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2021 Kia Sportage Review
A comprehensive review of the 2021 Kia Sportage.
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How did we calculate this? We analysed and aggregated the scores of CarAdvice, CarsGuide, WhichCar and CarsExpert to bring you the finder.com.au score. This is a comprehensive score that brings together the four different expert ratings you see below.
finder.com.au is personal finance comparison site that provides you with the tools you need to make better decisions. Learn how we work and how we make money.
Critic reviews
Website
Rating
Notable quotes
CarAdvice
78%
"Kia's ageing medium SUV is a competent crowd-pleaser – particularly if you're willing to splurge on the top-of-the-line offering."
"There's so much to like about the Sportage SX, despite only minor changes for the 2020 model year. The petrol engine in particular is a weak link, but other than that the technology, practicality, and handling package on offer here should make it a compelling option for buyers shopping in the segment."
"The Kia Sportage is a great looking medium SUV that is comfortable and very quiet to ride in, and fun to drive. Updated in mid-2018, it has a refreshed cabin, improved suspension, and autonomous emergency braking as standard across the range."
"Where the Sportage shows its age is on its spec sheet. It's missing the latest generation of safety features on offer from Kia, a company that's been aggressively rolling out more and more sophisticated safety features like active blind-spot assist that many rivals don't yet offer."
The GT-Line model has an exclusive colour: Snow White Pearl, priced at $520.
The above prices are for private buyers in NSW postcode 2000, taken from the Kia Australia website in June 2021.
Overview
In 2020, the Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5 and Nissan X-Trail all outsold the Kia Sportage. That's not to say this is a bad car; in fact, the motoring media reviewed it favourably. It has a reasonable spec-list, drives nicely and is a very well-polished vehicle.
There were some bugbears about the lack of LED headlights on certain models, the boot size and the power output of some engine options. However, the biggest concern was that the car is due for replacement by the end of this year. You might want to wait till closer to the launch of the next-gen Kia Sportage, so you can grab a runout deal on the current one.
Website
Pros
Cons
Notable quote
CarAdvice
Long list of safety and drive assists
Medium size is ideal for built-up areas
Comfy and controlled suspension
Can feel lack of power on hills and freeways
GT-Line-only highpoints
Rear visibility could be improved
"My tip would be to spend the extra money and go for the GT-Line, as some of my favourite features were part of the top-spec package. Of course, that means parting with just under $50,000, which may understandably serve as a deterrent for shoppers on a budget.
Alternatively, hold out for the next-generation model, due in the second half of 2021, which will hopefully see Kia's increasingly competitive design language and tech make its way to this dated platform."
CarsGuide
SX is best value for money Sportage
Truly satisfying to drive
Spec and safety equipment
Long in the tooth 2.0-litre petrol
LED DRLs but halogen headlights?
Some rivals have larger boots
"Most importantly, though, the SX is the most competitively priced of the entire Sportage range, offering the lion's share of available spec items at a price on-par to or undercutting similar rivals."
WhichCar
Eager diesel
Excellent to drive
Spacious
Petrol engine power output
"Diesel-engined, all-wheel-drive versions of the Sportage have more than enough power with terrific fuel economy, and all versions have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Kia's seven-year warranty is one of the best available."
CarExpert
Generally polished
Gutsy diesel
Lengthy warranty
Adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert only on GT-Line model
Servicing more pricey than competitors
Imprecise steering sensation
"We've seen the next-generation Hyundai Tucson go up in price compared to the outgoing model, so it seems likely the Sportage will do the same.
There could be run-out deals to be had closer to the launch of the new model, but with that said, the outgoing Tucson is in run-out mode and you can get more kit for the same price. That's where we'd be looking"
Engine and performance
There are 3 different engines sold in the Sportage: a 2.0-litre petrol, a 2.4-litre petrol and a 2.0-litre diesel.
Kia 2.0-litre petrol engine
The Kia 2.0-litre petrol has a capacity of 1,999cc and puts out a maximum of 114kW @ 6,200rpm. Peak torque measures 192Nm @ 4,000rpm. You can choose either a 6-speed auto or manual gearbox for this engine.
