The 2019 Kia Sportage lasts around 200,000 miles, with some minor stereo system and headlight issues reported. At $16,525 to $28,950, it’s a great value for a compact SUV with a nice interior.
Is the 2019 Kia Sportage a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – 2019 is a good year for the Kia Sportage since it offers some good reliability improvements over earlier years and a lot of technology. Owner reviews praise the comfortable cabin, smooth suspension, and the optional safety features.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are better than a lot of other small SUVs, the seats are supportive on long trips, although cargo space is limited.
- Reliability 8/10 – There are no widespread problems found on the 2019 Sportage. Avoid models from 2017–2018 which have engine failures, while 2019–2022 are more dependable.
- Performance 7/10 – Performance is average from either of the four-cylinder engine choices, which are not very quick.
- Safety 8/10 – The 2019 Sportage is safe, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. It comes standard with a rearview camera, while optional upgrades include lane keep assist, along with automatic pre-collision braking.
- Gas Mileage 8/10 – Fuel economy is good at up to 26 MPG, offering 426 miles of range out of the 16.4 gallon tank. Gas costs are $10 lower than average, at $208 per month.
- Value 8/10 – The 2019 Kia Sportage is cheaper than many other small SUVs on the market while also offering reasonable depreciation rates, making it a good value.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Kia Sportage?
- Consumer Reports says the 2019 Kia Sportage is a competitive small SUV with sporty handling, and good owner satisfaction scores as it ages.
- Edmunds rates the 2019 Sportage at 4.3/5, enjoying the smooth suspension on rough roads, but doesn’t like the smaller cargo area than some competitors.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Sportage a 4.5/5, praising the high tech features throughout the cabin, but owners don’t like the poor off-road performance.
What Common Problems Does the 2019 Kia Sportage Have?
Problems found on the 2019 Kia Sportage include the stereo system locking up, headlight bulbs burning out quickly, and some rare reports of engine knocks. Overall, these problems are similar to other small SUVs on the market, leading to average repair costs as the Sportage ages.
The stereo system locking up is the most widespread complaint from 2019 Sportage owners, showing up at around 1,500 miles. There are software updates available for the touchscreen stereo system, which improves its reliability. Most dealers will install these updates for free during normal servicing, others charge around $50 for labor.
Headlight bulbs burning out quickly has also been reported by some Sportage owners at roughly 15,000 miles. Replacing the bulbs costs around $100 for the pair, there are also some third-party bulbs that may last longer and cost around $150. Bulbs are considered consumable, and just a part that needs to be replaced as the SUV ages.
Rare reports of engine knocks show up on some Sportage models, but are nowhere near as widespread as in earlier years. Usually, the problem shows up within the first 35,000 miles. Replacing the engine is the only way to permanently fix the knock, and usually it’s done under warranty for free.
There are two recalls on the 2019 Kia Sportage, which is better than other small SUVs from the same year. The first recall covers a potential engine fire, while the second covers the tow hitch wiring harness. Kia will replace parts on affected models for free to fix the problems.
How Long Will the 2019 Kia Sportage Last?
A well-maintained 2019 Kia Sportage can last around 200,000 miles, which is shorter than some competitors like the Toyota RAV4. Regular annual maintenance costs are similar to other compact SUVs, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $432 per year.
As a used 2019 Sportage reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history report, owners should be prepared to replace the purge valve for $150, exhaust manifold gasket costing $220, along with the timing chain tensioner, which costs around $700.
So far, it has been very reliable. Any recalls have been immediately handled by notifying us and taken care of. The only problem I have experienced is with the CarPlay app not providing proper sound quality from time to time.
So far the Kia Sportage has been reliable however the tires it came with were not that great, they keep losing air and we are having to air up to often.
No problems yet. Still fairly new Kia dealers are friendly personable accommodating incentives involved with routine maintenance.
So far Kia Sportage has been extremely reliable, I hope it stays like that with proper maintenance of course. It does not have any problems. A very fun ride !
Yes it's reliable, good gas mileage, good safety features, seems to start and stop good, no issues with any of the mechanics of the car, no problems that I have noticed
Yes, it is very reliable. I have not had any problems since having the vehicle since late December 2018.
It is reliable. The only problem is the seatbelt in the center. It slaps back against the right side.
So far, the 2019 Kia Sportage has proven to be very reliable. I have not experienced any problems at this time. I bought the car in December 2018 and, as of this day, it has 4434 miles on it. No problems.
How Is the Technology?
The standard entertainment technology is decent and has a 5-inch touchscreen display with Bluetooth connectivity. Optional upgrades include larger 7 or 8-inch touch screens along with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Harman Kardon stereo system.
Standard safety technology is fairly basic, and only includes a rearview camera.
