2018 Kia Sportage Review: Unreliable Compact SUV With Expensive Repair Costs As It Ages

Aug 14, 2023

The 2018 Kia Sportage lasts around 125,000 miles with engine failures and A/C system issues reported. At $15,275 to $23,100, it’s not worth buying when a sudden failure can cost you thousands of dollars to fix if it’s out of warranty.

The Good

The cabin has a lot of nice materials for a small SUV, the suspension is smooth on rough roads and the seats are comfortable.

The Bad

The engines are weaker than some competitors, there’s less cargo space and ownership costs get very expensive as they age.

Is the 2018 Kia Sportage a Good Used SUV?

Overall Rating 7/10 – 2018 is a bad year for the Kia Sportage since there are a lot of engine problems, making it a year to avoid. Owner reviews complain about poor reliability, the transmission failing, along with stranding them while driving.
Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are higher quality than many other competitors, the seats are supportive, cargo space is limited.
Reliability 6/10 – There are some widespread engine failures reported with the 2018 Kia Sportage. Avoid models from 2017–2018, while 2019–2022 are much more reliable.
Performance 7/10 – Both of the four-cylinder engine options offer average performance, although they’re not very fast.
Safety 8/10 – The 2018 Sportage is reasonably safe, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. It comes standard with a rearview camera, while optional upgrades include lane change assist along with automatic pre-collision braking.
Gas Mileage 7/10 – Fuel economy is okay at up to 23 MPG, giving 377 miles of range out of the 16.4 gallon tank. Gas costs are $7 higher than average at $187 per month.
Value 7/10 – The 2018 Kia Sportage is cheaper than many other small SUVs, although expensive mechanical problems lower its overall value rating as it ages.

Positive Owner Reviews

Lori L

The Kia Sportage sleek, sporty and fun to drive!

The Kia Sportage is sleek, sporty and fun to drive. Featuring AWD, blind spot safety feature and backup camera. The interior is decked out with the newest technology including heated leather seats and voice activated controls. The Kia has proven to be a very reliable vehicle.

di M

It has a good warranty then other cars

3rd time around. Love it.price was right. Runs well

Summer B

A classy sporty looking SUV.

The 2018 Kia Sportage offers a sport mode when driving which makes your drive smooth and fast. Cruise control feels as though you are going at a slower speed which can be dangerous but it is a comfortable ride overall. The seat are comfortable and offer you the ability to recline back for comfort.

Dean M

First Kia I have owned: comfortable, with well thought out features.

First Kia I have owned. Handles very well, very comfortable. The storage area under the trunk floor area is very organized and well thought out. I can put all of my safety equipment and emergency supplies in this area without sacrificing any of the car's interior area.

Marian W

Has great mileage and great tech inside of it.

I have no issues with my vehicles e. Sorbic is not a Kia. I have had not one problem with my vehicle so far. Love it.

Alicen V

Love my Kia it is affordable and fun to drive.

I love the comfort of the vehicle. I love the heated seats and technology. I wish it had remote start and defrost on the side mirrors. I also found out it didn't come standard with a spare tire. I like how it has a camera so you can back. I like how it fits my camping gear and the kids.

Kalyn S

Kia Sportage has an affordable price with good gas mileage.

No problems. Like how it sits up high so I can see over the hood. The seating is very comfortable. Rides very smoothly. Good gas mileage. Like the body style. Lots of room. Like how it has fog lights to see better in fog and at night. Like having the Bluetooth so I can talk on my phone without handling it. Radio speakers have great sound.

Ann W

Black- cherry undertones.

We have honestly never had any issues with our car aside from the tire pressure getting low and having a slow leak in one of the tires, that has more to do with the tires than the vehicle. We have never had to have anything major fixed or replaced on it and have only had to do regular maintenance.

Negative Owner Reviews

Joseph S

Extremely Unreliable!!!