Kia 2.4-litre petrol engine
The 2.4-litre petrol engine is a larger, more powerful block that Kia uses for the GT-Line Sportage. This engine has 135kW of power @ 6,000RPM, while the torque touches 237 Nm @ 4,000rpm. Kia matches this block with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
Kia 2.0-litre diesel engine
If you like low-down torque, you're going to want the turbocharged diesel Sportage. This engine has 136kW, but crucially, that peak power hits at a much lower rate of revs, just 4,000RPM. Peak torque is also more widely accessible, kicking in between 1,750-2,750RPM and measuring 400 Nm.
This Sportage gets an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Car reviewers' impressions of the Kia Sportage engine and transmission line-up
How did car reviewers review the Sportage engine line-up?
The 2.0-litre petrol is competitive for the segment in terms of power and torque output. One reviewer was glad that Kia uses a conventional fixed-ratio automatic transmission rather than the CVT that some rivals go for. That's because generally, car testers say CVT transmissions, which essentially have adjustable gear ratios, tend to feel like they suck power out of the engine. However, they did say it was a bit of a fuel drinker, even if it was involving and fun to drive. Another motoring journo wished this engine had more guts – but that's a common grievance with automotive journalists. They stated this because you have to work the 2.0-litre hard on hills and when overtaking.
Even with the 2.4-litre, motoring experts were left wanting more get up and go. Again, this hesitancy was most noticed by car reviewers for uphill acceleration and high-speed overtakes. It was even labelled as having run-of-the-mill performance.
The turbocharged 2.0-litre diesel was described by one reviewer as the most tempting model – thanks to its accessible grunt and power. This was ranked as the engine to go for by the majority of testers because it's almost effortless to drive and it has a higher towing capacity. The engine is reportedly very beefy.
Turbocharged, common rail direct injection, 16 valves
Drivetrain
FWD
AWD
AWD
Engine size/displacement
1,999cc
2,359cc
1,995cc
Fuel type
91RON, E10 compatible
Diesel
Cylinders
4, inline
Fuel tank capacity
62 litres
Max power
114kW at 6,200rpm
135kW at 6,000rpm
136kW at 4,000rpm
Max torque
192Nm at 4,000rpm
237Nm at 4,000rpm
400Nm at 1,750-2750rpm
Fuel consumption (combined)
7.9L/100km
8.5L/100km
6.4L/100km
Acceleration (0-100km/h)
N/A
Emissions standard
Euro 5
Top speed (km/h)
N/A
Security
Engine immobiliser
Transmission
6-speed automatic (or 6-speed manual)
6-speed automatic
8-speed automatic
Towing capacity (unbraked/braked)
750kg/1,600kg
750kg/1,500kg
750kg/1,900kg
Kia Sportage fuel economy
According to the brochure, the following are the fuel economy figures for each Kia Sportage engine:
2.0-litre petrol
In the Kia Sportage brochure, we find that the 2.0-litre model uses the following amounts of fuel:
Combined: 7.9L/100km
Urban: 10.9L/100km
Extra: 6.1L/100km
The Green Vehicle Guide, a government fuel economy comparison website, indicates that the annual fuel cost estimate for this engine would be $1,595. That's if you covered 14,000km, two-thirds of the time spent in built-up areas.
2.4-litre petrol
The more powerful 2.4, which is fitted in the GT-Line Sportage, uses the following amounts of fuel:
Combined: 8.5L/100km
Urban: 11.8L/100km
Extra: 6.7L/100km
Based on those figures, the Green Vehicle Guide estimates you'd spend $1,733, inputting the same usage factors mentioned above.
2.0-litre diesel
As per the brochure, the diesel engine Kia installs in the Sportage uses the following amounts of fuel:
Combined: 6.4L/100km
Urban: 8.0L/100km
Extra: 5.4L/100km<
/ul>
As the most frugal engine, unsurprisingly the diesel has some of the lowest fuel costs. The Green Vehicle Guide estimates you'd spend $1,175 per year on diesel.
Fuel economy figures: Comparison only
To determine fuel economy usage, carmakers have to put their vehicles through a standardised testing procedure. This test is designed to simulate driving on public roads, but it can't account for the dozens of variables you'll experience while driving. Some of those changeable factors include things like the mechanical wear state of your vehicle, the terrain, traffic levels, the weather, your driving style and the quality of local fuel for example.
