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Kia Sportage

CR MPG:

RECALL ALERT: There are 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Owner Reports

Worse Better

Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction

2000

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2003

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2007

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2015

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2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

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Kia vs. Other New Car Brands

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Compact SUVs Ratings

2024 Kia Sportage

$27,190 - $44,090

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2025 Chevrolet Equinox

$28,600 - $35,000

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2024 Chevrolet Equinox

$26,600 - $33,400

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2024 Dodge Hornet

$31,400 - $46,400

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2024 Dodge Hornet Plug-in Hybrid

$41,400 - $46,400

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2024 Ford Bronco Sport

$29,795 - $38,390

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2024 Ford Escape

$28,000 - $40,500

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2024 Ford Escape Hybrid

$28,000 - $40,500

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2024 Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid

$40,500

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2024 GMC Terrain

$28,700 - $38,600

EPA MPG

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2024 Honda CR-V

$29,500 - $36,160

CR MPG

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2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid

$34,050 - $40,200

CR MPG

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Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2024 Hyundai Tucson

$27,500 - $45,450

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2024 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid

$32,575 - $45,450

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2024 Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid

$38,725 - $45,450

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

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Tested

2024 Jeep Compass

$25,900 - $33,895

EPA MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid

$28,590 - $44,090

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2024 Kia Sportage Plug-in Hybrid

$39,590 - $44,090

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2024 Mazda CX-5

$29,300 - $40,600

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2024 Mazda CX-50

$30,300 - $43,300

CR MPG

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Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

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Tested

2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid

$33,970 - $40,050

EPA MPG

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2024 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

$26,345 - $31,145

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2024 Mitsubishi Outlander

$28,395 - $50,345

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2024 Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-in Hybrid

$40,345 - $50,345

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2024 Nissan Rogue

$28,850 - $40,630

CR MPG

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In Test

2025 Subaru Forester

$29,695 - $39,995

EPA MPG

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2024 Subaru Forester

$27,095 - $37,395

CR MPG

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2024 Toyota RAV4

$28,675 - $40,030

CR MPG

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2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

$28,475 - $39,780

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2024 Toyota RAV4 Prime

$43,690 - $47,560

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2024 Volkswagen Tiguan

$28,880 - $38,880

CR MPG

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See All Compact SUVs Ratings

Model History

2023-

Current Generation

The redesigned 2023 Sportage is larger and better equipped than the previous model. It looks to appeal to more shoppers with three new adventure-themed trim levels, a generous roster of active safety equipment, and available upscale amenities, like a large dash display, panoramic roof, and heated windshield. The standard engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with an eight-speed automatic transmission. A hybrid version will follow. It is available in front- and all-wheel drive. Each Sportage comes with FCW, AEB with pedestrian and cyclist detection, LKA, automatic high beams, driver attention monitoring system, rear occupant reminder, and rear parking obstruction warning. Options include BSW, RCTW with rear automatic braking and collision avoidance, and ACC.

2017-2022

2017 Redesign Year

The redesigned Sportage is a stylish and mildly sporty choice among small SUVs. Most versions are equipped with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder, and the top-trim SX version sports a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. Both are mated to a smooth six-speed automatic transmission. Though a touch firm, the ride is composed and handling is responsive. Unlike the similar Hyundai Tucson, the Sportage benefits from the pairing of a larger engine and a conventional automatic transmission, which combine to give it smoother power delivery. The rear seat is roomy and the controls are easy to use, but visibility to the rear and side is difficult. The new Sportage scored a Good in the IIHS small-overlap crash test. The Sportage was freshened for 2020. Forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, and lane keeping assistance are standard equipment across all trims. Blind spot warning and rear cross traffic warning are standard on all, except on the base trim, where those items are optional.

2011-2016

2011 Redesign Year

The 2011 redesign brought nimble handling, along with a more efficient and civilized powertrain. Still though, a stiff ride, pronounced road noise and leisurely acceleration from the base four-cylinder engine detracts from an otherwise pleasant driving experience. It got 22 mpg overall in our tests. The up-level engine is a stronger turbocharged four-cylinder that got 21 mpg overall in our tests. While the styling is appealing, it compromises cargo space and hurts the rear view out. Cabin appointments are basic, but fit together well. In the end though, we don't recommend the Sportage as it scores too low in our testing. A poor result in the IIHS small overlap crash test completely knocks the Sportage out of contention.

2005-2010

2005 Redesign Year

The 2005 car-based Sportage was better than its predecessors. It has a relatively comfortable and quiet ride, as well as a roomy interior and improved, but still so-so handling. Gauges are easy to read and controls are very simple to use, including the knobs for the radio and climate control. Almost everything is well placed and clearly labeled. Minor gripes include a tiny, floor-mounted fuel release lever, a stiff steering wheel adjustment release and unlighted mirror controls. Further, the 2.7-liter V6 isn't very fuel-efficient. Overall, this version of the Sportage falls midpack in our Ratings and far short of the class-leading models.

1995-2002

1995 Redesign Year

Kia got a toehold in the growing small-SUV segment when it introduced its trucklike Sportage in 1995. The Sportage is made in the mold of the Geo Tracker and Suzuki Sidekick, with a body-on-frame chassis instead of the carlike unibody construction that's become common on small SUVs. A shorter-wheelbase, two-door soft-top model expanded the model range in 1998. The Sportage has an uncomfortable ride, clumsy handling, and a noisy, unrefined powertrain. It offers only a part-time 4WD system that can't be used on dry roads. Overall, it's not nearly as good as the Toyota RAV4 or Honda CR-V. Discontinued after the 2002 model year, the Sportage was revived for 2005.

Kia Sportage

New Models Predicted Reliability

Safety Features

Safety Features

Kia vs. Other New Car Brands

Owner Reports

Kia vs. Other New Car Brands

Kia vs. Other New Car Brands

Safety Features

Compact SUVs Ratings