2021 Kia Sportage
2021 Kia Sportage Review
- Smooth ride
- Spacious front and rear seating
- Attractive dashboard layout with appealing features
- Quiet interior at highway speeds
- Lower fuel economy than some top rivals
- Relatively modest cargo capacity
- Slow acceleration
- S Sunroof and Premium packages are no longer available
- Nightfall Edition and Nightfall Edition Premium packages take their place
- Part of the fourth Sportage generation introduced for 2017
Our verdict | |
The Sportage is a pleasing city runabout. We like its easy-to-use controls and value for the dollar. But in terms of real performance, driving refinement and fuel economy, the Sportage falls below what we consider acceptable in the class. It has some advantages, but there are just as many reasons to look elsewhere. | |
How does the Sportage drive? | |
The Sportage performs best around town, where its ample low-end torque, smooth braking and nicely weighted steering can shine. But when taken out of its comfort zone, the Kia largely disappoints. Our Sportage test vehicle had the optional turbocharged 2.0-liter engine. With it we managed a 0-60 mph sprint of 9 seconds, which is a poor showing for a small SUV with an upgraded engine. The brake pedal is a little soft, but it's easy to gauge the amount of pressure needed to bring the Sportage to an easy stop. While the ride feels sporty, the suspension feels sloppy on twisty roads. Combined with numb steering and sometimes on-off power delivery, the Sportage reveals itself to be anything but sporty. | |
How comfortable is the Sportage? | |
We like the supportive front seats that have plenty of adjustment and above-average heating and cooling capabilities. The climate control system quickly adjusts cabin temperatures too. The interior is well isolated from traffic noise and from road noise over bumps, but tire noise is noticeable at freeway speeds. In keeping with the Sportage name, the ride is a bit firm and sporty. Around town, the suspension does a great job absorbing small bumps, but at higher speeds and over larger bumps, there's noticeable bounciness and rebound. It can be almost boat-like at times. | |
How’s the interior? | |
The Sportage's interior feels high-quality for the class and has some nice features, but the sleek roofline creates compromises. Drivers and passengers more than 6 feet tall may note a lack of headroom. The low roof makes the interior feel smaller than it is, and the thick roof pillars create a number of blind spots. Yet even with the low roof, it's easy to get in or out of the SUV due to the wide door openings. The seating position offers a good range of motion, especially with the generously telescoping steering wheel, but taller drivers will wish the seat could go lower. Buttons are clearly labeled, but each panel features buttons of identical shape and size so you will be relying on those labels rather than finding controls by touch. | |
How’s the tech? | |
With few exceptions, the Sportage's tech features are top-notch. The logical and approachable touchscreen is user-friendly, and we appreciate the standard smartphone integration and charging options for front and rear passengers. The available upgraded stereo is among the best in the class. Navigation graphics are clean and crisp. But voice commands are disappointing — the system is easily confused, especially when you're trying to control navigation — and can't be accessed while using smartphone projection. A subscription to Kia's Uvo services, which our tester lacked, is said to improve voice recognition. The Sportage's suite of driver aids works well, handling traffic without false positives or unsettling jerkiness. Only lane keeping assist has issues; it can misread lane marker lines and doesn't provide much steering assist to keep you within the lane. | |
How’s the storage? | |
Cargo capacity is average for the class. There's 30.7 cubic feet of space behind the second row and 60.1 cubic feet with the seats folded. The low cargo floor makes it easy to load items, but the the wheelwells intrude into the space. In the cabin, there's not much space for small items. We like the generous phone cubby, but the center console bin is on the small side, and the door bins are narrow. Got small children? The reclining rear seatback and clearly marked car seat anchors make fitting a child seat easier, but installing a bulky rear-facing seat will require moving the front seats forward. | |
How economical is the Sportage? | |
