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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  A great SUV - 2005 Kia Sportage
  By KiaGene - October 2 - 4:50 am

  The Sportage is a great small SUV. The 4 cylinder engine has more power than I expected and the fuel mileage is great. The included features that you dont have to pay extra for are worth it also.

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  kias dont tow - 2000 Kia Sportage
  By gregg nagelhout - September 30 - 2:00 am

  this vehicle was not purchased to tow a boat but since it is three years old and we are still upside down on it we have to make the best of it. the specs say we can tow 2000 lbs w/ the vehicle but our boat motor and trailer are about 1800 lbs and its almost dangerous to tow it. not to mention that we have already broken a drive shaft and now the rear brakes are failing. after using it to tow, each time we use reverse the brakes lock up on it

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  Bad, bad car! - 2000 Kia Sportage
  By Big G - September 29 - 10:00 am

  Do not by it. Lease it only.

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  09 Kia Sportage long term review - 2009 Kia Sportage
  By acer - September 29 - 6:23 am

  Purchased new in April of 09,21000 miles later no issues. Great small suv. NH winters can be rough, have driven on unplowed roads with 2 feet of snow and had no problems getting through on stock Kumo tires. Solid as the day i bought. MPG is 25-27 city/hwy. The lx 4 cylinder is basic and functional the inside, w/4 cylinder a great commuter car. Excellent Family work horse. Exterior finish is excellent. Looked at the subaru, but sportage was roomier, cant beat the warrenty.

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  Love it! - 2000 Kia Sportage
  By Rae - September 21 - 5:20 pm

  I purchased my Sportage used, with a little over 44K miles. In the 2 years Ive had it, Ive put 51K on it, and enjoyed every minute of it. My mileage has stayed between 19 & 22 mpg. The few problems Ive had have been things designed to wear out, like the battery, brakes, etc. Ive kept it maintained and have not had any major surprises. I chose it for the car-like interior, with the height of a small truck, and not for towing or anything heavy duty, knowing that the engine is small and pretty easily taxed. I have truly enjoyed this car more than any other Ive ever owned, and have put the miles on it to prove it. :)

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  2013 LX Kia Sportage AWD - 2013 Kia Sportage
  By Atvings@verizon.net - September 19 - 4:57 pm

  I have a 2013 Sportage AWD, I have over 70,000 miles and drive it every day. I have no complaints about this car. I am 6 ft 1" and feel very comfortable driving this car anywhere, even on long trips. You cant beat the AWD, its actually better than the Suburus AWD system. As long as you do the regular oil changes and tire rotation, this car will perform the way you want it to.I would highly recommend this car to anyone, this is more bang for the buck without a doubt. And once again the AWD system is awesome, you will be surprised too. I will say a 5 star all the way around.

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  Great work horse - 2011 Kia Sportage
  By Chris Biser - September 15 - 5:18 pm

  I have owned this car for 4 years and I am extremely satisfied with it. It is an economical car to drive for everyday, plus road trips for 2 or 3 passengers. I am getting about 28 mpg on it on the highway. The sound system is good, the controls are easy to reach, and its a nice, uncomplicated car to drive. Some downsides: moving from a Honda Civic DX, the blind spots on this Sportage were something to get used to. Its easy to miss cars right next to you. Ive learned to REALLY look before shifting lanes. Also, I am 56" and the door frame is sometimes a bit closer to my head than Id like. On the other hand, that sturdy frame also protects in a crash, so it is an easy trade off for me. My BF who is 61" drives it and doesnt seem to mind that door frame either, but maybe for some it is too much. The ride in the back seat going over speed bumps can be a bit stiff. Other than those 2 things, this car is fun to drive and has great safety ratings. I am extremely satisfied driving it. Have 100,000K on it now and plan to keep it to at least 300,000.

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  Great work horse - 2011 Kia Sportage
  By Chris Biser - September 15 - 5:00 pm

  I have owned this car for 4 years and I am extremely satisfied with it. It is an economical car to drive for everyday, plus road trips for 2 or 3 passengers. I am getting about 28 mpg on it on the highway. The sound system is good, the controls are easy to reach, and its a nice, uncomplicated car to drive. Some downsides: moving from a Honda Civic DX, the blind spots on this Sportage were something to get used to. Its easy to miss cars right next to you. Ive learned to REALLY look before shifting lanes. Also, I am 56" and the door frame is sometimes a bit closer to my head than Id like. On the other hand, that sturdy frame also protects in a crash, so it is an easy trade off for me. My BF who is 61" drives it and doesnt seem to mind that door frame either, but maybe for some it is too much. The ride in the back seat going over speed bumps can be a bit stiff. Other than those 2 things, this car is fun to drive and has great safety ratings. I am extremely satisfied driving it. Have 100,000K on it now and plan to keep it to at least 300,000.

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  SX.. you wont regret it. - 2012 Kia Sportage
  By chazweez - September 13 - 7:30 pm

  I waited months for the 2012 model to come out because I didnt qualify for any of the rebates that the 2011 model was offering. Ended up buying a 2012 mineral gray AWD SX for $29,900 (not including taxes). The MSRP was 31,800. So they came down about $2000 off the MSRP. The oddest part of the day was when the east coast earthquake struck while I was signing for the car. I looked up to the sales guy and said "thats probably not a good sign". LOL. The cars been great so far... my only gripe is the reflection off the window. The front window is at such an angle that you always see the reflection of the dash on sunny days. Super annoying. Other than that, its an awesome car.

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  2012 Sportage EX (4,500 miles) - 2012 Kia Sportage
  By carguy34945 - September 12 - 12:02 am

  I like most all aspects of the Sportage except the steering. I have to constantly fight the steering because it is too sensitive. A little correction results in a correction back and so on. This makes driving very tiresome! It is especially bad in any cross wind. My highway MPG is 28-30.