The 2025 Kia Sportage stands out with its comfortable ride quality, spacious seating and massive rear cargo area. It also comes with some appealing technology features and advanced driver aids. The Sportage's biggest shortcomings are its slow acceleration and underwhelming fuel economy.Read full review
New package bundles panoramic sunroof and hands-free tailgate for EX trim
Minor styling tweaks for X-Line and X-Pro trims
Part of the fifth Sportage generation introduced for 2023
Overview
by the Edmunds Experts
9/20/2024
Kia has packed a surprising amount of style and features into the compact footprint of its Sportage SUV. Always a good value for the money, the Sportage received a full redesign in 2023 that made it one of the most distinctive-looking SUVs on the road regardless of price. Available in front- or all-wheel drive, the Sportage uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine for motivation. Kia also offers hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions but we review those separately. Kia made slight tweaks to the Sportage for 2025, including new dark-themed exterior styling highlights for the X-Line and X-Pro trims. A new Premium package is available for the EX as well, bundling a panoramic sunroof and hands-free tailgate.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2025 Kia Sportage LX 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.08 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
From its edgy, futuristic styling to its long list of standard and available features, there's a lot to like about the Sportage. But its underpowered and relatively inefficient engine is not one of them. Producing only 187 horsepower from 2.5 liters, the Sportage's four-cylinder engine kind of spoils the party, and that's when you only have one person in the vehicle. Add a family and some of their stuff and the Sportage is downright slow. There is a more powerful hybrid option, as well as a plug-in hybrid, but those are more expensive. If anything, we'd like to see Kia give the Sportage some much-needed sauce to help the driving experience better match the highlights of the rest of the vehicle.
Competitors to consider
There's no shortage of compact SUVs to choose from, but our top picks would be the stylish Mazda CX-50, the evergreen Honda CR-V and the Toyota RAV4. The Mazda offers significantly more power than the Sportage, while the RAV4 is more efficient and the CR-V offers a more refined driving experience. Read our Expert Rating to learn all about the Kia's strengths and potential drawbacks.
Edmunds Expert Rating
edmunds TESTED
by the Edmunds Experts
Good
7.9
out of 10
We drove the 2025 Kia Sportage on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.The Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.
Performance
6.5/10
How does the Sportage drive? The Sportage fails to impress in day-to-day driving. The mildly off-road-focused nature of the X-Pro trim we tested, with its all-terrain tires, makes on-road handling feel a bit softer, but that's less of an issue than the lack of power. It took our Sportage test car more than 9.5 seconds to reach highway speeds of 60 mph, which is very slow and seconds behind class leaders. There are no other engines offered unless you opt for the Sportage Hybrid, which we highly recommend checking out.
The engine makes most driving scenarios more work than they should be. The transmission is constantly hunting for the right gear to maximize available power, and the driver needs to plan for passing maneuvers well ahead of when they might need to happen. We otherwise found the steering easy and accurate and the brakes smooth and responsive. Replace the engine with something else and it would be a much better experience.
Comfort
8.5/10
How comfortable is the Sportage? The Sportage has you covered if comfort is a priority. The seats may not offer an extensive amount of adjustments, but they offer excellent support and cushioning in all the right places. The upholstery isn't fancy but feels durable, and if you opt for the higher trim models, the front seats include ventilation and heat functions. The rear seats have a lot of adjustable recline, which will certainly make your rear passengers happy.
The Sportage suspension is very softly tuned. That allows the Sportage to absorb bumps and broken pavement well but sometimes causes it to uncomfortably bob up and down around a little more if the road is undulating. Kia also did a great job at keeping unwanted noise out of the cabin and keeping the interior free of squeaks or rattles.
We think the climate control layout is pretty slick — the touch panel controls convert to media controls when not in use — but we could see some people not liking it. Interface aside, the system performance is strong and effective at maintaining your target cabin temperature.