EPA estimates range from 26 mpg combined for the base front-wheel-drive Sportage down to 21 mpg combined for the turbocharged 2.0-liter model with all-wheel drive. Neither of those numbers is a strong showing in a class where competitors can claim up to 30 mpg. On our real-world testing route, the Sportage returned 20.6 mpg, coming close to the EPA estimate. Still, considering the relatively slow acceleration from even the turbocharged model, these economy numbers are disappointing. | |
Is the Sportage a good value? | |
Where the Sportage was once a standout, it's now caught up in the mix as automakers hone their value propositions. The Kia has a slight price advantage, especially if you place more priority on comfort and tech features than performance or practicality. But the real value proposition is Kia's warranty: The five-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty are matched only by Hyundai. Starting at around $24,000, the Sportage undercuts the base CR-V, but it's less practical and comes with a less desirable base engine. Our top-of-the-line tester came in at a bit over $37,000, which just undercuts the highest-trim CX-5 that offers better performance with similar practicality. For the class, you're not quite getting everything you're paying for. | |
Wildcard | |
The Sportage lives and dies on its features, and it really only shines as a commuter. It's certainly an SUV that feels good to get into, with its well-built interior and comprehensive feature set, but push it outside of its comfort zone and the veneer cracks. In the end, it's hard to do anything but assign a split score here. | |
The 2021 Kia Sportage is a small SUV that slots between the three-row Sorento and the compact Seltos. The Sportage shares more than a little with its corporate sibling, the Hyundai Tucson. The Sportage packs tons of features into an affordable package, with available all-wheel drive and a striking design that helps it stand out from the crowd. But in a very crowded segment, it rated lower on our list than all-stars such as the Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5 and Subaru Forester.
Sponsored cars related to the Sportage
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2021 Kia Sportage.
Trending topics in reviews
- reliability & manufacturing quality
- technology
- appearance
- driving experience
- infotainment system
- value
- seats
- comfort
- doors
- maintenance & parts
- engine
- interior
Most helpful consumer reviews
Having driven luxury SUV’s the past 20 years, this new Sportage turbo is fun to drive. Most of the amenities you find in LEXUS models are available with a few omissions, yet at saving about 20k on the sticker price balances the purchase. The touchscreen apps and navigation are far easier to maneuver in the KIA than others. Seating is comfortable but could be improved with a more sporty wrap around seat and it rides a little high in the cab for me. The expansive sunroof is killer. The things I miss are seat memory, seat belt release driver seat back up, one touch window up & down...spoiled I know. Over all the Sportage was a good financial exchange for us. My husband drives a SOUL, that’s what made us check out the other vehicles in the KIA line up.
I bought one; traded in my 2016 Turbo; don't try to sell me anything else. I've looked at infinity (had two and loved them) but for quality and value this is my choice!
Love my new car. Love the sportage. Its the perfect in between car. Not too big and not too small.
Test drive car and learn all the features the suv has to offer, it is awesome. You will love it
Features & Specs
| LX 4dr SUV 2.4L 4cyl 6A | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $23,990 |
| MPG | 23 city / 30 hwy |
| Seating | Seats 5 |
| Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Horsepower | 181 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| EX 4dr SUV 2.4L 4cyl 6A | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $27,290 |
| MPG | 23 city / 30 hwy |
| Seating | Seats 5 |
| Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Horsepower | 181 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| EX 4dr SUV AWD 2.4L 4cyl 6A | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $28,790 |
| MPG | 22 city / 26 hwy |
| Seating | Seats 5 |
| Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Horsepower | 181 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| LX 4dr SUV AWD 2.4L 4cyl 6A | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $25,490 |
| MPG | 22 city / 26 hwy |
| Seating | Seats 5 |
| Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Horsepower | 181 hp @ 6000 rpm |
Safety
Our experts’ favorite Sportage safety features:
- Forward Collision Avoidance-Assist
- Warns you if it detects pedestrians or stopped or suddenly slowing vehicles. Automatically brakes if needed.
