The 2021 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.
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
What is the Sportage?
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 a striking design that helps it stand out from the crowd. And it's a respectable fourth in our rankings, behind the Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5 and Subaru Forester.
The current Sportage debuted in 2017 and benefited from a midcycle refresh for 2020. Changes include updated styling, more driver aids such as adaptive cruise control, and a larger touchscreen with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. With this recent refresh, we don't expect any significant updates for 2021.
Edmunds says
The Sportage isn't our favorite small crossover — it can't quite match the top-ranked Honda CR-V when it comes to a complete package — though it does offer a lot of value for the price.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 Kia Sportage LX 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 6A) 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 $2.91 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Kia Sportage from 2008-2022.
$406/yr
vs. $465/yr for Average Compact SUV
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).
0.83x/yr
vs. 1x/yr for Average Compact SUV
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).
10.9%
vs. 11.5% for Average Compact SUV
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
I was surprised to learn how comfortable this car is. I drive a lot and didn't want bad gas mileage or a vehicle that hesitated. The seats are SO comfortable, the ride is quiet, bigger interior room, including the back seat. Stylish interior and easy controls with many options. I can feel this difference when I put in AWD and if I choose sport mode too. I love driving this around … town, the highway and can't wait for a long distance vacay in this. I chose the color, Hyper Red which is really a gorgeous color. These vehicles have truly come a long way and it surprised and impressed me for the 2020. Oh and I'll add, I researched vehicles on my own and nobody talked me into trying out this vehicle. I had to share my new found wisdom here!
Very Pleased
5 out of 5 stars
Bsprinks, 10/29/2019
2020 Kia Sportage S 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
I just returned from a 1,200 mile trip in my 2020 Kia Sportage S with premium package. Nothing like a long trip tp get to know your vehicle! I can say I'm very pleased with the vehicle. It rides smooth, it's comfortable, and rides quiet. Using Google maps on Android Auto was great. My Garmin never came out of the console compartment. The driver assist technologies worked good as well. It … took awhile to get used to the adaptive cruise control and to get It adjusted to a reasonable following distance. I had a Kia Sorento prior to the Sportage and was a little concerned about downsizing but the trip eliminated any concerns I had.
I have had this vehicle a little over three years now. It's been problem free needing only routine maintenance. Fuel mileage is good, I consistently get around 26 mpg with combined city and highway driving. I have always been pleased with the "pep" the vehicle has for the standard 4 cyl. It's easy to maneuver and has a sporty ride. It's one of the best vehicles I have owned.
First review of the 2020!
5 out of 5 stars
Matt Johnson, 06/19/2019
2020 Kia Sportage S 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
This car is fantastic! I’m 6’0” and 220 and I couldn’t be more comfortable. I read a review where someone said it didn’t have much headroom for a 6ft guy. I don’t know what car he was driving because there is tons of room over my head in the front or back seat. My model does not have the power seats and there’s not a lot of adjustability but they are super comfy as is. We came from an … 2014 Subaru Forester and this car out performs it in almost all categories. We were concerned about the cargo space because it was a little smaller but we can still fit all the same camping gear in it that we did in our forester. With 1/3 of the back seat down we can fit 2 large plastic totes, 2 small totes, a 55qt cooler, 3 duffel bags, 3 bike helmets and 3 camelbaks. It’s tight but it was in the forester too. Gas mileage has been about 25 avg. All the controls are very intuitive. The Bluetooth hooks up every time. Apple car play is super sweet! We haven’t had the car long but my family agrees it’s the best car we’ve had.
Beyond expectations
5 out of 5 stars
DB GaNung, 12/15/2020
2021 Kia Sportage SX Turbo 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
2021 Kia Sportage SX Turbo, Pacific Blue with Beige interior package (really tan with charcoal edges, HOT! It has every smart safety upgrade, including the fact it can park itself either by backing into a slop or parallel. And then it can unpark itself. It has lane departure, but also will keep one in the lane utilizing adaptive cruise control as you go. Front and back avoidance and … braking functions for the unexpected. On and on I could go. I agree with the other reviews about the interior and of course the spectacular panoramic roof (one touch). The glass all around is tinted fading to a lighter tint in front. The roof is tinted, doesn't glare as light pores in, feels cool and refreshing. The SPORT mode in driving as the Turbo to break out of the cage and be the tiger it is. Otherwise NORMAL and ECO modes feel just fine, more than enough power. While it may not be the very top it certainly comes in nice enough. Consider the paddle shifters on the back side of the steering wheel as a case in point, so VERY EASY to use. Infosys allows for every contingency in multiple ways to access. The adaptive cruise control drives, brakes, and adapts to the flow without a hitch, a major relief in itself. The lack of memory for the seats is a bummer but I can live with it. Even the thickness of the steering wheel feels just right. Easy vehicle to drive. 19" tires lend a sense of security and handling wherever I go. The back cargo space has a spare tire and other space when you lift the lid for storage. It also drops in the event of a taller than normal box. This is a keeper. I wouldn't get the AWD unless I needed it. The mileage is better around town than I expected, 24.5 mpg average. Max they say is 28 mpg on the Hwy. I wonder with adaptive cruise control it won't be better than that (slightly - maybe 30 mpg.)
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2021 Kia Sportage, so we've included reviews for other years of the Sportage since its last redesign.
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