Interior
8.5/10
How’s the interior? A thoughtful and user-friendly interior is another Sportage strong suit. Kia has leveled up the look and design of the interior without sacrificing functionality. Maybe the new touchscreen iconography, which resembles neon signs, won't be to everyone's taste but it at least looks modern, and Kia has retained many useful physical buttons. All-wheel-drive Sportages have more ground clearance, 8.3 inches, than front-wheel-drive models (7.1 inches), which makes step-in height marginally higher as well. But it's still a relatively easy vehicle to slide in and out of, especially with its nice squared-off door openings.
Visibility is great thanks to big windows and body dimensions that are easy to gauge from the driver's seat. And for those who want even better visibility, the Prestige trims include an excellent surround-view camera system. Passenger space is generous throughout the cabin as well, with the exception of front headroom. Although people 6 feet tall or shorter should have no issues, we wonder if the exceptionally tall will feel too close to the roof in the front seat.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
Save as much as $1,340 with Edmunds Click on the trim you’re interested in to see what Edmunds suggests you should pay to get a good deal. Savings vary by trim; $1,340 refers to estimated savings off of MSRP for the X-Pro Prestige trim.
How’s the tech? Kia offers loads of in-car tech and driver aids with the Sportage. Standard features include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a plethora of USB-A and -C ports in both rows. Our test vehicle was equipped with a wireless charging pad as well as 12.3-inch displays for both the instrument cluster and infotainment system. Onboard navigation, which our test Sportage had, is straightforward to operate, though it's a bummer that it doesn't have live traffic information. Also, the touchscreen inputs lock out when you're on the move.
The Sportage is available with loads of driver aids, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot warning, a surround-view monitor and parking assist. We like how it all works in real-world use. The adaptive cruise holds good gaps without constantly tapping the brakes, and we didn't have any false alerts with any of the collision systems. Smart Park will pull the Sportage out or into a parking spot using just the key fob. It's a neat party trick.
Storage
8.5/10
How’s the storage? Storage has become a hallmark of any modern small SUV worth its mettle, and the Sportage delivers. With 39.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 74.1 cubic feet with that row folded down, the Sportage is one of the most spacious vehicles in this class. The load floor is wide and flat, and the rear seats can be folded down from the hatch. The rear seats have car seat anchors that are pretty easy to locate and access, and the rear seat is spacious enough for even larger rear-facing car seats.
Storage in the rest of the cabin is excellent, too. The center console has a small lidded bin in front of the shifter that houses USB ports and a wireless pad, though it's large enough for more than just a phone. The cupholders are clever too, and they can retract into the walls to make space for larger beverages or create another bin for other things. The Sportage can tow up to 2,500 pounds when properly equipped. That's average for a small SUV and enough for a small trailer or boat.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
Fuel Economy
6/10
How’s the fuel economy? In all-wheel-drive form with its all-terrain tires, the Sportage X-Pro (which is what we tested) gets an EPA-estimated 26 mpg combined. This isn't that great, considering many competitors manage to be more efficient. Adding insult to injury is how slow the Sportage is in return. Usually you give up one quality for another. We managed 26.4 mpg on our mixed-driving evaluation route, which indicates the Kia should meet its economy estimates. But if you're like us and see yourself being heavy on the gas around town, expect this number to decrease.
Value
8/10
Is the Sportage a good value? The Sportage packs in a lot of features and feels like good value for the money, but it doesn't have as big of a price advantage over its competitors as it used to. What it provides in return is an attractive cabin with sound build quality and some premium luxuries like ventilated seats that some competitors simply don't offer. Our loaded Sportage X-Pro Prestige test model had nearly every feature you'd want in a modern small SUV.
Kia offers a five-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and covers the powertrain for 10 years/100,000 miles. That's stellar stuff that no one, other than sister company Hyundai, can really match. Kia also includes five years/60,000 miles of roadside assistance.