- Lane Departure Warning System
- Warns you if the Sportage drifts out of the lane without you using a turn signal.
- Blind-Spot Collision Warning
- Monitors your blind spots and alerts you to other vehicles through lights in the side mirrors.
NHTSA Overall Rating 5 out of 5 stars
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
| Frontal Barrier Crash Rating | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | 4 / 5 |
| Driver | 4 / 5 |
| Passenger | 5 / 5 |
| Side Crash Rating | Rating |
| Overall | 5 / 5 |
| Side Barrier Rating | Rating |
| Overall | 5 / 5 |
| Driver | 5 / 5 |
| Passenger | 5 / 5 |
| Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings | Rating |
| Front Seat | 5 / 5 |
| Back Seat | 5 / 5 |
| Rollover | Rating |
| Rollover | 4 / 5 |
| Dynamic Test Result | No Tip |
| Risk Of Rollover | 15.5% |
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
| Side Impact Test | Good |
|---|---|
| Roof Strength Test | Good |
| Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint | Good |
| IIHS Small Overlap Front Test | Not Tested |
| Moderate Overlap Front Test | Good |
Kia Sportage vs. the competition
Kia Sportage vs. Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V is the most well-rounded small SUV you can buy. It nails the crossover formula with a comfortable ride, a strong and fuel-efficient engine, and roomy interior. The CR-V also boasts excellent cargo space. Its weak spot is a glitchy and confusing infotainment system, while infotainment is a strength for the Sportage. Read Edmunds' long-term road test of the Honda CR-V.
Kia Sportage vs. Hyundai Tucson
These two SUVs have a lot in common thanks to the corporate partnership between Kia and Hyundai. They share the same impressive tech and cargo space. But the Tucson offers more enjoyable performance, a more comfortable ride and more personality. If you take a Sportage and make it a little better throughout, you've got a Tucson.
Kia Sportage vs. Mazda CX-5
The CX-5 is the undisputed SUV of choice when it comes to getting an upscale experience. Mazda simply nailed the steering and handling, which immediately sets the CX-5 apart in a sea of cushy competitors. We also like the premium interior and available turbocharged engine on higher trims. The CX-5's cargo space is about the same as the Sportage's, so neither vehicle is super practical.
FAQ
Is the Kia Sportage a good car?
What's new in the 2021 Kia Sportage?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2021 Kia Sportage:
- S Sunroof and Premium packages are no longer available
- Nightfall Edition and Nightfall Edition Premium packages take their place
- Part of the fourth Sportage generation introduced for 2017
Is the Kia Sportage reliable?
Is the 2021 Kia Sportage a good car?
How much should I pay for a 2021 Kia Sportage?
The least-expensive 2021 Kia Sportage is the 2021 Kia Sportage LX 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 6A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $23,990.
Other versions include:
- LX 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 6A) which starts at $23,990
- EX 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 6A) which starts at $27,290
- EX 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl 6A) which starts at $28,790
- LX 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl 6A) which starts at $25,490
- S 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 6A) which starts at $26,490
- S 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl 6A) which starts at $28,190
- SX Turbo 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A) which starts at $33,650
- SX Turbo 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A) which starts at $35,150
What are the different models of Kia Sportage?
More about the 2021 Kia Sportage
2021 Kia Sportage Overview
The 2021 Kia Sportage is offered in the following submodels: Sportage SUV. Available styles include LX 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 6A), EX 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 6A), EX 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl 6A), LX 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl 6A), S 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 6A), S 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl 6A), SX Turbo 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A), and SX Turbo 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A).
What do people think of the 2021 Kia Sportage?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2021 Kia Sportage and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2021 Sportage 4.8 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2021 Sportage.
Edmunds Expert Reviews
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2021 Kia Sportage and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2021 Sportage featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Our Review Process
This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
What's a good price for a New 2021 Kia Sportage?
