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:

• 

  great little car - 2002 Kia Sportage
  By doug owens - February 29 - 4:13 pm

  I have the 2002 model, 4wd, 5 speed. I find it fun, responsive, and a pure pleasure to drive. My only, and basically trivial problem with it is: IT NEEDS MORE POWER! (sorry bout that Tim Allen). I think one of the hamsters under the hood had a stroke going uphill into the Adirondacks, but it recovered nicely, and with minimal brain damage. Other than that, I love this little car that thinks its bigger than it really is.

• 

  Kia Owner - 2017 Kia Sportage
  By Jane Jaeger - February 26 - 10:51 pm

  I previously had a Kia Sportage 2013, this new model is so much more advanced. I went in to purchase the 2016 and seen this one on the show room floor and had to have it. It has so much more than I would have hoped for and the price was still under 30 thousand.

• 

  Could be better - 2009 Kia Sportage
  By Poor Trans. - February 15 - 8:06 pm

  I purchased my KIA new in June. Got everything on it, leather, sun roof, GPS etc. I live in the mountains, and while the V-6 delivers adequate power, the transmission down shifts "very" rough, very annoying. Dealer says it is normal but I have never seen a transmission that rough. GPS very user "unfriendly" and costs lots of $ to update. Car rides and handles well and is fun to drive. Mileage very good.

• 

  My New Kia Sportage - 2002 Kia Sportage
  By shawn n - February 13 - 7:53 pm

  I have had my new Kia Sportage for almost 6 months. I have had no trouble. The performance is slow but who buys a compact SUV for a day at the races. The little Sportage does get blown around a bit on the highway. But its a very nice basic SUV. I still reccomend it. I am glad I bought it.

• 

  From point A to B and a little more - 2006 Kia Sportage
  By AF Family - February 3 - 6:10 am

  I am very pleased with my Kia Sportage for the first 7800 miles. I think the interior is roomy and fits five people comfortably. Love the body style it--looks beefy compared to other small SUVs. Upgraded to a V6 to tow a couple of quads. Though I havent towed with it yet, power seems readily available. I do mostly highway driving and it handles very well on back roads and switchbacks. It has some get up and go to pass vehicles. Cant wait to do some 4 wheelin in it. I am very happy to see that I am getting the mileage they suggested on the window sticker, 19 city and 23 highway. It took a while to get used to the 10mph increments on the speedometer. Cruise control is a breeze to use.

• 

  Great Little Car! - 2005 Kia Sportage
  By Kiaconvert - February 3 - 1:40 am

  We purchased this car when our SUV was totaled - it was 3 years old, and was to go to my youngest when he got his licence, in two years. I was not going to purchase a new van to give him in two years not for $30 - $40,000 - so we looked at this KIA. We love it! It works for us, has all the bells and comforts, and in two years I wont feel bad to give it to a kid...It has a great warranty, and five star crash. Cant ask for more!

• 

  Great for the price - 2000 Kia Sportage
  By Dan - January 28 - 11:43 pm

  Great for off road with the compact design. Have yet to be left behind when out wheeling with other. The 4cyl does ok. Its not for hauling. If you have some heavy passengers you can feel the lose of power but hay its a 4cyl. Dont care for the swinging spare tire on the back, it takes two hands to close. Overall its great for the dollars spent on it. We have a family of 4 right know and it works great for us. When we expand we will look into a newer version. A little bigger and the v6 :)

• 

  Transmission Sensor - 2001 Kia Sportage
  By bill - January 27 - 12:10 pm

  This is the perfect vehicle for the city inwhich I reside, narrow streets and no relative high speed areas. However my Sportage has the power to move out on the highway when necessary. A fun vehicle to drive. I love it! Too bad you guys stopped making this model. I do like the new Sportage SUV, but my 2001 Kia fits the bill!! I would have bought one of these new had I known about the vehicle at that time.

• 

  Impressed - 2009 Kia Sportage
  By Me - January 24 - 4:43 am

  I was very hesitant about buying a Kia, for I have not heard very good things about them in the past. I searched several SUVs and for the price w/ 60K warranty the Sportage is a real bargain! The car is great on gas as long as your foot is not permanently heavy and the seats are very comfortable. There is plenty of space - just as much as the Sorrento and its better on gas. The stereo is very good for factory. My main complaint is there is not arm rest !! So far I love the car.

• 

  KIA Sportage EX, V6 - 2005 Kia Sportage
  By Mike - January 23 - 3:13 am

  The re-designed look of the Sportage is beautiful. KIA went all out to make it look better and suceeded. It has the appearance of the Sorento but still maintains the lines and concept of the original Sportage. The handling is excellent and very responsive. The location of all the functional buttions is very convenient for use. The upgraded sound system that comes standard is excellent. It sounds like a very expensive stereo without the big speakers taking up space. I like the fact that the spare tire has been moved and is no longer on the back door. You can also enter the Sportage via the rear window instead of the entire hatchback. Way to go KIA!