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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  Mileage disaster - 2005 Kia Sportage
  By imtoad - April 18 - 1:40 am

  I really enjoy this car except for the mileage. It is rated 19 mpg city but despite the fact that I am very rarely ever stuck in traffic, I rarely average over 14.2 mpg.

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  First Time Buyer - 2006 Kia Sportage
  By KenL - March 22 - 2:36 am

  Looking for small SUV and tried both Honda and Toyota and found that this was best for the money. We have not done any highway driving but was getting initial 17 - 19 MPG. I replaced the air filter with K&N and now getting 23 - 26 around town. Pickup is slow but once it gets going it is fine, but with I wish it had 5 or 6 speed automatic. For the price of $20K with V6 auto, power everything, CD / MP3, sunroof, keyless with alarm, alloy wheels, upgraded interior, etc.

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  The Surprise of the SUVs - 2000 Kia Sportage
  By ~ - March 3 - 10:00 am

  When I bought this SUV, I wanted the feel of a car, but room of an SUV. I have nothing but good experiences with this Kia Sportage. If you are looking for an SUV but are shy on the funds to afford the top of the line, take a look at the Kia. You could find that it is just the right car/SUV for you.

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  Great Basic Transportation - 2002 Kia Sportage
  By jbtolla - February 2 - 7:06 pm

  I purchased mine in May 04 as a new leftover from 2002, therefore, I stole it from the dealer. For the $10K I paid, I feel I got more than much more than I paid for. My nephew is over 6 tall and always complains about his legs cramping in the back of my Mustang convertible (hour ride), but I drove from New Haven, CT to Williamsburg, VA with him in the back, and not one complaint. I have made a couple trips to VA and several trips back and forth from New Haven to Yankee stadium and my passengers never complain. Since I am used to driving sporty cars, I was pleasantly surprised at how well it handles for a little truck.

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  4X4 never works - 2002 Kia Sportage
  By Tom991 - January 31 - 2:00 am

  I bought a 4X4 EX so I would have 4 wheel drive when I needed it. The 4 times it snowed and I needed 4 wheel drive I had none. 1st time the dealers service department said no problems found, 2d time they fixed a vacumn line to the 4 wheel drive but my fuel ecomony dropped from 22 MPG to 17 MPG, Obviously they did something wrong. 3rd time (two weeks out of the shop, it snowed again, the 4 wheel drive didnt work. Its in the shop awaiting parts again. Im wondering, is it the KIA or the service department? Had four wheel allignment done there came out with same pulling to the left problems when it went in.

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  Needs Armrests - 2008 Kia Sportage
  By gourdy - January 23 - 3:40 pm

  Like the car but dont like the fact there are no front center arm rests. Would not buy again unless they improve that feature. Like everything else, great car.

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  Would like a convertible Sportage next time - 2002 Kia Sportage
  By leigh922 - January 5 - 7:01 am

  In nearly 2 years of ownership, really liked this SUV. My biggest complaint is the hassle of the spare tire holder being mounted on the rear hatch. You must have two hands available to open and close the rear - what a pain! Otherwise, it was roomy, the 4WD worked great, the fuel economy was as expected for the class and I had few issues. I suspected a head gasket leak at around 80,000 mi but despite the smell and liquid on the garage floor every day, no one could identify the leak source. Now that I can get another car, Im looking for a convertible Sportage 4WD - best of all worlds!

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  why are you not told the truth - 2002 Kia Sportage
  By melvin - December 24 - 2:00 am

  when i first got my kia sportage everything was good, except a loose brake line. now my trans wont shift into overdrive because of the cold weather. they said it was normal, why was i not told this when i first got it. or was this a way to sell me one. they may get it back yet.

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  Got My Moneys Worth! - 2002 Kia Sportage
  By prissy - November 29 - 2:00 am

  Bought this suv only for the fuel mileage. My job required traveling and I live on the road. This car has surpassed my expectations on fuel savings and other than changing the oil & routine servicing, it hasnt cost me one penny! When I purchased it, it had 22k miles & now Im just over 113k miles. This is a lightweight suv and I found it odd to be rear-wheel drive. It isnt a luxury vehicle but I didnt buy it thinking it was. Its been a great vehicle and has saved me lots in gas and was easy to own. Low auto insurance, maintenance and property taxes. Not a great ride for long trips but if gas consumption is your concern - look no further!

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  Good Mini SUV for small families - 2000 Kia Sportage
  By SFBrown - November 24 - 10:00 am

  This has been a good SUV, but the back seat is no where near big enough. Isnt good for families. Has been good on fuel and is a smooth ride.