2021 Kia Sportage SX Turbo 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
The 2021 Kia Sportage SX Turbo 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $36,270. The average price paid for a new 2021 Kia Sportage SX Turbo 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A) is trending $4,084 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $4,084 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $32,187.
The average savings for the 2021 Kia Sportage SX Turbo 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A) is 11.3% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 26 2021 Kia Sportage SX Turbo 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
2021 Kia Sportage EX 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
The 2021 Kia Sportage EX 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl 6A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $30,360. The average price paid for a new 2021 Kia Sportage EX 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl 6A) is trending $4,089 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $4,089 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $26,271.
The average savings for the 2021 Kia Sportage EX 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl 6A) is 13.5% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 33 2021 Kia Sportage EX 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl 6A) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
2021 Kia Sportage LX 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
The 2021 Kia Sportage LX 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 6A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $25,535. The average price paid for a new 2021 Kia Sportage LX 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 6A) is trending $3,567 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $3,567 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $21,968.
The average savings for the 2021 Kia Sportage LX 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 6A) is 14% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 38 2021 Kia Sportage LX 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 6A) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
2021 Kia Sportage LX 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
The 2021 Kia Sportage LX 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl 6A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $27,190. The average price paid for a new 2021 Kia Sportage LX 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl 6A) is trending $3,810 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $3,810 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $23,381.
The average savings for the 2021 Kia Sportage LX 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl 6A) is 14% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 31 2021 Kia Sportage LX 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl 6A) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
2021 Kia Sportage S 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
The 2021 Kia Sportage S 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl 6A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $29,760. The average price paid for a new 2021 Kia Sportage S 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl 6A) is trending $3,936 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $3,936 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $25,824.
The average savings for the 2021 Kia Sportage S 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl 6A) is 13.2% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 26 2021 Kia Sportage S 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl 6A) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
2021 Kia Sportage S 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
The 2021 Kia Sportage S 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 6A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $28,305. The average price paid for a new 2021 Kia Sportage S 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 6A) is trending $3,758 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $3,758 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $24,547.
The average savings for the 2021 Kia Sportage S 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 6A) is 13.3% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 26 2021 Kia Sportage S 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 6A) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
2021 Kia Sportage EX 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
The 2021 Kia Sportage EX 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 6A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $33,765. The average price paid for a new 2021 Kia Sportage EX 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 6A) is trending $3,889 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $3,889 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $29,876.
The average savings for the 2021 Kia Sportage EX 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 6A) is 11.5% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 2 2021 Kia Sportage EX 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 6A) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
2021 Kia Sportage SX Turbo 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
The 2021 Kia Sportage SX Turbo 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $34,770. The average price paid for a new 2021 Kia Sportage SX Turbo 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A) is trending $3,928 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $3,928 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $30,842.
The average savings for the 2021 Kia Sportage SX Turbo 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A) is 11.3% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 1 2021 Kia Sportage SX Turbo 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
Which 2021 Kia Sportages are available in my area?
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2021 Kia Sportage for sale near. There are currently 477 new 2021 Sportages listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $25,110 and mileage as low as 0 miles. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a car from our massive database to find cheap vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the 2021 Kia Sportage. Then select Edmunds special offers, perks, deals, and incentives to contact the dealer of your choice and save up to $6,709 on a used or CPO 2021 Sportage available from a dealership near you.
Can't find a new 2021 Kia Sportages you want in your area? Consider a broader search.
Find a new Kia Sportage for sale - 1 great deals out of 22 listings starting at $11,883.
Find a new Kia for sale - 5 great deals out of 14 listings starting at $21,057.
Why trust Edmunds?
Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including rich, trim-level features and specs information like: MSRP, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, heated seating, cooled seating, cruise control, parking assistance, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats ,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, wheel tire, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, engine torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy (city, highway, combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (length, width, seating capacity, cargo space), car safety, true cost to own. Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, fuel economy, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds rating, and color.
Should I lease or buy a 2021 Kia Sportage?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
Check out Kia lease specials