I bought my 2018 Sportage 6 months ago and for the first few days i owned it i absolutely loved it. I left on a 3400 mile road trip for work the day i bought it. 3 days later the engine started knocking at 80 mph. Got told it was the direct injection pump and was normal. Then I started popping fuses for the fuel pump and it kept leaving me on the side of the road. Then the starter died. Im now 24k with this car and half the time it wont start or wont stay running. Its in the shop getting the transmission replaced and the motor rebuilt after having the transmission downshift from 6th to 3rd at 80 mph and send a piston through the hood. Car has been in the shop more then its been on the road and im still paying for it. The car is extremely comfortable except for the headrests. It looks amazing and when it dicides to run correctly I absolutely adore it, but right now im frustrated to the point that im going to sell the car when i get it out of the shop as i dont trust it anymore. I average 2500-4200 miles a week when im working and my 95 suburbanwith 350k has beenand continues to be more relaible then this car

Leah

2018 Sportage: Transmissions issues since new

I’ve had my vehicle in the shop 5 times with transmission slipping issues. They have changed the transmission modules, software upgrades. Nothing has made a difference and it is getting worse. When it revs high it will engage and lurch forward. This has happens at speeds from 20kph- 50kph in heavy traffic. There is no warning when it happens and scary when it does.Extremely scary to drive which is unfortunate because all other aspects of the vehicle I like. I have never felt more unsafe with a vehicle as I have with this one. This is the second Kia I’ve owned and it will DEFINITELY be the last. I will be getting rid of this vehicle as soon as I possibly can. Kia and the dealership has not address this known problem adequately.

Shelly Bratland

Terrible transmission problems.

I bought my car brand new off of the show room floor. It was my second Kia and I was so thrilled at 1st. After about 2 weeks, the transmission started revving up the engine all on its own by slipping into neutral while I am traveling 70mph down a highway.Just about the time I felt like I was going to crash, it would slip back into drive. I argued with the dealership for weeks until finally they took it in and replaced a module. It worked well for about 6 months, and now it does the same thing between 30-50 mph. Not everday, but probably at least 3-4 times a week. I have contacted the dealership many times and told they have to know exactly when it is happening. Well, by the time you realize it is happening, the rpm gauge goes way up and you can't tell for sure how fast you were going. I am really upset with Kia, and will not buy another one, nor will I recommend one.

Heather P

Kia: do not waste your time and money with them.

Heavy run and bumpy ride. Not very gas efficient and model overly expensive compared to others. I got into bad deal. The salespeople are young thieves. The brand is not reliable. I would never make the mistake of buying another Kia. Net time probably a Honda or Toyota for sure.

Geraldine Z

Sportage is just ok to drive. I don't have anything to highlight about this car.

Brakes are too sensitive. Car does not have enough pep when pulling onto a highway comfort is ok. Would prefer front seats be able to raise higher. A third seat would be better. I would buy a sorrento if testing the brakes comes out better. The brakes on sportage are so sensitive you actually . Send yourself forward with just a touch of your foot on brake.

pam U

It's affordable and drives well in the snow.

I like the affordability, the all wheel drive and the trunk space for my dog. I hate the way it vibrates when I put on the brakes.

Angela D

I love the color! Very reliable all in all good gas mileage.

Sometimes the apple connect does not work and it really has no get up and go. It is comfortable tho. The air conditioning works fantastic so does the climate control. The paint scratches easily if you put anything in the back hatch area. All in all it is kind of a cheap made the carpet is very cheap.

Courtney C

The front seats are not very comfortable after a long period of time.

The front two seat are not very comfortable after at least a two hour car ride. I Love the fact that there is heated seats on both front seats. There is plenty of storage space, we were able to fit a whole Christmas tree on the back with the seats down.

What Do Critics Say About the Kia Sportage?

Consumer Reports says the 2018 Kia Sportage offers more civilized road manners than earlier years, with average owner satisfaction scores as it ages.
Edmunds rates the Sportage at 4.7/5, enjoying the smooth suspension, but doesn’t like the smaller cargo space.
Kelley Blue Book users give the 2018 Sportage a 4.5/5, praising the high-tech safety features, but owners don’t like the limited passenger room in the rear seats.

What Common Problems Does the 2018 Kia Sportage Have?

Common problems found on the 2018 Kia Sportage include engine failures, the A/C system not working, along with excessive brake noise. Overall, these problems are worse than a lot of other compact SUVs on the market, leading to expensive repair bills as they age.

Engine failures are the most widespread complaint on the 2018 Kia Sportage, showing up within the first 70,000 miles. Kia engines from this era are known to have serious mechanical problems which cause them to completely fail. In some cases, Kia will replace the entire engine under warranty, but a lot of the time it’s not covered. If the warranty does not cover the engine, then a replacement can cost over $5,000.

