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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  Great Value - 2008 Kia Sportage
  By Joe in Chicago - November 7 - 10:00 pm

  Weve had a 2005 Hyundai Elantra that gave us no issues at all, so we looked at the Tucson, but liked the more modern look and feel of the Kia Sportage. Surprised at the tight fit and finish, and the nice interior does not really feel or look cheap. Quiet cabin, great ride and beautiful paint and quality. Lots of room and a very well put together vehicle. Performance is actually OK in the 4-Cyl...I mean this isnt a racer but not what you buy these for anyway. Its more than adequate for ramps and merging and drives great on the highway.

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  great bank for the buck - 2006 Kia Sportage
  By superstark - November 3 - 6:30 am

  I researched just about everything in this class, but kept coming back to the Sportage. In terms of value, it clearly beats everything. Nice design, inside and out. Power is decent, excellent safety features. Seriously consider the 6 cylinder over the 4; theres a huge difference. I do think that the steering and brakes could use some improvement, however. I had two problems right off the lot, the turn signal shaft and a belt needed to be replaced. Still, you get more than you pay for, and the Sportage is at least $4-5k less than its competitors if you can find something comparably equipped. How can you a beat a V6/AWD vehicle for around $20k?

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  Air Condition Problem - 2005 Kia Sportage
  By Sgt Ard - October 28 - 8:00 am

  Dealership let me take it home for a few days to try it on for size, The 2nd day the engine check lite came on while on interstate Hwy. took it to dealership the 3rd day to have someone look at it for me. But service was busy eating lunch was told to come back the next day. Went to GM told him of problem; lunch was over in 30seconds. it took a GM and 5 minutes to cure problem. 4th day A/C had foul odor. 5th day wife took it to work; on the way home A/C went out went back to dealership around 0700hrs/ Kia Rep at dealership could not find problem and it is now 1300hrs. dealership is now freaking out trying to locate me another Sportage EX Lux Pkg very hard to find in the bayou state with hot temps.

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  Just sportageing it - 2016 Kia Sportage
  By Jerry - October 28 - 7:29 am

  Great vehicle

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  Great Little SUV - 2005 Kia Sportage
  By sportage - October 12 - 8:46 pm

  This is the second Sportage that I have purchased and have enjoyed everything about both cars. The first was a 2000 model and was very happily surprised when the 2005 model came out. Purchased in a hurry and have not been disappointed. Would recommend this car to anyone.

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  Loving it!!! - 2011 Kia Sportage
  By loulou7 - September 22 - 4:52 am

  Couldnt be happier with our purchase. I love my new car!! Havent found any downfalls yet. I did have concerns before purchasing about the C pillars but, so far we havent had any visability issues. The 18 inch wheels are a little stiffer ride, but not bad at all. All in all just very happy with the Sportage and we have people ask us about it all the time.

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  You get what you pay for - 2000 Kia Sportage
  By ckzk - September 9 - 2:00 am

  My father, husband, and sister all talked me in to buying this vehicle because it was a great deal...well, 7 months later they now agree I need a new vehicle. It had 36,000 miles when I bought it and has been nothing but trouble. The 4WD does not work, I have had to fix the drivers door handle 4 times ($68 each time)and I still have to roll down the window to get out! The rear tire cable has broken, for the second time and now I cant get into the back unless I climb over the back seat. The cup holder is not only in a horrible place, blocking the clock, defroster, and other features but it bounces on the bumps and spills all over the place.

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  Good Choice - 2009 Kia Sportage
  By Chris - September 4 - 7:30 am

  Overall, we really like the Sportage. The ride is excellent and very smooth for a SUV. The acceleration is a little sluggish but isnt missed in normal driving. The headrest positioning is a little uncomfortable but can be adjusted with some work to a workable compromise.

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  LOVE THIS CAR - 2006 Kia Sportage
  By TOTEM12 - August 20 - 3:03 pm

  We love our new Sportage. Great fit and finish. Is quiet, handles well with comfort, suspension tuning is excellent. Doors close with a solid "chunk". Fog lights are great. Love the big climate controls. Comfortable seats. An excellent value.

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  Bought 2, Both working out great! - 2005 Kia Sportage
  By Tom - August 7 - 7:20 pm

  We traded an Acura MDX and a Ford Focus to get one Sportage for my wife and a second for my daughter. So far, they are great vehicles and a really good value. They drive well, have great safety features and feel solid. Since they are a first year model, only time will tell on reliability. So far, no complaints at all.