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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  Cheap, Fun 4x4 - 2002 Kia Sportage
  By aleksg - August 28 - 10:02 am

  I bought my Sportage for 350 dollars, so I wasnt expecting perfection. It has 228k km on the clock, and the manual transmission is noisy, the synchros are worn, so it shifts hard when cold, but still works. All of the door handles were loose or broken when I got mine, but these problems are easy to fix for a weekend warrior because the door panels are a cinch to remove. The window switches are a common problem, but also very easy to fix. Basically this is a car you can buy for REAL cheap from someone who doesnt know how to fix small problems. Then you fix them yourself and boom, perfectly good car.

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  Great Buy - 2007 Kia Sportage
  By Mikes Sportage - August 27 - 10:13 pm

  Looked at a bunch of different SUVs. Kia really has the market on more bang for your buck, friends told me to buy a Honda CR-V but I bought a KIA Sportage and Im laughing all the way to the bank with the money I saved, the standard up grades on the Sportage you pay for on other SUVs, would highly recomend this to everyone.

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  Awesome - 2011 Kia Sportage
  By Nathan - August 24 - 7:20 am

  I went to check out the new sportage because i liked the way they looked and they were more affordable than the tahoe my wife wanted. after the test drive i was sold. i got the lx with upgraded rims and navi with backup cam it is amazing. even the glove box has ac for a bottle of water or whatever you decided to put in there to keep cool thats crazy! tons of room and the gps and backup cam is awesome. huge screen!

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  KIA Sportage 4WD 2000 - 2000 Kia Sportage
  By a lukosky - August 23 - 10:00 am

  I have had three years of trouble free driving with my 2000 Sportage 4WD. The paint job has held up well. The 4WD is super-simple to engage and operate. Mechanically, nothing has occurred. No burned out light or brakelight bulbs. The only thing (which has been corrected in later models)is the on/off button for the radio. Most people like to just push the on/off button instead of having to manually turn it on/off. I just enjoy driving it. I feel it is the best SUV you could buy for the US dollar. Our Morande dealership is the best dealership I have ever had contact with. The service department is super great.

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  Short term review - 2005 Kia Sportage
  By artgpo - August 16 - 12:16 am

  My wife purchased a Sportage after considering the PT Cruiser, CR-V, RAV- 4 and Tucson. The Sportage has excellent fit and finish and seem high quality. It resembles its previous version in name only. I know of no other vehicle offer as much for so little. Well see over the long run. Kia is now squarely middle class.

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  2005instyle - 2005 Kia Sportage
  By bankrchik - August 11 - 8:40 am

  I just purchased my Kia Sportage, I absolutely love it. Of course I have not had the vehicle long enough to encounter any problems, but I feel confident with the warranty attached to this vehicle I should be driving in style for many years to come.

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  smooth sportage - 2012 Kia Sportage
  By clive480 - August 8 - 8:38 pm

  go for the auto, super smooth changes and you get the ECO mode. got rid of the jeep liberty (20 mpg)and now average just under 40. good interior space. im 6 and can easily fit behind the drivers seat when its in its position for me. wider than the previous model and so quiet. would recommend a test drive to anyone

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  Long Term Review on the Sportage - 2009 Kia Sportage
  By AGC - August 4 - 12:16 pm

  Ive had my 09 Sportage for 9 months and 17000 miles. Still very solid and economical to run. The 4 wheel drive system has been great in NH winters. Im able to go up some steep hils during snow storms that normally would not be able to navigate. Sportage is very roomy, gas mileage has been consistant around 25-27MPG. The only issue I had was a faulty steering sensor which the dealership fixed right away. The Sportage has been trouble free. Too bad I cant say the same for my civic. Seating is comfortable. Just found out that you can adjust the head rests and the rear seats recline back. Still great value and bery happy with my purchase. This is the perfect comuter vehicle and family car

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  Kia Sportage versus Rav 4 - 2007 Kia Sportage
  By mjbauer24 - August 3 - 5:23 pm

  Just drove our new Kia Sportage home yesterday. We owned an SUV prior to this purchase, but unfortunately it got totaled when I hit a patch of ice last week. After being used to driving an SUV (we had a mini-van prior to that) I dont like the feel of a car, so we test drove the Kia Sportage and the Rav 4. Both performed well, but when it came to price the Kia won. Almost bought a Kia several years ago but didnt like the way they drove. The 2007 model has greatly improved Kias performance and reliablity tests.

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  too soon to say, but love it - 2006 Kia Sportage
  By Viki - July 31 - 6:43 pm

  Love the car. Luxury, luxury, great for the $$$. Had 1000 miles on it, but so far love it. Drive mainly in city about 18 miles per gal around town. Only put about 200 miles on it but trip coming soon. Gave it all 5 as starting point on ratings.