The A/C system not working is another problem mentioned by 2018 Sportage owners at roughly 45,000 miles. The A/C compressor wears out quickly compared to in other vehicles, and has to be replaced. Changing out the A/C compressor costs around $1,100, depending on local labor rates.

Excessive brake noise has also been reported by Sportage owners at around 20,000 miles. The brake pads wear down quickly, leading to metal-on-metal contact which generates a lot of noise. Replacing the brake pads costs around $200, but if there is rotor damage then they are roughly $450 to swap out.

There are three recalls on the 2018 Kia Sportage, which is similar to other small SUVs from the same year. All three of the recalls are very serious, and can result in fires. They include a high pressure fuel pipe leak, engine compartment fire, along with the tow hitch harness catching on fire. Kia will replace the parts on affected models for free to prevent damage.

How Long Will the 2018 Kia Sportage Last?

A well-maintained 2018 Kia Sportage may last around 125,000 miles before it has a serious failure, which is expensive to fix, which is much shorter than other compact SUVs like the Toyota RAV4. Regular annual maintenance costs are similar to other small SUVs, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $357 per year.

As a used 2018 Sportage reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history, owners should be prepared to replace the window switch for $275, timing belt costing $575, along with the airbag control module which is $635.

Radonda D

Extremely reliable. The only issue I had was a factory defect in the blind spot detection system that the dealer repaired free of charge.

James H

Yes, extremely. I have had 0 issues in 18,700 miles. I drive in snow and rain all the time and it does great.

Kia J

Yes the 2018 Sportage sx turbo is a good vehicle. I love it a lot. Also it rides so smooth and it has a lot of room.

Liz O

Very reliable. There was a transmission recall. But not a big deal. Was something to do with parking it did not effect my vehicle.

Andreas D

Very reliable, only tire and oil changes needed. There has never been any major problems with the vehicle and we are very pleased.

Marissa T

So far the Kia Sportage is reliable. I have not had any problems with it whatsoever. It’s been very good to me. And it gets a lot of looks...

Aysha V

I have encountered zero problems so far. I had the tires nitrogen filled one time and had the rotated. I've only done two oil changes as they last 10,000 miles between.

Dana B

It doesn't currently have any problems. (Knock on wood). But we have had reliability and comfort issues and AC issues since we bought it.

How Is the Technology?

Entertainment technology is great with a standard 7-inch touchscreen which has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Optional upgrades include a more powerful Harman Kardon sound system.

Standard safety technology is fairly basic, only offering a rearview camera.

Optional driver assistance features include:

Blind spot monitoring
Lane departure warning
Automatic pre-collision braking
Front and rear parking sensors
Rear cross traffic alert
Lane change assist
Automatic high beams

Is the 2018 Kia Sportage a Good Value?

No, the 2018 Kia Sportage is not a good value since there are a lot of mechanical problems reported which makes it more expensive to own as it ages. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $15,275 to $23,100, making it less than a Honda CR-V or Subaru Forester. When new, the price range was $23,600 to $34,400. Depreciation is worse than other SUVs, losing around 15% of its current value per year.

What are the Different Models of the Kia Sportage?

There are three main models of the 2018 Kia Sportage offered, from the entry-level LX all the way through to the more powerful SX Turbo. All Sportage models come 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, automatic headlights, rear privacy glass
Height-adjustable driver seat, 60/40-split folding and reclining back seat
Rearview camera, 5-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth
Six-speaker sound system with satellite radio, CD player, USB port
Popular package (optional): Roof rails, UV-reducing front glass, windshield wiper de-icer, dual-zone automatic climate control
Eight-way power-adjustable driver seat (with power lumbar), heated front seats
7-inch Uvo touchscreen with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Kia’s eServices

EX is a step up, adding:

All LX features, plus 18-inch wheels, fog lights, and heated mirrors
Upgraded exterior and interior trim, keyless ignition and entry
Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, leather upholstery, rear USB charging port
Premium package (optional): Panoramic sunroof, heated steering wheel, auto-dimming rearview mirror
Sport Appearance package (optional): LED fog lights, special exterior trim, flat-bottom steering wheel

LX Technology Package adds:

Forward collision warning and automatic braking
Blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning systems, lane departure warning
Automatic high-beam control and power-folding mirrors

EX Technology Package has:

All items from LX Technology package
Hands-free liftgate, front and rear parking sensors, spare tire
Eight-way power-adjustable passenger seat, 8-inch touchscreen, navigation system
Eight-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, heated rear seats (with AWD models)

SX Turbo is the flagship model with:

More powerful engine, sport-tuned suspension, 19-inch wheels
Xenon headlights, LED fog lights, electronic parking brake, special exterior trim
Flat-bottom steering wheel, larger gauge display
Includes all features from the EX Technology and Premium packages

181 HP 22 MPG

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181 HP 23 MPG

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SX Turbo

237 HP 21 MPG

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What Engines Come In the Kia Sportage?

