2021 Kia Sportage

Kia got in on the compact crossover game early. The company’s original Sportage debuted in 1995, the very same year as Toyota’s RAV4, and the slightly larger Sorento followed in 2002. Since then, as crossovers have gradually usurped sedans as the kings of the family car sales race, even more Kia SUVs have emerged and each one has grown larger over time. Today, the Sportage slots in between the smaller Seltos and the larger Sorento and Telluride.

The Sportage is the oldest member of the family, with the current design dating to 2017. It gets only two changes this year, with the 2020 S trim’s Sunroof and Premium Package options being replaced with Nightfall Edition blackout-trim packages. An all-new Hyundai Tucson is already out for 2022, and since it shares its platform with the Sportage, expect a redesigned Kia in 2023.

The Sportage’s interior highlights its age and most competitors have much better fuel economy, but it’s comfortable, fun to drive and it comes with Kia’s trademark long warranty: 10 years or 100,000 miles of powertrain coverage.

There are four trim levels, in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive (AWD). The base LX starts at $25,265, followed by the S at $27,765, the EX at $28,565, and the more-powerful SX at $34,925. All prices include a $1,175 destination charge.

On most trims, it’s $1,500 to add AWD. On the S trim, it’s bundled with heated seats for $1,700. Other options include the front-drive LX Popular Package, with dual-zone climate control, blind-spot monitoring, heated mirrors and more for $1,800; or the Nightfall Editions, from $1,600 to $1,900, adding premium features such as a panoramic sunroof and wireless charging as well as blacked-out trim and wheels.

The Sportage offers two four-cylinder engines, starting with a 2.4-liter that makes 181 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque. The SX exclusively carries a more potent turbocharged 2.0-liter unit making 240 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. Both are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

For most drivers, the 2.4-liter should be enough. It’s not all that quick from a stop, but its acceleration is smooth, and it can handle itself on highway passing. The turbo gives you much sportier performance, but it’s costlier both to buy and to drive.

Fuel economy is the Sportage’s weakest link. The 2.4-liter returns an estimated EPA rating of 23 mpg city, 30 mpg highway, and 26 mpg combined, with those numbers dropping to 21/25/23 with all-wheel drive. The Turbo SX returns 20/28/23 in front-wheel drive form and 19/24/21 with AWD. While not as thirsty as, say a V8 pickup, that’s dismal compared to most of the Sportage’s competitors. Front-drive versions of the Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, and Toyota RAV4 are all rated at 30 mpg or more combined, as is the AWD-only Subaru Crosstrek. 

But while it may be thirsty, the Sportage is a fun little driver. Its steering is responsive, it has a tight turning circle, and it’s confident around corners. The ride leans more toward firm, but it’s still supple enough to be comfortable, and most bumps are soaked up before they reach occupants inside.

The optional AWD system primarily turns the front wheels, but sends power to the rear as needed for traction. There’s also a “lock” button that keeps the front-to-rear power split constant at low speeds, should you need to get out of a snowy or muddy driveway.

The Sportage wears its styling well, with good proportions, bug-eyed but friendly front-end styling and a go-anywhere stance.

The interior is simple, and the design is handsome enough, but there are a lot of pebbled plastic surfaces, and the gloss black around the center-stack controls shows every fingerprint. When you get into the higher trim levels, the cabin’s appearance doesn’t match the price.

Materials aside, all the controls are simple and can be operated with a minimum of distraction. All trim levels come with an intuitive-to-use 8-inch multimedia touchscreen that incorporates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Kia’s UVO telematics, which includes automatic 911 Connect should an airbag deploy, and mobile apps such as finding your car after you park it or keeping tabs on young drivers are optional on the S trim level. A bundle of that system plus navigation is optional on the EX, and standard on the SX.

Other available or standard features, depending on trim, include an auto-dimming mirror, heated and ventilated seats, heated steering wheel, wireless charger, premium sound system, and a hands-free power liftgate.

The Sportage does very well in crash-testing, earning both a five-star rating from NHTSA and Top Safety Pick from the IIHS. All models include forward automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, driver attention warning and high-beam headlight assist. Adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear-cross traffic alert are standard or optional on higher trims. 

The Sportage is a comfortable vehicle, with supportive seats. The S and EX have leather-look upholstery, while the SX is the real thing. A 10-way power driver’s seat is optional or standard on all trims.  

At 41.5 inches of front legroom, and 38.2 inches of rear leg space, the Sportage is about average for the segment. It’s also pretty much on par for its 39.3 inches of front headroom, similar to competitors such as the Ford Escape or Mazda CX-5. Despite the Sportage’s sloping roof profile, headroom in the second-row seats is virtually the same as in front, so occupants should be fine whenever they’re sitting. 

Cargo volume is 30.7 cubic-feet with the rear seats up, and 60.1 with them folded, both with the dual-height cargo floor at its lowest position. It’s not the segment’s smallest rear cargo area, but Toyota’s RAV4 rings in at 69.8 cubic-feet overall, while Honda’s CR-V boasts 75.8 in total. Make sure it’s enough to carry your essentials.

Overall, the Sportage is comfortable, it has a lot of features for the price, and there’s an option for those who want more power. If you can handle its higher fuel consumption, it’s well worth it to cross-shop it against the competition.