As a result, it's not unusual for you to experience different fuel economy readings than the brochure figures. But, because they've all gone through the same test, you can use the figures to compare models from different car makers fairly successfully.
So, how much fuel did the car reviewers use while testing the Kia Sportage?
One tester, driving the 2.0-litre diesel in an SX+ Sportage recorded figures that were well within the typical 1.0L/100km difference between the brochure stats and achievable fuel use.
Another tester, driving the larger 2.4-litre GT-Line petrol actually managed to match the brochure number.
A journo assessing a 2.0-litre petrol SX recorded figures about 0.4L/100km higher than the brochure figures. So it seems that the Sportage is pretty respectable on fuel.
Handling
What's the Kia Sportage like to drive?
One car reviewer said it was like an overgrown hatchback, which they liked. Apparently, for an SUV, the ride is solid but also forgiving. They also determined it was a nice compromise between sporty and everyday driving comfort. Another said the Sportage was fun to drive, definitely up there as one of the most satisfying to drive.
By all accounts, the Sportage is very well-mannered as it tackles big bumps or constant jostling arising from undulating roads. A journo said they went in with high expectations. It seems they were not disappointed. That same tester took the Sportage around Sydney and in their eyes, it held up admirably.
The four paw (4WD models) are reportedly steady, assured and reliable. Interestingly, one reviewer placed the Kia Sportage basically in the middle of the market on a spectrum. Cars like the CX-5 and Tucson were placed nearer the sporty and firm side, while the RAV4 and X-Trail were on the slightly cushier and more elastic end. The Sportage was described as confidence-inspiring in its handling.
As usual, it was observed that if you go for a Sportage model with larger alloy wheels, then the ride is slightly more jarring. That's due to the thinner tyre sidewalls, which serve a crucial part in absorbing jolts and isolating the cabin from the road (in tandem with the suspension). Evidently, Kia engineers have done a good job of controlling body roll.
Reviewers reported that the steering is nice and light, but one writer found it woolly. Another suggested that you could push the tyres if you accelerated with gusto away from turns.
Generally, judging by the car reviewers' comments, the Kia Sportage is an accomplished, balanced and composed SUV to drive. One stated it wasn't overly involving to be at the wheel, but it was nicely unbiased.
It seems that car reviewers found the Sportage handled very well overall.
Interior and equipment
What's the passenger cabin of the Kia Sportage like?
Generally, the Kia Sportage reviews we studied indicated the passenger compartment is accommodating and practical.
One tester said it was highly practical.
Reportedly, visibility is good. One reviewer wished the rear window was taller but added that the parking sensors and rear-view camera compensated for this. The same journo also pointed out there are ample storage pockets and bins. Other reviewers felt the interior is universally roomy, with properly-sized cupholders and seatback pockets and a fine view of the road.
An important feature for a vehicle in this mid-size SUV class is the rear door openings. Members of the motoring press said the doors opened nice and wide, meaning it was easy to slide a child seat in. Comfort back there, the reviewers explained, is spacious and it's good to see rear seats that can recline slightly to accommodate different passenger's frames.
In terms of comfort, Sportages of all grades appear to pass with flying colours. Lower-end models, with manual seat adjustment, were reportedly nice and comfy. Top-tier Sportages have power-adjustable seats, which are supposedly very good.
The boot space measures 465 litres with the rear seats up. With the seats folded down, the cargo volume expands to 1,455 litres. How does that compare to other mid-size SUVs?
Mid-size SUV cargo volume (seats-up/seats-down) - litres
Hyundai Tucson: 539L/1,860L
Toyota RAV4: 542-580L/1,690L
Mazda CX-5: 442L/1,342L
Subaru Forester: 520L/1,779L
Mitsubishi Outlander (non PHEV): 477L/1,608L
Nissan X-Trail: 565L/945L
Honda CR-V: 522L/1,717L
The Sportage doesn't have best-in-class cargo volumes, but it's not the worst either. You do get a full-size spare though, which is becoming increasingly rare these days.
One drawback discovered by an unfortunate reviewer was the keyless ignition system. Reportedly, a passenger left with the vehicle's key in their pocket and this fact was only realised almost 30 minutes later. It meant the tester couldn't turn off the Sportage until they'd retrieved the key. They also longed for a bit more oomph from the JBL audio system.