2.4L Inline-4 Engine: The base engine for the 2018 Kia Sportage is a 2.4-liter Inline-4 that produces 181 horsepower at up to 26 MPG. It comes standard with a six-speed automatic transmission. Its 0-60 mph time stands at around 8.8 seconds.
2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4 Engine: The Sportage SX Turbo comes with a more potent 2.0-liter turbocharged Inline-4 engine which makes 240 horsepower and gets up to 23 MPG. It comes with the same six-speed automatic transmission. The turbo engine propels the Sportage from 0-60 mph in a brisk 6.7 seconds.

What Colors Does the Kia Sportage Come In?

How Comfortable Is the Kia Sportage?

The 2018 Kia Sportage offers an impressive level of comfort that makes it a strong competitor in the compact SUV category. The vehicle is designed with a spacious and refined interior that provides ample legroom and headroom for passengers in both the front and back seats. The seats themselves are supportive and well-padded, with higher trims featuring leather upholstery, heated and ventilated seats for additional comfort.

The Sportage’s ride quality stands out, handling bumps and imperfections on the road smoothly and quietly, providing a comfortable ride even over longer distances. The well-designed climate control system provides a comfortable temperature in all conditions.

The dashboard layout is ergonomic and intuitive, with the UVO infotainment system earning praise for its ease of use, making every drive comfortable and stress-free. The combination of these features guarantees that the 2018 Kia Sportage provides a comfortable, enjoyable driving experience, whether it’s for city commuting or long-distance travel.

How Much Storage Space Does the Kia Sportage Have?

The 2018 Kia Sportage offers a decent amount of storage space, fitting comfortably within the compact SUV class. Regarding cargo capacity, the Sportage provides 30.7 cubic feet of space behind the second row of seats. This is more than enough room to accommodate a large grocery haul, a couple of medium-sized suitcases, or a folded stroller.

When you need more space for larger items or more luggage, the rear seats can be folded down, expanding the cargo capacity to a substantial 60.1 cubic feet. This would allow for bulkier items such as a bicycle, larger pieces of furniture, or multiple suitcases for a family road trip. The Sportage also has small-item storage spaces scattered around the cabin, such as door pockets and the center console, adding to the overall utility of this compact SUV.

What Are the Differences Between Years?

The fourth generation of the Kia Sportage was launched for the 2017 model year.

2015: Small changes to the available options packages.

2016: Standard leather seating on the EX and SX models, and a touchscreen added to LX Popular Package.

2017: Fully redesigned for the fourth generation with new exterior, technology, and engines.

2018: Upgraded stain-resistant cloth upholstery, EX Sport Appearance package available.

2019: No major changes from earlier years.

2020: Small exterior styling changes, more standard safety features, and the 8-inch touchscreen is now standard as well.

2021: Nightfall and Nightfall Edition Premium packages replace S Sunroof and Premium packages.

How Does the Kia Sportage Compare to the Competition?

The 2018 Kia Sportage is a terrible compact SUV since it has a lot of mechanical problems that make it expensive to own long term. It’s an SUV buyers should stay away from.

The Hyundai Tucson is another small SUV available for about $1,000 more. Both the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage are built on the same platform, but the interior is more upscale in the Hyundai Tucson. We recommend avoiding both SUVs for the 2018 model year since they both suffer from the same mechanical problems.

The Nissan Rogue is a competitor which can be found in the same price range. Passenger room is better in the Nissan Rogue, while the Kia Sportage offers more technology features. We recommend the Nissan Rogue since there are fewer issues reported from owners, making them cheaper to own long-term.

Ranks #9 Compact SUV by Owners

2018 Kia Niro

4.71

Tie

2018 Subaru Forester

4.69

2018 Kia Sportage

4.49

Do Owners Recommend the Kia Sportage?

Radonda D

Yes. Kia's are my favorite vehicles. They come with a lot of advanced safety features as standard. I have owned Kias since I bought my first one in 2005.

