Kia Sportage

Name: 2016 Kia Sportage
Brand: Kia

EPA MPG: 24 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: 24 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

RECALL ALERT: There are 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There are 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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Road Test

So many small SUVs look like the boxes they were shipped in. Not the Kia Sportage, whose sporty ovoid styling stands out in a rectilinear field. One of the older designs in this red-hot segment, the Sportage offers nimble handling and a roomy rear seat, but otherwise comes up short. Its stiff ride and loud cabin won't endear itself over the long haul. Acceleration with the base four-cylinder engine is leisurely and a lackluster 22 mpg overall proves to be no consolation. The uplevel turbocharged four-cylinder engine offers a big boost in performance with only a 1 mpg penalty overall, but its 21 mpg overall is the realm of much larger SUVs.

2016 SUVs Reliability

This Car

100

0 - 100

Kia Sportage

vs. Similar Cars

Chevrolet Equinox

Ford Escape

GMC Terrain

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

Poor

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

Poor

IIHS Side Crash

Good

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

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2005

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2007

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2009

2010

2011

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2016

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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

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

Poor

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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2016 Compact SUVs Ratings

2016 Kia Sportage

$6,650 - $9,200

EPA MPG 24 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2016 Buick Envision

$10,400 - $11,975

EPA MPG 22 mpg

Road test

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Owner Satisfaction

2016 Chevrolet Equinox

$6,700 - $9,250

EPA MPG 19 mpg

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Owner Satisfaction

2016 Ford Escape

$6,175 - $8,175

EPA MPG 25 mpg

Road test

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Owner Satisfaction

2016 GMC Terrain

$6,575 - $11,175

EPA MPG 23 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2016 Honda CR-V

$12,500 - $16,475

EPA MPG 28 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2016 Hyundai Tucson

$7,375 - $9,550

EPA MPG 23 mpg

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2016 Jeep Cherokee

$7,200 - $10,525

EPA MPG 22 mpg

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2016 Jeep Compass

$5,675 - $6,800

EPA MPG NA

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2016 Jeep Patriot

$6,125 - $7,175

EPA MPG NA

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2016 Mazda CX-5

$9,625 - $12,400

EPA MPG 26 mpg

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2016 Mini Paceman

$8,125 - $12,800

EPA MPG NA

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2016 Mitsubishi Outlander

$6,375 - $9,150

EPA MPG 26 mpg

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2016 Nissan Rogue

$6,900 - $9,025

EPA MPG 28 mpg

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2016 Subaru Forester

$8,700 - $12,350

EPA MPG 27 mpg

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2016 Toyota RAV4

$13,150 - $16,850

EPA MPG 25 mpg

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2016 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

$13,150 - $16,850

EPA MPG 32 mpg

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2016 Volkswagen Tiguan

$5,425 - $7,450

EPA MPG 23 mpg

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Features & Specs

4-door SUV

2 front, 3 rear

AWD, Front

2-liter 4 turbo (260 hp)
2.4-liter 4 (182 hp)

6-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.

Read more about extended warranties

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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.