In terms of quality, reviewers suggested that the Sportage is very good. They liked the interior material choices made by Kia, saying the plastics were solid and everything was securely assembled. The carpets and cloth upholstery are also ostensibly of good quality. One tester had the opinion that the leather seats were overly unyielding.
It should be mentioned that more than one journo mentioned the Sportage's age. It's due for replacement, with the new Sportage due perhaps as soon as Q4 of 2021. Testers believed the spec-list was the most conclusive evidence of this. However, it is evidently faring better than some of its rivals that are also getting on in years.
The infotainment system is supposedly acceptably responsive and snappy. Crucially, testers said it was user-friendly too.
On the topic of safety assists, it seems what the Sportage has worked satisfactorily.
Interestingly, one of the motoring experts, who had loaned the Sportage over a longer period, was sad to see it go back to Kia's press office.
The interior of the Sportage is perhaps best summed up as easeful, meaning it's comfortable, quiet, peaceful and restful.
Kia Sportage and Sportage safety, security and driver assists
S
SX
SX+
GT-Line
ANCAP rating
5 star
Airbags:
Driver & front passenger SRS
Front side SRS
Curtain SRS
✔
✔
✔
✔
Autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with forward collision warning system (FCWS)
✔
✔
✔
✔
Lane keeping assist (LKA)
✔
✔
✔
✔
Intelligent parking assist system (IPAS)
✖️
✖️
✖️
✔
Anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brake-force distribution & brake assist
✔
✔
✔
✔
Electronic stability control (ESC) with traction control system (TCS)
✔
✔
✔
✔
Downhill brake control (DBC)
✔
✔
✔
✔
Hill-start assist control (HAC)
✔
✔
✔
✔
Driver attention alert (DAA)
✔
✔
✔
✔
Front parking sensors
✖️
✔ (auto only)
✔
✔
Rear parking sensors
✔
✔
✔
✔
Parking sensor display on dash
✔
✔
✔
✔
Rear-view camera with dynamic parking guidelines
✔
✔
✔
✔
Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
✖️
✔
✔
✔
Blind-spot detection (BSD), lane change assist (LCA) and rear cross-traffic alert (RCTA)
✖️
✖️
✖️
✔
LED daytime running lights (DRL)
✔
✔
✔
✔
High beam assist (HBA)
✔
✔
✔
✔
Dusk-sensing auto headlights
✔
✔
✔
✔
Projector front fog lights
✔
✔
✔
✖️
LED front fog lights
✖️
✖️
✖️
✔
Speed-sensing auto door locking and impact-sensing auto door unlock
✔
✔
✔
✔
2 x ISOFIX anchors
✔
✔
✔
✔
Child-proof rear door locks
✔
✔
✔
✔
Anti-theft immobiliser
✔
✔
✔
✔
Burglar alarm
✔
✔
✔
✔
Remote control central locking (with keyless entry and tailgate release)
✔
✔
✔
✔
Smart key with push-button start
✖️
✖️
✔
✔
Headlight escort function
✔
✔
✔
✔
Tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
✖️
✖️
✔
✔
Full-size spare alloy wheel
✔
✔
✔
✔
Cruise control with steering wheel-mounted controls
✔
✔
✔
✖️
Advanced smart cruise control (ASCC) with steering wheel-mounted controls
✖️
✖️
✖️
✔
Kia Sportage and Sportage interior and comfort features
S
SX
SX+
GT-Line
Audio player with AM/FM tuner with MP3 compatibility
✔
✔
✔
✔
Steering wheel-mounted audio and Bluetooth controls
Dual-zone climate control A/C with Clean Air module
✖️
✔
✔
✔
Auto defog system
✖️
✔
✔
✔
2nd-row air vents (behind centre console)
✔
✔
✔
✔
Sliding front centre console armrest
✔
✔
✖️
✖️
Front centre console armrest
✖️
✖️
✔
✔
60:40 split-folding rear seats
✔
✔
✔
✔
Rear centre armrest
✔
✔
✔
✔
Front & rear power windows
✔
✔
✔
✔
Driver & front passenger window auto up/down with safety function
Driver's window only