Wildcard
7/10
We think this Sportage is an improvement over the previous model in appearance, but we're not convinced the styling will be for everyone. It's aggressive and bold and maybe just a hair over the top. But, hey, maybe you love that! We do love the interior direction Kia has taken and think most people will too.
While the X-Pro trim is designed to pull more off-road duty, and even looks a little rugged, we aren't sure it can step up in a real way. The powertrain is probably the weakest link here, and with most of our time being spent on the road, it's what spoils the experience for us.
Which Sportage does Edmunds recommend?
The Sportage EX model is our pick for the best value. Just one step up from the base LX, the EX offers useful upgrades while keeping the out-the-door price manageable. Its enhancements include keyless entry, heated front seats, vegan leather upholstery, and a dual-level cargo floor for added versatility.
Sportage, smart buy all the way around, 4.8 starts
5 out of 5 stars
Todd McClellan, 08/13/2024
2024 Kia Sportage SX-Prestige 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 8A)
There're are many positives to the 2024 Sportage. I'm reviewing the Sportage SX Prestige 2.5 FWD. I'll start with the downside to this SUV and it's not really that bad. The 2.5 is a little under powered but a quick switch to sport mode and you'll have the power you need. The throttle response is good but Kia has limited the power response to be so gradual that you have to really put … the pedal down to get it to get up and go!! Sport mode definitely gives it some help and when you get to 3500 rmps and up is when you realize this 2.5 isn't so bad. Kia's 2.5 turbo offered in the K5 should have been an option. On the other hand the way the 2.5 responds to gas pedal demand is why the little gem get such great gas mileage. After a few tanks of gas and getting the feel of the Sportage I set out to see just how good this SUV could go on a single tank. Well I squeezed out 563 miles with 20 miles remaining on my fuel range computer. I ended up with and average of 39.5 mpg. Not bad for a normally aspirated 2.5 with and automatic transmission behind it. Now of course I was driving with the proper fuel saving mindset and not going over 65 mph. It was a good mix of hwy and city driving. The only other down was the manual release in the rear hatch for the second row seats. With all the tech and options with the Prestige package adding an electric option to raise and lower the rear seats from the rear hatch would have been a nice touch.
I'll start with the front grill on the good stuff. What they've done with the futuristic look on the grill has set this car apart from its competitors, it really stands out with the boomerang LED daytime running lightgs lit up coming down the road. The rest of the exterior is extremely stylish from the grill, side body lines to the rear wiper hidden tucked up under the sporty rear spoiler. The Sportage comes with 19" wheels with Michelin tires that run quiet. The suspension is surprisingly forgiving, it swallows up bumps and dips while still giving you control over the road. The tech is over the top compared to any of it competitors. A huge or should I say long two panel screen, the left side is your instrument cluster with multiple gauge option with a spin of the drive mode switch. It has so many features it'll take you a good while playing around with it to appreciate all that it has to offer. The right side is your entertainment center with everything under the sun, Harman Carden 400 watt sound system to boot. The panoramic sunroof is wonderful as it goes all the way back beyond the back seat. On a hot day you can enjoy airconditioned seats, you cant even get that in a CRV or the panoramic sunroof. Heated seats, heated steering wheel, both front seats are electric, reclining back seats,,,,,who does that?? Kia does that's who, LOL charging ports mounted in the back of the front seats, rear facing air vents, electric hatch, door handle entry lights The list goes on. I'm in the automotive industry and have been for over 30 years, 20 years as a technician. I have full confidence in KIA. South Korea is raising the bar when it comes to car quality and ingenuity. Those negative reviews are to be taken with a grain of salt as they say. Most car factories pump out about 30,000 units a month. No matter what manufacturer you go with, there's going to be a few bad eggs. As you know, bad reviews make up most of the reviews due to being pissed off because it happened to you or just plain being ill informed, not taking care of you car or buyers remorse. If you're looking for a high tech, stylish, comfortable, good fuel milage SUV this is a great choice. I guarantee if you test drive one you'll be driving off the lot with a new KIA. It just out performers all the other all the others in its class.
