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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  Love it! - 2005 Kia Sportage
  By ccordes - November 2 - 5:40 pm

  We actually traded in our Sorento for the Sportage because of the better gas mileage and couldnt be happier. Its a cute little SUV that you can get for a great price. Weve had it for almost two years now and driven halfway across the country in it and havent had any problems with it. The only reason we might get rid of this is because of our expanding family. It would be a tight squeeze with two carseats or a carseat and a booster seat and luggage for four!

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  My Kia - 2005 Kia Sportage
  By Robert Gayle - November 2 - 12:20 am

  We considered the RAV4,Honda,Hundai SantaFe,HundaiTucson(Same Co.as KIA),Nissan,and others. Our New Sportage is the exact size we were looking for in a small suv at the right price. Excellemt build quality. We opted for the EX leather package,with moon roof,stability control,and ABS brakes,Side curtian air bags as well as many other features all standard.Warranty is good selling feature.For the price its the best bang for the buck in todays market.

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  Recent trip - 2006 Kia Sportage
  By Jim Puckett - October 31 - 1:40 pm

  I just returned from a 3600 mile trip in which my Kia performed most excellently. The ride was surprisingly good for such a small SUV, 27 mpg for the trip. I would like it to be a little quieter.

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  First Impressions on the Sportage - 2005 Kia Sportage
  By candjfields - October 23 - 1:26 pm

  Purchased my 2005 Kia Sportage (EX w/ V6 and 4WD) late August w/ 66k mi. Very impressed by the interior quality. Leather seats (heated) are comfortable and controls are easily accessible. Impressed by the engine, as it has a good amount of power for 2.7 liter. "Sport shift" shines when upshifting. Downshifts w/ the Sport shift seem to be overly harsh in lower RPM ranges (under 3K). Two car seats fit easily in the back seats. So far, a good purchase.

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  Never Ever had a problem - 2005 Kia Sportage
  By clash9898 - October 20 - 1:40 am

  The Kia Sportage is great. I have had mine since it came out and never had a single problem with it. its fun to drive especially when i use the manual with the auto clutch. it gets great gas millage and performs great in snow with its 4wd. all around a great vehicle and i respect Kia because of its performance and reliability.

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  Research brought me to the SPORTAGE - 2007 Kia Sportage
  By KIAs race bred SUV - October 9 - 11:30 pm

  Man I looked all of em. Started with the Forester, then a ML benz, Rav4, CR-V, and on and on. For 20k you will get close to rubbish in Australia in this class of vehicle. Reading numerous reviews led me to the Kia and believe me I didnt want to go there but the reviews couldnt all be lying! I looked into it. I must admit I was very surprised when I test drove one and found it to be better than all the above mentioned when considering ride quality (smooth as butter) braking is excellent, power is much better than its competitors except the xt forester, the black one I bought my wife looks better than all these overpriced under performers. KIA got it right with this one what can I say?

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  2011 Kia Sportage SX just purchased - 2011 Kia Sportage
  By jbeach2 - September 20 - 6:17 am

  Took a long time to review models and a month ago selected the turbo Kia Sportage at $30K out the door-it has all the options including these neat little floor lights. Heres what I think so far: 1-great drive- turbo moves and comes with a better suspension 2-price-its $6k less than a equally equipped luxury badge. If you dont care about "prestige" save a bundle buying the Kia 3- 31 mpg on open road and 25 in town-this is comparable to the RAV and the CRV-but with the turbo thrust 4-leather-excellent quality 6-driving comfort great 7-roomy but doesnt look like a behemoth on the road

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  Lots of Bang, Little on Bucks - 2001 Kia Sportage
  By Budman24/7 - September 20 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive, easy to own. Alot of truck for a little bit of money!

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  Very happy with my sportage! - 2008 Kia Sportage
  By tlk7005 - September 19 - 7:40 am

  Quality, performance, and features for base model right up there with other manufacturers such as Toyota, Hyundai, Ford, Honda, etc. in my experience. Reliability has been great! Have put 12,000 miles on in 7 mos. Dealer has been a pleasure to work with as has service dept. Avg gas mileage is 25, mostly hwy! Roomy and comfy, even back seat. And large dog fits in cargo space. Curious about handling in snow yet? Price cant be beat and dealer practically gave away the extended warranty as well, which, by the way, beats the competitions warranties by miles, literally and figuratively! Love my 2008 Sportage so much I just bought a new 2009 last weekend to go with it! This time it is a 4WD.

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  Drive at highway sppeds before you buy! - 2005 Kia Sportage
  By Sierra Vista - September 17 - 1:43 am

  After the purchase, I took a drive to Tucson, and what a disappointment, the steering wheel vibrated over 70 mph. This broke my heart. Since then I have had the tires replaced three times $300.00 out of my pocket, had the wheels balanced 6 times and been back to the dealer four times. The dealer shop foreman indicated this was a driving characteristic. I do not think so. Now I am working with KIA Consumer Assistance and they have done nothing but given me a hard time. Buyers beware.