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:

• 

  What were you expecting? - 2002 Kia Sportage
  By pah-leez - March 14 - 2:13 pm

  I recently purchased a 2002 Kia Sportage 4x4 2DR convertible with 70,000 miles on it, as a winter car. (I drive a BMW M Roadster convertible in the summer.) The only thing Ive had to do so far is replace the tires. It rides a little rough, but its a truck! Trucks are not going to ride as smooth as a car. So far I am happy with my purchase. I think it has a lot of pep for a 4 cyl (and remember Im used to an "M" engine!)... and face it, its adorable!

• 

  Wont buy another - 2017 Kia Sportage
  By g graves - March 3 - 9:55 pm

  This is my 5th Kia and Im done! The gas mileage is in the low 20s for city driving. The radio reception without Sirius radio is poor. When temps are in the teens the engine has a hard time turning over. It always starts but it seems to struggle. We havent had below zero temps yet so dont know how that will go. Dealership cant replicate the problem. The major problem with this vehicle is that the steering wheel has locked up 3 times in the last 2 months when I turned it off. The key wont turn, the steering wheel wont move, and the gear shift is locked. The steering wheel needs to be perfectly straight when the car is turned off or I may be stranded. Love Kia vehicle assistance but this is a MAJOR pain . The dealership is zero help with this problem. The tow truck driver has gotten the steering wheel turned but offered no suggestions. The 1st Optima I owned also did this.

• 

  A great value - 2001 Kia Sportage
  By John H. - February 6 - 11:43 am

  Bought this for half the price of its competitors - Now have 120,000 miles with few problems. Service centers are mostly good ( one big exception & on big ticket items like air conditioning it pays to shop around ! ) Ask Kia sportage drivers you meet & almost all like their cars. Hardly ever see one for sale - people keep them until the cows come home. Recent changes to big & fancy models made the KIA SUV just like all the others.

• 

  20,000 Miles and Going - 2012 Kia Sportage
  By buffalotom - January 29 - 8:56 pm

  Have a 2012 SX, its quick, but seats and handling have much room for improvement. I think the stock 18 inch tires have too high a side wall, tires bounce like a basket ball. Car now has 20K miles, the turbo is cutting in and out, usually upon motor start it sometimes doesnt work, and when restarted thereafter it works again. Shop (Robin w/Transitowne KIA in Buffalo NY Area) looked it over, says its b/c I had it in FWD lock, which makes no sense. Since Ive kept is out of FWD lock, still acting up. When the restart trick stops working Ill take it back in.

• 

  Great First Car - 2002 Kia Sportage
  By Elizabeth - January 25 - 7:13 am

  I absolutely love my Kia. It was my first car. I chose it because it could fit everything I owned inside of it. Not only did it haul me down to Georgia from Ohio but then moved all of my stuff to Florida a few months later. It also made the move to Dallas and back wonderfully. I consistently take it on long trips and it has never given me any trouble. Its a comfortable ride and gets great mileage on the highway. Of the 2 problems I have had the 1st (cracked master cylinder) was under warranty and the 2nd (fluid in the brakes) was my fault. I didnt use the 4WD enough in the florida climate and hoses disintegrated. The dealer told me, but I decided not to fix it and it caused the brakes.

• 

  2009 KIA Sportage best bang for the buck - 2009 Kia Sportage
  By drew - December 25 - 7:20 pm

  I did a lot of research between subaru, honda, toy and suzuki. You cant beat the quality, safety features (ESC, traction control, 6 airbags,all 5 star crash rating) and the 5 yr 60 mile bumper to bumper, 10yr 100k drive train warranty. I choose the 5 spd 4cyl to get the most miles per gallon. I find the 4 cyl. has plenty of zip plus its fun to drive. Living in New England getting a 4x4 was equally important. This is my second KIA, I find the quality is excellent. The sportage also has plenty of storage and room to handle my 3 kids and their gear. I owned a 07 Honda, i find the finish superior on the Kia. Maybe not as refined as a honda, but this is a very capable suv and 5000 less.

• 

  Good for the money - 2002 Kia Sportage
  By Runner - November 30 - 2:00 am

  Small with a good Mazda engine goes off road with a 4x4 chassis

• 

  My first Kia - 2002 Kia Sportage
  By C.Knill - November 14 - 7:03 pm

  I wanted a 4x4 bought it used then it cost me $1800 to get the front wheels to work properly.Serviced at the dealship and was treated like royalty. I LOVE the fact its full frame and not a unibody!!! ABS and brake warning light come on stay on till shut down and restart for no reason. Low power but hey 4cyl and 4x4 dont mix LOL. Made its way through 4 feet of snow last winter and numerous flooded streets this spring!!Rugged little beasty...Im happy with it.

• 

  too many things gone wrong - 2002 Kia Sportage
  By Kim - November 9 - 6:13 pm

  I purchased this little suv because of price. I wanted a 4x4 and this was one that seemed reasonable. Well let me just say that I glad its under warranty. The transmission went at 40,000 miles. The cooling fan busted damaging the radiator & washer reservoir. I need front brakes already and just put on 4 new tires just before this winter. Then this winter I had problems with putting fuel in my tank; kept flowing back out at me. Accelerator sensor replaced 3 times. The service has been great & warranty has covered all except tires and brakes of course. I will be trading it in before the warranty is up thats for sure! Other than that, its not a bad little suv to drive around.

• 

  excellent car all around - 2005 Kia Sportage
  By eric nees - September 24 - 10:53 am

  just moved across the country about 2700 miles in 4 days. car towed a trailer wiht no problem. of course with in factory specs. ran real well up and down hills. would recommend to a friend.