James H

Yes, I have had no issues or anything break. It is quiet and gets pretty good gas mileage. It has plenty of power for getting up to speed on the highway as well.

Kia J

Yes the 2018 Sportage sx turbo is a good vehicle. I love it a lot. Also it rides so smooth and it has a lot of room.

Liz O

Yes it is. It is great in all types of weather and terrain. I would recommend one to anyone looking for a mid size SUV.

Andreas D

The Kia Sportage is incredibly reliable. It's great year round with little to no maintenance. It's a very safe family friendly vehicle.

Tatiana B

Yes. It’s good on gas and has a handsome look. I enjoy driving it, it’s strong and can hold just about enough that you would need to travel in.

Richard S

Yes it's great no problems yet. It gets great miles per gallon. The all wheel drive works great in the winter in the snow. The Bluetooth works great with my phone through the stereo.

Megan H

I don't like at all. The sales experience was terrible. The ride is bumpy. Overall uncomfortable and unreliable. Very unhappy. Needed a vehicle and the time it was my only option.

Owner Reviews

Write a Review

Ashley M on June 25, 2021

Perfect sporty SUV, great middle between car and large SUV.

It is very reliable. Runs great. I have had zero issues. It is just a little cramped. I wish it had more leg room. The hatch is very roomy however! That is my favorite part. It is a great middle between a car and an SUV. Very sporty! Drives like a car! Gets up to speed very quickly!

Summer B on June 15, 2021

A classy sporty looking SUV.

Susanne S on June 2, 2021

Reliable, reasonably priced mid range SUV.

No problems so far. The Sportage is an extremely reliable car that gets me around in any kind of weather. The all-wheel-drive makes winter driving quite simple and fear free. It is also very comfortable, and I can haul around an incredible amount of stuff if I wish to, or 3 to 4 friends. It also gets very decent gas mileage for an all wheel drive car.

Alexzandra M on May 18, 2021

Midnight blue 4 door Kia Sportage ex model.

So far so good. I just purchased it around march. It is a 2018 and had one previous owner. The mileage is relatively low and mainly highway miles. I traded in my leased 2 door Kia for something larger for my job and I got lucky finding this Sportage.

Greg S on May 12, 2021

Fun different look not so mainstream or what you're used to seeing advertised.

There have been no problems with it yet. So far reliable. Comfort I guess is average. It's not uncomfortable. Happy with its performance and features inside. Happy with the look. Happy with the handling. I like handling in the tighter side. I would recommend going in person and taking a test drive for any car though.

Amanda J on May 1, 2021

Great features, needs more car seat room in the back seat.

I love that the Sportage drives so smoothly. It seems spacious for a smaller size SUV. I like how much storage room is in the back. Having an aux and USB input is awesome. I love how many cup holder options there are in the car. I like the bigger display screen on the dash. The air conditioner is powerful and works great. The only thing I do not like is there is not a lot of room in the backseat for big car seats. It make the front seat very uncomfortable if sitting in front of the car seat.

Laurie B on April 27, 2021

My first Kia Sportage (and why I love it).

I am happy with the fuel economy, comfort and basic features of this vehicle. It offers hands-free phone and music feature that have tremendously made driving easier and more fun! It can haul groceries, camping gear or even a bike (with the seats down.) Automatic headlight setting is convenient. I also love the unique color of the vehicle. The one feature it is missing is the back hatch does not open by itself, which would make loading groceries much easier.

Robin G on April 22, 2021

Love the roominess of my Kia Sportage.

My Kia Sportage is very comfortable. The seats are nice and wide and the legroom is perfect. My Sportage gets great gas mileage, about 30 mpg. I really like the back up camera, it comes in handy when you are worried about children running behind you. The rear trunk space is not too big or too small.

Ash G on April 18, 2021

Kia Sportage is a great and reliable vehicle.

I love the comfort, look, reliability, and performance. It is been really good to me! It has a great turning radius, fairly fuel efficient and good in all weather. It is comfortable for long road trips, has a really good sound system and I like the Bluetooth capability. Having sound control and answering/hang up access on the steering wheel is really convenient.

Jake R on April 14, 2021

Quality overall vehicle. It is worth the investment.

Overall it is a good, quality vehicle. The vehicle has great fuel economy. The four cylinder engine can have a slow pickup sometimes but definitely manageable. The car is a smooth ride and handles well. The car has good features including Bluetooth audio.

