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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  Sportage Delights - 2011 Kia Sportage
  By John - November 12 - 4:13 pm

  Purchased the KIA brand for the first time. This is my 6th new car I have purchased. I currently own Honda and Cheverolet. I have owned 3 Toyotas. As is my usual routine after driving the car home I go over the car with a fine tooth comb and give it a complete wash and wax looking for flaws. I am impressed! The lines and styling of the new Sportage are terrific. The more I look over the car the more impressed I become. The handling is excellent and the ride is smooth. The interior is well thought out with an amazing number of features you seldom find in a car at this cost. The car is very comfortable to drive with plenty of room for 4. Since it is new I cannot rate it for reliability.

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  Kia Sportage 2WD Convertible -Must Read- - 2002 Kia Sportage
  By Majali - November 10 - 3:06 pm

  I have purchased my 2002 convertible Sportage in 2008 and have put 24m000 miles on it since then. Its a great good looking affordable car. It has a special charisma. This STRONG Vehicle has literally saved my life, after hitting a parked car from behind while doing 100 mph the damage was slight regardless that the Honda i hit got totaled! Featuring 3 air bags/Automatic Transmission/AC Easily removed cool soft top options. The 2.0 L is strong enough for a small below 2000 LBs SUV ( it has served a BMW 520). Doing 20 MPG City and Crazy 30 MPG highway miles. I dont have any more mechanical troubles after doing a full maintenance a year ago. It maneuvers perfectly, but i wish it was 4WD for sand

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  Good Improvement - 2005 Kia Sportage
  By Georges Saade - October 5 - 8:20 am

  Its a 4 cyl. Aut, Steptronic. I like the features and the Traction Control. When you are inside you wonder if youre really in a small SUV. I think Kia has done a good Job! I dont really know a lot about the reliability but I guess its ok.

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  Kia crumpled, but I didnt! - 2002 Kia Sportage
  By mamaofpits - July 21 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Kia Sporty 4x4 as I wanted something rugged, safe, and able to get through flooded streets. It never let me down, always started right up and got me where I was going... except for one day. I was stopped in traffic when this monsterous extended van plowed into me at about 45 - 50 mph and was a chain reaction. I walked away with minor injuries... no broken bones! The paramedics were amazed. Either the Kia is indeed built to be very safe and sturdy and/or my guardian angel was with my that day. Would I buy another one... absolutely!

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  Six Years Later - 2001 Kia Sportage
  By Inazone - July 9 - 6:20 pm

  I purchased my Sportage new in August of 2001, with utility truly being the #1 selling point. I wanted something with 4WD, decent ground clearance, and easy access for loading and unloading large, heavy equipment. The various car-based SUVs lacked in one or more of those areas. The Kia has been very "adequate" overall. The fuel economy was as listed, which honestly was a bit disappointing to me. Handling on a windy day is poor, and it is worthless on slippery roads without 4WD engaged. Ive had numerous locking hub problems fixed under warranty - never left stranded, but I dont trust it entirely. Problematic power windows and alarm, but it runs great with scheduled maintenance.

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  Better than expected - or reviewed! - 2002 Kia Sportage
  By gphvid - June 7 - 10:00 am

  Purchased this SUV after extensive research and price checks. Yeah, it could use a little more power, it is actually no problem with what it has. I got mine in the Limited version with all the options and still got it under $18k delivered. After 17000 miles, the ride is consistent and balanced and handles most road problems very well. Remember, this has a truck chassis, so it will be a little rough at first.

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  good car - 2001 Kia Sportage
  By albert carns - May 1 - 10:53 am

  Weve had this car for some time (81,000 miles),and have only had a few minor issues. Master cylinder (warranty)rear window motors (warranty). Runs great, and though it will not accelerate very quickly, due to gear ratio and automatic trans, the top end is well in excess of 110 mph. Michelins make a difference, handles like a top heavy short wheel base narrow track vehicle it is, pretty damn good, lots of fun. Inexpensive fun s--t box.

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  not sure about this car - 2013 Kia Sportage
  By vk2193 - April 29 - 11:51 am

  terrrible mileage i have 2.0 turbo sportage. i only have 600km on it but the fuel consumption is huge, around 13 Liters per 100 km (around 18mpg). It says on the manual that there is a break in period of 5000 km, but i have big doubts that the fuel economy will improve. not sure if i recommend this car to anyone

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  Great Little SUV - 2005 Kia Sportage
  By Elise - April 27 - 2:06 pm

  I love driving my new Sportage! My daughter had bought one and when I had the chance to drive it I fell in love and went and bought one, too! Its fun to drive and turns on a dime! Great warranty, and KIA is quick to recall any problems and fix them pronto! Mileage could improve as I havent yet gotten over 17.6 MPG and was "promised" at least 19. Overall, though, a great value!

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  Recent Kia purchase - 2009 Kia Sportage
  By WSB - March 31 - 2:43 pm

  after inflated ford escape and toyota dealer sticker prices I purchased my first Kia , This SUV seems well constructed and tight, It handles well and is fund to drive and even with all the added options its cost is almost half that of the others. After 30 years of American car dealer deception the purchase was a nice change.