The 2021 Kia Sportage lasts around 200,000 miles with some security system and oil consumption issues reported. At $21,300 to $29,990, it’s a good value for a compact SUV that has some of the latest safety technology available.
Is the 2021 Kia Sportage a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – 2021 is a good year for the Kia Sportage since it offers the latest technology along with a nice interior. Owner reviews praise the long warranty, low ownership costs, along with the safety features.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are very nice for a budget-friendly SUV, the seats are supportive, although cargo space is a bit lower than some other SUVs.
- Reliability 8/10 – There are no widespread complaints on the 2021 Sportage. Stay away from models from 2017–2018 which have engine failures, while 2019–2022 are more dependable.
- Performance 7/10 – Performance is okay from both of the four-cylinder engines, although it’s more focused on efficiency rather than speed.
- Safety 9/10 – The 2021 Sportage is safe, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. It comes standard with automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, along with pedestrian detection. Optional upgrades include adaptive cruise control.
- Gas Mileage 8/10 – Fuel economy is good at up to 26 MPG, giving 426 miles of range from the 16.4 gallon tank. Gas costs are $10 lower than average, at $202 per month.
- Value 8/10 – The 2021 Kia Sportage is cheaper than a lot of other small SUVs, making it a great choice for shoppers on a budget.
Positive Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Kia Sportage?
- Consumer Reports says the 2021 Kia Sportage offers a very efficient engine for its size with good owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the Sportage at 4.6/5, enjoying the smooth suspension, but doesn’t like the relatively slow acceleration.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Sportage a 4.5/5, praising the high-quality interior for the money, but owners don’t like the poor off-road capabilities.
What Common Problems Does the 2021 Kia Sportage Have?
Common problems found on the 2021 Kia Sportage include a security system issue which allows them to be easily stolen, excessive oil consumption, along with some uneven tire wear. Overall, these problems are similar to some other compact SUVs on the market, leading to average ownership costs.
There’s a security system issue found on the 2021 Kia Sportage which allows them to be stolen easily with a computer. This problem became widespread across many Hyundai and Kia vehicles. Kia released a software update which protects the security system better, and can be installed by any dealership for free.
Excessive oil consumption is another problem found on the 2021 Sportage. Usually, the oil consumption is just normal and expected with the Sportage’s engine. We recommend checking oil levels regularly, and adding oil as needed. In rare cases, some owners have had to have the lifters replaced under warranty.
Uneven tire wear also shows up on some Sportage models in the first 5,000 miles. Usually, the problem is simply caused by an alignment issue from the factory which leads to uneven wear. There are some relatively rare reports of suspension issues, which cost about $250 to fix as well, which can also cause tire wear issues.
There are two serious recalls on the 2021 Kia Sportage, which are worse than many other compact SUVs on the market. The first recall covers the hydraulic electronic control unit in the engine, which can overheat, causing a fire. The second recall covers the tow hitch wiring harness, which can also cause a fire. Kia will replace parts on affected models for free to prevent fires.
How Long Will the 2021 Kia Sportage Last?
A well-maintained 2021 Kia Sportage can last around 200,000 miles, which is shorter than other popular competitors including the Toyota RAV4. Regular annual maintenance costs are similar to other small SUVs, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $440 per year.
As a used 2021 Kia Sportage reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history, owners should be prepared to replace the door lock actuator for $300, A/C refrigerant pressure switch costing $230, along with the brake pressure sensor which costs $450.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is great in the 2021 Kia Sportage with a standard 8-inch touchscreen which has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Optional upgrades include a more powerful Harman Kardon stereo system.
Standard safety technology is good, and includes:
- Rearview camera
- Automatic emergency braking
- Electronic stability control
- Lane keep assist
- Driver attention monitor
- Forward collision warning
- Traction control system
- Pedestrian detection
- Lane departure warning
- High-beam assist
Optional driver assistance features available include:
- Blind spot monitoring
- Adaptive cruise control
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Rear cross traffic alert
- Parking assist
Is the 2021 Kia Sportage a Good Value?
Yes, the 2021 Kia Sportage is a good value since it’s a comfortable small SUV with a lot of the latest safety technology available. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $21,300 to $29,990, making it less than a Honda CR-V or Ford Escape. When new, the price range was $24,090 to $35,250. Depreciation is similar to other small SUVs, losing about 7% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Kia Sportage?