Luis O on April 13, 2021

Great lights, better security, awesome comfort!

Great car to own. Has everything you need for the everyday driver and it is also very secure car. One of the things I like the most is that it has a lot of security both in airbags and the trim itself. And also one of the things I believe should be of better performance is the miles per gallon. There are other cars who have more fuel efficiency that this one. I would recommend people who are looking to buy a new or pre-owned car to review the efficiency vs the potential use before buying.

Kalyn S on April 2, 2021

Kia Sportage has an affordable price with good gas mileage.

Jazmine H on March 31, 2021

Comfortable therapeutic seat warmers.

This is a very reliable car. Overall air conditioning system is perfect for hot summer days and the adjustable seat warmers are perfect for the winter. Reclining back seats are amazing for long road trips. Very spacious trunk. Speaker system works incredibly as well as Bluetooth connection.

Kendall K on March 25, 2021

Kia Sportage! Great car! Great value!

My family loves this car. It drives so smooth and easy to control. Great gas mileage and maintenance is simple and easy. Great family's car and we feel safe. This is my third Kia (first time with the Sportage) and have loved all three. No issues with the car.

Ellen K on March 24, 2021

Neat all around car of the year!

There is only one issue with the car and it has nothing to do with the mechanics or electrical parts. The back tire is always losing air. But the car does a great job identifying the issue and actually lets me know the exact pressure level. The car is very comfortable, has great space inside. The dash is easy to read and navigate. Visibility is excellent.

Liz R on March 23, 2021

Brakes are very sensitive so you never have to floor the brake pedal.

There are no problems with the vehicle. It is performance is really good. The drive is very smooth. Interior is great. Is really good for road trips. You can get on bumps without feeling a lot of movement in the car. Brakes are amazing especially during rainy weather. There might be a minor problem with the sides of the window you have to double check for cars since you only have limited view point.

Michelle M on March 23, 2021

Get yourself a Kia for a great ride.

This gives me a very comfortable and smooth ride. I love the options and the ease of ownership! I like the size because it is not too big and it is not too small. The back seat can go down to create more room in the back for groceries and such in the back.

Shayna M on March 21, 2021

The Sportage makes me feel safe.

I like the Sportage because it makes me feel safe. The car drives smoothly and is the perfect size. The back sheet has plenty of room for passengers. The trunk has plenty of space for groceries or a trip to the beach. I will be leasing another Sportage in the future! I love it!

Sara P on March 18, 2021

Great quality vehicle, fuel efficient, and reliable.

I came from leasing a few fords and this car has given me no trouble. I have had it for a little over two years and I have two years left on my lease. The 4wd works great in the thick snow where I live and I have never gotten stuck yet! It is also very fuel efficient for an SUV.

Angela P on March 17, 2021

My Kia holds the key to my transportation.

It fits both car seats and has room for my older son as well. I can fill my tank up for under $35 and because of the great gas mileage I can go from Monday morning to at least lunch time on Thursday. Drives smoothly on highways and takes back roads and gravel roads with ease. The battery was easy to find, and the tire was easy to change. The back up camera save my life and I couldn't ask for a more dependable ride.

Kate n on March 16, 2021

It's rated to be one of the safest cars.

I have a blue Kia Sportage 2018. I love it because it's roomy and drives well in the snow. I'm not a big fan of the gas mileage and the fact that I have to press the gas pedal all the way to the floor when going up steep hills.

Stephen G on March 9, 2021

The car is just a great price point for quality.

It is a really good bang for your buck vehicle. I believe you could spend a good chunk of change more and still not get the quality you get with this vehicle. I use my vehicle for multiple hours a day for a little more than a year and it still runs like a charm. It comes in multiple different interior and editions that will meet most people’s needs and wants.

ava N on March 7, 2021

Very good car highly recommend.

No problems very roomy and rides smooth. Very good mileage and very easy to maintain. Very comfortable and seat warmers are very good in winter. The radio volume range is immaculate and aux is very easy to connect. The trunk is big and spacious and good if you are going on vacation.

Julie W on March 4, 2021

Uncomfortable seats on long trips.

Seats are not very comfortable, Kia navigation uses your phone and does not work in dead zones, remote start (dealer installed) shuts off after 30 seconds.

Ashley T on March 2, 2021

Comes with eco and sport mode!