Driver's window only
✔
✔
Alloy sports pedals, door scuff plates and luggage sill protector
✖️
✖️
✖️
✔
Soft-touch dashboard and front upper door trim
✔
✔
✔
✔
Soft-touch front & rear door armrest
✖️
✖️
✔
✔
Timed rear window defroster
✔
✔
✔
✔
Qi wireless phone charging
✖️
✖️
✖️
✔
3 x 12V power outlet (2 x front console and 1 behind the centre console)
✔
✔
✔
✔
2 x USB plug (front console & behind centre console)
✔
✔
✔
✔
Illuminated driver & passenger sun visors with sliding function and vanity mirror
✔
✔
✔
✔
Front and rear cupholders x 4
✔
✔
✔
✔
Front and rear door bottle holders x 4
✔
✔
✔
✔
Front door map pockets
✔
✔
✔
✔
Sunglass holder
✔
✔
✔
✔
Illuminated glove box
✔
✔
✔
✔
Centre console storage bin
✔
✔
✔
✔
Front seatback pockets
✔
✔
✔
✔
2 x coat hooks
✔
✔
✔
✔
Cargo area luggage net hooks
✔
✔
✔
✔
Luggage screen
✔
✔
✔
✔
Luggage net
✖️
✖️
✔
✔
Kia Sportage and Sportage exterior highlights
S
SX
SX+
GT-Line
17-inch alloy wheels
✔
✖️
✖️
✖️
18-inch alloy wheels
✖️
✔
✔
✖️
19-inch alloy wheels
✖️
✖️
✖️
✔
Full-size alloy spare wheel
✔
✔
✔
✔
Rain-sensing front wipers
✖️
✔
✔
✔
Rear wiper & washer (2-speed)
✔
✔
✔
✔
Powered panoramic sunroof
✖️
✖️
✖️
✔
Windscreen and front door solar glass
✔
✔
✔
✔
Rear windows & tailgate privacy glass
✖️
✖️
✔
✔
Body-colour door handles
✔
✔
✖️
✖️
Chrome accented door handles
✖️
✖️
✔
✔
Dual-chrome exhaust tips
✖️
✖️
✖️
✔
Shark fin antenna
✔
✔
✔
✔
Black mesh grille with chrome surround
✔
✔
✖️
✖️
Metallic Dark Grey mesh grille with chrome surround
✖️
✖️
✔
✖️
Dark chrome grille & grille surround
✖️
✖️
✖️
✔
GT-Line Pack(front & rear bumper, black roof rails, dark chrome side sill)
✖️
✖️
✖️
✔
Chrome window surrounds
✔
✔
✔
✔
Body-coloured outside door mirrors with side indicators
✔
✔
✔
✔
Power outside mirrors with adjustment, folding and heating functions
✔
✔
✔
✔
Roof rails
✔
✔
✔
✔
Power, hands-free tailgate
✖️
✖️
✔
✔
LED headlights
✖️
✖️
✖️
✔
LED rear combo lights
✖️
✖️
✔
✔
Rear spoiler with built-in stop lamp
✔
✔
✔
✔
Verdict
It sounds as though the Kia Sportage is a bit like one of those classic compilation CDs you used to buy. It's got all the stuff you love, but it's showing its age a little. Journalists found little wrong with the Sportage. They suggested it offered good value, that it was a decent SUV to drive and the specification levels were also solid. It's also reportedly the perfect dimensions for anyone who lives in a built-up area, with a sensible and refined ride.
Though there's little wrong with the current Kia Sportage, a new model is due towards the end of 2021. So, if you really want this generation Kia Sportage, you might be able to snag a juicy runout deal if you pick your time wisely.
It seems the SX diesel or the GT-Line were the reviewers' pick of the Sportage range.
You just saved time by reading 4 Kia Sportage reviews combined into 1 review. Why not use some of the time you saved to compare car loans and car insurance? Doing so could save you hundreds of dollars!
We update our data regularly, but information can change between updates. Confirm details with the provider you're interested in before making a decision.
Ben Gribbin is an automotive writer at Finder. He is a life-long car enthusiast, bringing many years of experience working with and writing about cars. During his time, Ben has been a freelance writer, editor and reviewer for a number of leading publications across the UK. He was voted the Guild of Motoring Writers Breakthrough Blogger in 2015.
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