There are four models of the 2021 Kia Sportage offered, from the base LX all the way through to the well-equipped SX. The Sportage comes standard with front-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive is available as an optional upgrade.
LX is the entry-level model with:
- 17-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Cloth Seats
- USB Port
- Selectable Driving Modes
- Steering Wheel Mounted Controls
- 60/40-Split Folding Seats
- Rear Privacy Glass
- 8-Inch Touchscreen Display
- Six-Speaker Sound System
S is a step up, adding:
- 18-inch Dark Gray Alloy Wheels
- Fog Lights
- Roof Rails
- Heated Power Folding Mirrors
- Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
- Simulated Leather Upholstery
EX adds features such as:
- 18-Inch Alloy Wheels With Machined Finish
- Hands-Free Tailgate
- Keyless Entry and Ignition
- Gloss Black Interior Trim
- Power-Adjustable Driver’s Seat
- Heated Front Seats
- Ventilated Front Seats
- Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control
- Rear USB Ports
SX Turbo is the flagship model which has:
- 19-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Sport-Tuned Suspension
- Larger Front Brakes
- LED Headlights
- Wireless Phone Charging Pad
- Paddle Shifters
- Leather Seats
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Heated Flat-Bottom Steering Wheel
- Harman Kardon Eight-Speaker Sound System
What Engines Come In the Kia Sportage?
- The base engine is an average 2.4L four-cylinder which makes 181 horsepower at up to 26 MPG. Both engines come standard with a six-speed automatic transmission.
- An available upgrade is the stronger 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder, which produces 240 horsepower and gets up to 23 MPG. Performance is average, taking 7.2 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.
What Colors Does the Kia Sportage Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Kia Sportage?
The 2021 Kia Sportage is a comfortable and well-appointed compact SUV that has garnered praise for its spacious and inviting interior. Both front and rear passengers enjoy ample headroom and legroom, providing a relaxing ride even on long journeys. The Sportage comes standard with high-quality cloth upholstery, but higher trims offer the option of luxurious leather seating.
The driver’s seat is designed with an ergonomic focus, providing excellent support and visibility. Additional features like heated and ventilated seats, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, and dual-zone automatic climate control contribute to the overall comfort of the vehicle. The ride quality is smooth and composed, with the suspension effectively absorbing road imperfections. In summary, the 2021 Kia Sportage offers a pleasant and comfortable driving experience that is sure to satisfy a wide range of drivers and passengers.
How Much Storage Space Does the Kia Sportage Have?
The 2021 Kia Sportage is a popular compact SUV that offers a comfortable and versatile driving experience. Regarding storage space, the Sportage provides ample room for passengers and cargo. With the rear seats in use, the vehicle boasts 30.7 cubic feet of cargo space, making it suitable for daily errands, grocery shopping, or weekend getaways.
If you need additional storage, the rear seats can be easily folded down, expanding the cargo capacity to a generous 60.1 cubic feet. This allows the Sportage to accommodate larger items such as outdoor gear, furniture, or home improvement supplies, making it a practical choice for a wide range of lifestyles.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The fourth generation of the Kia Sportage came out for the 2017 model year.
2015: No major changes from earlier years.
2016: New touchscreen offered on the LX model, leather now standard on EX and SX models.
2017: Fully redesigned for the fourth generation with new interior, exterior, technology, and engine choices.
2018: New EX Sport Appearance package offered, upgraded stain-resistant cloth upholstery.
2019: No changes from earlier years.
2020: Small exterior styling changes, updated safety technology, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto now standard with the 8-inch touchscreen.
2021: Premium package and sunroof discontinued, Nightfall edition package added with black exterior trim.
How Does the Kia Sportage Compare to the Competition?
The 2021 Kia Sportage is a nice compact SUV offering a lot of the latest technology paired with an upscale interior for the money, although you do sacrifice some long-term estimated reliability for the features.
The Hyundai Tucson is another small SUV which is available in the same price range. Both the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson are built on the same platform, although interior materials are more luxurious in the Hyundai Tucson. We recommend the Hyundai Tucson since you get some nicer features for your money.
The Mazda CX-5 is a popular competitor, which costs about $3,000 more. Standard safety technology is better in the Mazda CX-5, while the Kia Sportage offers a more luxurious interior for the money. We recommend the Mazda CX-5 since there are fewer mechanical issues reported as they age.