I love the trim package. It comes with heated leather seats and a moonroof. It is been extremely reliable and comes stock with a great warranty. I love having the AWD option in my state. I know I'll never be stuck at home in heavy rain or a snowstorm. The back seats for down which makes it nice and convenient for storage.

amanda p on March 2, 2021

Kia's are great cars always

Kia's are great, this is my 3rd one and i've never had a problem with any of them. I plan to lease more as long as the price is right

Priscilla C on February 27, 2021

Love my Kia Sportage. At my age,77, I particularly love the backup feature.

I get 25-26 mpg on highway, all wheel drive, I have a backup camera to guide me when backing up so I will not have an accident. The ride is smooth, I have steering wheel audio control, I love the automatic transmission. And the satellite radio. I have Bluetooth connection. My Kia Sportage is great looking with comfortable cloth seats.

Leah J on February 26, 2021

Kia Sportage is an all-around great vehicle.

I really enjoy my vehicle. It gets great gas mileage! I really do not have anything bad to say about it to be honest. If I had to change anything about my car, I would put lights next to the mirrors on the sun visors. The only light is from the interior lights in the middle at the front of the vehicle. Besides that, it is an awesome vehicle and super reliable. My husband is really tall, and he said that this is the only vehicle that he has been in to where he has had plenty of room and they're still extra left.

Iris U on February 26, 2021

My Kia has something in it that holds back from going down hill too fast.

I love my Kia because I have no problems and it is very easy to see out of. I love the leather inside of it and the color outside of it.

Joanne L on February 24, 2021

The safety of the vehicle.

I like the performance just have to pay attention to speed because if not you'll be speeding without realizing.. It gets good gas mileage especially for an SUV. I feel very safe and it has a lot of room. Back seats fold down easily and the price was right.

Grace F on February 21, 2021

Kia Sportage is perfect for young women.

I love my Sportage, it is comfortable, gets decent gas mileage and is pretty roomy for a small SUV. I really enjoy the media system. It has a lot of bells and whistles like a backup camera and cruise control. I wish it had automatic seat adjustments, and not manual.

Ben K on February 20, 2021

It is not a cheap, cheesy little foreign import bit a real, viable, economical choice.

Comfortable, quiet, economical. Wish it was a little wider by even a couple of inches as I like to sometimes lay down across the back seat. Like the temperature controls for individual zones (driver, passenger, back seat). Would like more covered storage capacity. Like the USB power availability. Would like inexpensive mobile wifi hub sharing.

Leslie L on February 19, 2021

Great car for a good price.

This car is perfect for my needs. Roomy with cargo space. Not too Big (Easy to park) but very comfortable seating. Not a lot of bells and whistles, but everything I need. Sir, stereo, DVD, cruise control, back up camera, multiple outlets for charging.

Katie G on February 18, 2021

Small details can be missed but can be the ones that are the best when not yours.

It is a nice size for a small family and drives nice. The buttons on the steering wheel are nice. Mostly for the radio and volume as well as answering calls and hanging just from my steering wheel. The auto screens for miles left, driven etc is nice. I like the digital format.

Serena B on February 14, 2021

It is very different and could not be confused with rav 4s or anything else.

I like my vehicle because the seats are comfortable and it also has heated seats. I feel at ease when driving my car. It is a fast car and does not hesitate. The car is also very sleek looking and good for younger people as well as older. It is the perfect size.

Aimee P on February 13, 2021

My Kia is a comfortable safe vehicle.

I love my Kia Sportage. It gets great gas mileage and is very comfortable. It has lots of features standard and was a great value. I drive hundreds of miles a week and the car has made it very easy. I am able to connect to the sound system with my phone which makes it very safe and easy to use.

Valeria D on February 12, 2021

Reliable and safe for you and your entire family! Perfect for road trips.

Perfect for road trips with your family! Very comfortable and reliable. It is not only had a beautiful design on the inside but also from the outside of the car. Driving my Sportage Kia is really smooth which is what I basically look in a car. The breaks function is amazing along with the high technology that this car has.

Cynthia R on February 12, 2021

Reliable Crossover Vehicle

It's a great reliable car. Comfortably seats 5. It also has a hands free option and a rear view camera. So far it seems to be a great performing vehicle. Back seats can be put down in the event something needs to be healed. The backseat can also recline if needed.

Candace G on February 10, 2021

Great car for the budget savvy consumer!

