Kia Sportage

Name: 2006 Kia Sportage
Brand: Kia

EPA MPG: NA

RECALL ALERT: There is 1 recall on this vehicle. Learn More.

There is 1 recall on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There is 1 recall on this vehicle. Learn More.

There is 1 recall on this vehicle. Learn More.

First Take

The revived Sportage and its Hyundai Tucson cousin are both based on the Hyundai Elantra sedan. The base model comes equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and front-wheel drive. The 2.7-liter V6 model is priced below the four-cylinder versions of most competitors. It is very similar to the Hyundai Tucson, other than interior and exterior styling details and slight suspension tuning differences. ABS, stability control, and head-curtain air bags are all standard.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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2006 SUVs Reliability

This Car

100

0 - 100

Kia Sportage

vs. Similar Cars

Honda CR-V

Subaru Forester

Toyota RAV4

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Acceptable

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

Acceptable

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Acceptable

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

Acceptable

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Kia vs. Other New Car Brands

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

Kia vs. Other New Car Brands

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Kia vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Acceptable

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

Acceptable

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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2006 Compact SUVs Ratings

2006 Kia Sportage

$3,000 - $3,925

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Chevrolet Equinox

$2,875 - $3,000

EPA MPG 21 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Ford Escape

$3,200 - $3,750

EPA MPG 20 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Ford Escape Hybrid

$3,200 - $3,750

EPA MPG 27 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Honda CR-V

$5,225 - $5,625

EPA MPG 24 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Honda Element

$4,825 - $6,375

EPA MPG 22 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Hyundai Tucson

$3,325 - $3,850

EPA MPG 21 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Jeep Liberty

$3,400 - $4,100

EPA MPG 24 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Mazda Tribute

$3,275 - $3,750

EPA MPG 20 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Mercury Mariner

$3,225 - $3,750

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Mitsubishi Outlander

$3,025 - $4,275

EPA MPG 22 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Nissan Xterra

$3,700 - $4,850

EPA MPG 18 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Pontiac Aztek

$ NA

EPA MPG 20 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Pontiac Torrent

$3,500 - $3,700

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Saturn Vue

$3,075 - $3,650

EPA MPG 21 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Subaru Forester

$4,125 - $5,325

EPA MPG 25 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara

$4,075 - $4,175

EPA MPG 21 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Toyota RAV4

$5,550 - $5,875

EPA MPG 25 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

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Features & Specs

4-door SUV

2 front, 3 rear

AWD, Front

2-liter 4 (142 hp)
2.7-liter V6 (173 hp)

5-speed manual
4-speed automatic

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

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Model History

2023-Present

Current Generation

The redesigned 2023 Sportage is larger and better equipped than the previous model. It looks to appeal to more shoppers with three new adventure-themed trim levels, a generous roster of active safety equipment, and available upscale amenities, like a large dash display, panoramic roof, and heated windshield. It is available in front- and all-wheel drive. The standard engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with an eight-speed automatic transmission. A hybrid version is available and is powered by a 1.6-liter turbo four-cylinder engine, which together with its electric drive yields 227 hp. Most controls are easy to use, though the touch-capacitive panel for climate and media systems is annoying. Each Sportage comes with FCW, AEB with pedestrian and cyclist detection, LKA, LCA, automatic high beams, rear occupant reminder, and rear parking obstruction warning. Options include BSW, RCTW with rear automatic braking and collision avoidance, and ACC.

2017-2022

2017 Redesign Year

The redesigned Sportage is a stylish and mildly sporty choice among small SUVs. Most versions are equipped with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder, and the top-trim SX version sports a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. Both are mated to a smooth six-speed automatic transmission. Though a touch firm, the ride is composed and handling is responsive. Unlike the similar Hyundai Tucson, the Sportage benefits from the pairing of a larger engine and a conventional automatic transmission, which combine to give it smoother power delivery. The rear seat is roomy and the controls are easy to use, but visibility to the rear and side is difficult. The new Sportage scored a Good in the IIHS small-overlap crash test. The Sportage was freshened for 2020. Forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, and lane keeping assistance are standard equipment across all trims. Blind spot warning and rear cross traffic warning are standard on all, except on the base trim, where those items are optional.

2011-2016

2011 Redesign Year

The 2011 redesign brought nimble handling, along with a more efficient and civilized powertrain. Still though, a stiff ride, pronounced road noise and leisurely acceleration from the base four-cylinder engine detracts from an otherwise pleasant driving experience. It got 22 mpg overall in our tests. The up-level engine is a stronger turbocharged four-cylinder that got 21 mpg overall in our tests. While the styling is appealing, it compromises cargo space and hurts the rear view out. Cabin appointments are basic, but fit together well. In the end though, we don't recommend the Sportage as it scores too low in our testing. A poor result in the IIHS small overlap crash test completely knocks the Sportage out of contention.

2005-2010

2005 Redesign Year

The 2005 car-based Sportage was better than its predecessors. It has a relatively comfortable and quiet ride, as well as a roomy interior and improved, but still so-so handling. Gauges are easy to read and controls are very simple to use, including the knobs for the radio and climate control. Almost everything is well placed and clearly labeled. Minor gripes include a tiny, floor-mounted fuel release lever, a stiff steering wheel adjustment release and unlighted mirror controls. Further, the 2.7-liter V6 isn't very fuel-efficient. Overall, this version of the Sportage falls midpack in our Ratings and far short of the class-leading models.

1995-2002

1995 Redesign Year

Kia got a toehold in the growing small-SUV segment when it introduced its trucklike Sportage in 1995. The Sportage is made in the mold of the Geo Tracker and Suzuki Sidekick, with a body-on-frame chassis instead of the carlike unibody construction that's become common on small SUVs. A shorter-wheelbase, two-door soft-top model expanded the model range in 1998. The Sportage has an uncomfortable ride, clumsy handling, and a noisy, unrefined powertrain. It offers only a part-time 4WD system that can't be used on dry roads. Overall, it's not nearly as good as the Toyota RAV4 or Honda CR-V. Discontinued after the 2002 model year, the Sportage was revived for 2005.