Great ride in comparison with luxury suv-fast car
5 out of 5 stars
KT, 08/31/2024
2024 Kia Sportage SX 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 8A)
Idk how some of the complaints in review can be supported.. my comparisons derived from my previously owned luxury suv & very fast sports cars..,I looked at this car for lease option business daily driver. Many bells /whistles standard even in lower trims.,,First x in this vehicle unbelievably spacious front/ leg room, elbow room etc…back seat can comfortably ride 6’4 person without … feeling legs cramped great head clearance ,crazy large cargo space( largest in category)& feels like you are in a much larger vehicle…in front of u massive infotainment system touch screen easy to navigate around, harmony Kardon sound( also found Mercedes) panoramic moonroof standard in all but 2 trims…doors with soft touch materials. Now on tó ride and engine.. ride is quiet, doors close tightly/quietly, low cabin noise, handles nicely in turns/ tight steering/suspension
yet smooth ride..now for engine response—some reviews say underpowered NO.. at 187 expected sluggish response when asked as this is least HP ever owned so at first concerned but that changed quickly…it feel like vehicle with higher HP, extremely responsive without hesitation. power there for quick acceleration putting you quickly into proper gear when needed to pass vehicle fairly quickly, quick start from standstill even in economy mode when need power quickly it’s there.. very responsive to level of acceleration needed…now, not a daily race car/aggressive driving of course but get avg gas mileage 27 includes some quick acceleration passing and from stop… on highway have gotten 39mpg..with avg highway cruising…
The ride like as good better than some luxury, just as quiet feel even handles the road better.( hugs road), tight, feels extremely stable at high speeds also when navigating high traffic..overall love the vehicle, warranty, great price for nice over vehicle quality…
GREAT so far!
5 out of 5 stars
er.medic, 04/05/2024
2024 Kia Sportage SX-Prestige 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 8A)
Love the styling and amenities. I have the Wolf Grey SX Prestige with Carmine Red interior. I am a big boy, 6ft, 310 lbs, and I have plenty of room, don't feel cramped at all. All the tech stuff is great. The ride is very smooth. As many have said, the engine is not the star of the show, but it's not terrible either. Gas milage is great; I have the 2.5L gas version. Lots of cargo … space and fit and finish is outstanding.
Best SUV in it's class
5 out of 5 stars
TKO91, 09/18/2023
2024 Kia Sportage SX-Prestige 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 8A)
This is my first car. I'm a late bloomer and waited till my 30's to get my own car. I was looking first for a sedan but an SUV seemed more practical for where life may take me at this point in my life. Test drove a Honda CR-V and a Nissan Rougue. I didn't even consider Toyoto due to markups. My uncle had never been in a Kia before and at first didn't understand why we were at the … dealtership at first. After test driving the Sportage, he changed his mind completely. Boyfriend also immediately knew it was "the one" for me and was so impressed he was thinking of getting one himself. Interior is amazing! Makes you feel like you're in a much more expensive car. Has every feature I could want and some surprises like the 360 camera that's helped me park so many times. The blind spot cameras / detectors have also been crucial for a new driver like me. Hope to get many years of driving from this car!
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2025 Kia Sportage, so we've included reviews for other years of the Sportage since its last redesign.
Small SUV Comparison Test | Honda CR-V vs. Kia Sportage vs. Mazda CX-50
NOTE: This video is about the 2023 Kia Sportage, but since the 2025 Kia Sportage is part of the same generation, our earlier analysis still applies.