It is a great family car. There is enough room for my teenagers and an adult in the back. The mileage is pretty good for an SUV. Seats are comfortable. I enjoy the backup camera and Sirius. This is my second Kia purchase and I would say I am a Kia customer for life. I would recommend Kia to anyone.

Giovanni A on February 8, 2021

Kia Sportage = best car ever!

I personally really like my Kia Sportage. It has a great trunk for hauling items, it drives smooth, and it is spacious enough for multiple people. My favorite feature of my Kia is the interactive nature of the car. I have no issue connecting to the Bluetooth on my phone, and when my sister is with me she is easily able to connect as well. The only issue I have, although I wouldn't call it an issues exact, is the chairs are not the most comfortable to sit in. They are not uncomfortable but I feel like the car is very luxurious and it could do with nicer quality seats.

Leslie C on January 27, 2021

Kids are fun and sporty, and great for younger couples!

The Kia Sportage is really nice for a small family or a couple. It is not huge so it fits well in city parking spaces, and it gets good mileage in the city and on the highway when using the ECO feature. We have leather seats and seat warmers and coolers which is great in the summer and winter. The electronics system and touchscreen interface are also very easy to use and we have had no problems with that. Overall it's a great car.

Carol G on January 23, 2021

I love my Kia Sportage! It compact yet roomy.

Great vehicle I have not had any problems with it at all. It is very zippy and good for long trips as well. I like the fact that it is compact in size but also feels roomy. And I sit higher than a sedan so it makes me feel safer. I have the mid level trim so there are many features.

Michelle P on January 21, 2021

I love the style of my Kia.

I love my Kia, its beautiful, comfortable, and dependable. I have taken it on several road trips already and it is roomy and comfortable. I love the different driving modes you can choose. It also comes with a great warranty. It is driving a high class vehicle for an awesome price.

Cora J on January 20, 2021

I love my cute Kia Sportage!

I love my Kia Sportage. There is just enough room for my 2 kids. I have 2 girls so we need quite a bit of room for all our junk we accumulate. We have had absolutely no problems at all. We love it so much. The build is perfect, not to big but not small at all.

Rhonda G on January 19, 2021

Sleek looking, nice ride beautiful, roomy.

It is roomy, nice interior and exterior, lovely color is sleek looking, has a very smooth ride. Great brand, good on gas (great fuel economy). It drives well it has 3 settings for lights, wipers on the front and back. Has a camera so you can see all blind spots as you are backing up.

Angela C on January 19, 2021

Great family car with lots of room for transporting items

I wish it had better fuel mileage otherwise no complaints

Mark B on January 19, 2021

Love my Sportage. Favorite car ever.

Great all around car. Great gas mileage. Look great and handles great. Plenty of room in the backseat and great cargo space. Bluetooth system is awesome and the stereo system is top notch. I would definitely recommend this vehicle. Good small SUV with great handling.

Angelina P on January 17, 2021

Overall great vehicle and would recommend.

The Sportage is great, very roomy and sleek. The only complaint I have on the interior are the front seats. The way they are curved is very uncomfortable especially for people with lower back issues or pain. Other than that the car is very nice. It drives well and has great technology inside.

Geraldine Z on January 17, 2021

Sportage is just ok to drive. I don't have anything to highlight about this car.

Skylar B on January 15, 2021

Kia Sportage review, good!

So reliable, spacious, hardly any blind spots. Comfortable seating, air vents are perfect. The car comes with a donut tire and tools to use. The car has a very spacious trunk and the roadside Kia assistance has always been super helpful and reliable.

Alex Showalter

Alex is an automotive enthusiast with over 15 years of experience in the used car market. He brings a wealth of knowledge to Vehicle History as our Staff Writer and has written hundreds of used car reviews helping buyers make informed purchasing decisions. He is a member of the Automotive Press Association, and keeps up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry. Over the years, he has driven hundreds of cars, working on many of them. His mechanical experience evolved from modifying off-road trucks as a teen to focusing on automotive electrical systems as he got older. He now specializes in reviewing used cars as an automotive journalist. Some of his favorite brands are Toyota and BMW. The Toyota Land Cruiser is one of his favorite vehicles of all time since they’re built to last forever and can go anywhere. One of his current cars is a Lexus LX570, built on the same platform as the 200-series Land Cruiser, but it’s a better value in the used market.