while towing 1,155lb trailer. Kia blames overloading, yet the car has a 2,000lb towing capacity. Had to file lawsuit, which is currently pending Kias response.