The Honda CR-V has been one of the best selling and most popular small SUVs in America for some time now. But with the redesign of the Kia Sportage and the release of the new Mazda Cx-50, the CR-V has some new competition. In this video, Lauren McCay and Ryan ZumMallen from Edmunds present our small SUV comparison test of the 2022 Honda CR-V vs. 2023 Kia Sportage vs. 2023… Mazda CX-50, and talk about what sets each one apart and how the newcomers stack up against the CR-V. Lauren and Ryan dissect each of these small SUVs, comparing their engines and MPG and take a look at their interiors, tech features, and cargo space. Lauren and Ryan then head to the streets to see how each compact SUVs handles out in the real world. Do the Kia Sportage and Mazda Cx-50 have what it takes to compete with the Honda CR-V? Which small SUV is best for your family? We answer these questions and more in our small SUV comparison test of the Honda CR-V vs. Kia Sportage vs. Mazda Cx-50.
Kia has packed a surprising amount of style and features into the compact footprint of its Sportage SUV. Always a good value for the money, the Sportage received a full redesign in 2023 that made it one of the most distinctive-looking SUVs on the road, regardless of price. Available in front- or all-wheel drive, the Sportage uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine for motivation. Kia also offers a hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions but we review those separately. Even with its recent redesign, we think Kia will update the Sportage's styling yet again for 2025 based on Kia's typical product cycle. Other changes will likely be mild and could be limited to simple trim updates and a shuffling of standard and optional features.
Edmunds spotlight: It's underpowered
From its edgy, futuristic styling to its long list of standard and available features, there's a lot ot like about the Sportage. But its underpowered and relatively inefficient engine is not one of them. Producing only 187 horsepower from 2.5 liters, the Sportage's four-cylinder engine kind of spoils the party, and that's when you only have one person in the vehicle. Add a family and some of their stuff and the Sportage is downright slow. There is a hybrid option, as well as a plug-in hybrid, but those are more expensive. If anything, we'd like to see Kia give the Sportage some much-needed sauce to help bring the driving experience better match the highlights of the rest of the vehicle.
Competitors to consider
There's no shortage of compact SUVs to choose from, but our top picks would be the stylish Mazda CX-50, the evergreen Honda CR-V and the Toyota RAV4. The Mazda offers significantly more power than the Sportage, while the RAV4 is more efficient and the CR-V offers a more refined driving experience.
Edmunds says
It looks like the Kia Sportage is due for a styling refresh and we'll likely see it break cover for the 2025 model year. We wish it would get a bump in power too, but we think the Sportage will continue to be a stylish and value-packed compact SUV.
FAQ
Is the Kia Sportage a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2025 Sportage both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.9 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2025 Sportage gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 40 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the Sportage has 39.6 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Kia Sportage. Learn more
What's new in the 2025 Kia Sportage?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2025 Kia Sportage:
New package bundles panoramic sunroof and hands-free tailgate for EX trim
Minor styling tweaks for X-Line and X-Pro trims
Part of the fifth Sportage generation introduced for 2023
To determine whether the Kia Sportage is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Sportage. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Sportage's 4-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2025 Kia Sportage a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2025 Kia Sportage is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2025 Sportage and gave it a 7.9 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2025 Sportage gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 40 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2025 Sportage is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2025 Kia Sportage?
The least-expensive 2025 Kia Sportage is the 2025 Kia Sportage LX 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 8A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $27,390.
Other versions include:
LX 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 8A) which starts at $27,390
LX 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 8A) which starts at $29,190
EX 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 8A) which starts at $29,490
EX 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 8A) which starts at $31,290
X-Line 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 8A) which starts at $32,290
SX 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 8A) which starts at $32,990
SX-Prestige 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 8A) which starts at $34,990
X-Pro 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 8A) which starts at $36,490
SX-Prestige 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 8A) which starts at $36,790
X-Pro Prestige 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 8A) which starts at $38,290
If you're interested in the Kia Sportage, the next question is, which Sportage model is right for you? Sportage variants include LX 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 8A), LX 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 8A), EX 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 8A), and EX 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 8A). For a full list of Sportage models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more