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:

• 

  great car! - 2005 Kia Sportage
  By marco - May 19 - 10:06 am

  This is the best small SUV in terms of quality/price rapport. Its very silent and offers a smooth ride. Its also stylish. Its not a sport car and it is perfect for a small family. My biggest complain is about fuel economy. I measure gas consumption many times and in the city the car gives 16 mpg, although in the highway it is just fine: 27 mpg.

• 

  Vehicle is Passable, Service Stinks on Ice - 2008 Kia Sportage
  By wschlagel - May 14 - 5:14 pm

  Vehicle had defect issues with respect to door handles. Within one week, three of the four door handles broke off in my hand. Dealership claimed there was a recall, but used a recent ice storm to slither out of replacing the door handles. Wanted to charge me $500 per door. When asked about the fairness of doing such a thing, dealership shrugged me off and told me "you shouldnt have bought a used car". Vehicle performance is marginal. Acceleration isnt that great, almost no power. Vehicle doesnt seem to handle speeds above 75 very well. Mileage is terrible, but probably good for SUV. Vehicle is roomy, and interior laid out well.

• 

  Daughter Might not get the Kia!! - 2002 Kia Sportage
  By Patrick McCloskey - May 10 - 2:00 am

  I was in the market for a car to drive to work for a couple of years then turn over to my (now 14 yr) daughter. With the cash-back, warrenty, and the fun driving this was a great pick. I have had no problems with the car, which I bought at one of Memphiss leading dealerships. I might have to get my daughter another car!!

• 

  AWESOME!! - 2017 Kia Sportage
  By Mrs. Tamara - April 25 - 9:00 pm

  I own a 2017 Kia Sportage and say no more, its easy on gas, quick on acceleration, quiet and I call it "My Lady Bug" lol. I love the style and the space in the back seat is good. I can fit 5 people in my Sportage with no problem. However I wish I could have got AWD instead of FWD, thats the only thing I would change. Its affordable, reliable, the trial SiriusXM Radio is so nice, hardly no commercials (Finally) I dont have to listen to the radio talking. Back to the Sportage, I own a Lexus SUV 2005 & I have two nice vehicles. Just goes to show me cars dont have to cost a fortune to be comfortable & cute.

• 

  Impressed - 2008 Kia Sportage
  By Love my Sportage - April 12 - 11:46 pm

  My daughter went looking for a new car in January. She wanted a small SUV. I talked her into looking at the KIA Sportage, mainly due to price and warranty. She really didnt think she wanted a KIA, but to placate me, she decided to look at the Sportage. She ended up purchasing a 6 cylinder LX and so did I! We both love our Sportages. They get better gas mileage than what is published. They are fun to drive and very comfortable. We are both very happy with our purchases!

• 

  Kia Sportage – Joy to Drive but Low on Gas Mileage - 2017 Kia Sportage
  By Chris - April 12 - 2:49 am

  I agree with a lot of the other reviewers on the overall happiness with the 2017 Kia Sportage. However, I get no where near the gas mileage that others have reported, even on the base model front wheel drive. Am I missing something? Driving in Eco mode, I am lucky to get 21mpg overall in city driving. I expected a little better in Eco Mode. If I dare to change to standard or sport mode, it takes half a tank to get back up to 20mpg in Eco Mode. I dont drive much, so its not a huge deal, just wondering what I might be doing wrong. Despite the gas mileage, I really love my 2017 Kia Sportage. I bought the front wheel drive LX back in August and it has just the right amount of torque and acceleration that I need for urban driving. Even in Eco mode, I noticed that it performed better than the Nissan Rogue, RAV4 and Honda CRV. However, what really stood out to me was the amount of features I got with the base model LX compared to Toyota, Nissan, Mazda and Honda. I also appreciated the long warranty, reliability ratings and the IIHS top safety report. I really like the overall design of the car (especially the tiger nose grill) and the spacious back seats sealed the deal for me. I used to drive a 2000 Volkswagen Beetle, so pretty much any new car was amazing to me. The first car I test drove was the Mazda CX3 and it was a lot of fun to drive but too compact. I then tried the Nissan Rogue which had a lot of nice features for the price but not much acceleration and it rolled too much. The Honda CRV was a total letdown and a completely boring car. The Toyota RAV4 felt like a very solid and well built car. The quality was very apparent but so was the high price. After testing the 2017 Kia Sportage, seeing all the features and finally the reasonable price, I was sold. Now, Im not a fan of the gas mileage but I drive so little that it never mattered to me. At the end of the day, the Sportage is a lot of fun to drive and provides a comfortable ride with enough acceleration that I can get around the city without any problems.

• 

  Enjoying the ride! - 2006 Kia Sportage
  By Val S. - April 11 - 5:16 pm

  So far I love it. Quiet interior, handles very well, looks great and you cant beat the warranty. I think this is an up and coming vehicle that will prove to hold its value in the coming years.

• 

  Great SUV for the price. - 2009 Kia Sportage
  By br2000nc - March 30 - 1:43 pm

  We bought the Sportage because it was thousands cheaper than the rest of the compact SUVs and has a better warranty. Kia was also offering a $2000 rebate at the time. Have about 27k on it and so far it has been great. posted fuel economy is 20/25/23, we live in the country and average about 26 mpg, not bad. The only disappointment so far is the tires. They already need to be replaced. The 2.0 I4 is ok at highway speeds but acceleration is a little slow. Get the V6 if you want the 4WD model. Other than that its a great SUV at a great value.

• 

  Very Impressed - 2012 Kia Sportage
  By stevejs - March 24 - 1:01 am

  I was looking for a car whose main purpose would be my long work commute. After viewing a dozen choices, I chose the Sportage. From the moment I began to drive it for the test drive, Kias past advertising slogan "the power to surprise" entered my mind. The 6 speed automatic had plenty of pep from 0-40 which takes care of most starts. The interior was spacious and the rear seats folded easily for added room. The UVO system provides great flexibility and the bluetooth connection is very clear and easy to use. The 2.4 engine pulled well and the added noise insulation for 2012 makes the car quite even at highway speeds. for the price, this is a great value.

• 

  What a pile... - 2001 Kia Sportage
  By emtsuj - March 19 - 7:20 am

  This is a pile of junk. I have had to fix ignition coils, replace sparks plugs(x4), air conditioning doesnt work, heat only works on the highest or lowest setting, thermostat (x2), timing belt, other belts, battery, starter, alternator, catalyc converter, entire exhaust, transmission, and the fan clutch. The 4WD doesnt work, and I havent been able to find a mechanic that will touch it. I have had 3 out of the 4 doors break so that they either wont open from inside or out, and the windows on all 4 doors have needed to be fixed at one time or another because they wouldnt open or shut. 2 of the seatbelts are broken and cant be used. Cupholders, paint, ALL JUNK! DO NOT BUY THIS CAR!