Optional driver assistance features include:
- Lane departure warning
- Blind spot monitoring
- Automatic pre-collision braking
- Lane keep assist
- Rear cross traffic alert
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Automatic high-beam headlights
Is the 2019 Kia Sportage a Good Value?
Yes, the 2019 Kia Sportage is a decent value since it offers a lot of technology features while being cheaper than many competitors. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $16,525 to $28,950, making it less than a Honda CR-V or Mazda CX-5. When new, the price range was $23,750 to $34,600. Depreciation is similar to other SUVs, losing about 8% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Kia Sportage?
There are three different models of the 2019 Kia Sportage offered from the entry-level LX through to the SX turbo. 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
- Automatic headlights
- Rear privacy glass
- Height-adjustable driver seat
- 60/40-split folding and reclining back seat
- Rearview camera
- 5-inch touchscreen display
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Six-speaker sound system with satellite radio
- CD player
- Single USB port
- Optional: Popular package, which includes:
- Roof rails
- UV-reducing glass (front windows and windshield)
- Windshield wiper de-icer
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Power-adjustable driver’s seat
- Heated front seats
- Upgraded seat fabric
- Kia’s 7-inch Uvo touchscreen (Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Kia’s eServices)
EX is a step up, adding:
- Includes all LX features
- 18-inch wheels
- Fog Lights
- Power-folding 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
- Optional: EX Premium package, which offers:
- Panoramic sunroof
- Heated steering wheel
- Universal garage door opener
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror
- Optional: EX Technology package, which provides:
- Forward collision warning and automatic braking
- Lane departure warning
- Automatic high-beams
- Hands-free liftgate
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Spare tire
- Power-adjustable passenger seat
- 8-inch touchscreen
- Navigation system
- Eight-speaker Harman Kardon sound system
- Optional: EX Sport Appearance package, which includes:
- LED exterior lighting
- Special exterior and interior trim
- Paddle shifters
- Flat-bottomed steering wheel
SX Turbo is the flagship model with:
- More powerful engine
- Sport-tuned suspension
- 19-inch wheels
- Xenon headlights
- LED fog lights
- Electronic parking brake with auto hold
- Special exterior trim
- Flat-bottom steering wheel
- Larger gauge display
- Includes contents of the EX Technology and Premium packages.
What Engines Come In the Kia Sportage?
- The base engine is a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder that produces 181 horsepower. Paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, this engine provides a balanced performance suitable for daily commuting. Its combined fuel economy is rated at about 26 MPG. The 0-60 MPH time for this engine is roughly 9 seconds, making it competent for most driving scenarios.
- For those seeking a more spirited driving experience, the Sportage also offers a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, which churns out a robust 240 horsepower. This, too, is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. It has a slightly lower combined fuel economy, hovering around 23 MPG. The increased power from the turbocharger allows this version to sprint from 0-60 MPH in around 6.7 seconds, offering drivers a more exhilarating acceleration when desired.
What Colors Does the Kia Sportage Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Kia Sportage?
The 2019 Kia Sportage is often praised for its comfortable ride and well-appointed interior. Its seats, both in the front and rear, are supportive and spacious, providing ample legroom and headroom for passengers of various sizes. Upholstery options, ranging from standard cloth to available leather, add a touch of luxury and contribute to the overall sense of comfort. The suspension is designed to absorb most road imperfections, providing a smooth ride even on less-than-ideal surfaces.
Additionally, the cabin is well-insulated, minimizing road and wind noise, which further enhances the driving and riding experience. The user-friendly infotainment system, intuitive controls, and an array of standard and available features, like dual-zone automatic climate control and a power-adjustable driver’s seat, heighten the sense of convenience and ease. The 2019 Kia Sportage offers a blend of comfort and refinement that stands out in the compact SUV segment.
How Much Storage Space Does the Kia Sportage Have?
The 2019 Kia Sportage is known for its practical and spacious interior, making it a popular choice among compact SUV enthusiasts. Regarding storage capacity, the Sportage boasts a cargo space of 30.7 cubic feet with the rear seats in use. When the rear seats are folded down, this space expands to an impressive 60.1 cubic feet. To put these numbers in perspective, the 30.7 cubic feet can accommodate multiple suitcases, a stroller, or a weekly grocery haul with ease.
When expanded to 60.1 cubic feet, you have more than enough room for larger items like bicycles, a flat-screen TV, or even small furniture pieces. Apart from the main cargo area, the Sportage is also equipped with small interior storage solutions. These include door pockets, a reasonably-sized glovebox, center console storage, cup holders, and additional compartments for smaller items like sunglasses, smartphones, and personal belongings. Whether embarking on a weekend getaway or a trip to the home improvement store, the 2019 Kia Sportage offers versatile storage options to meet a variety of needs.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The fourth generation of the Kia Sportage was introduced for the 2017 model year.
2015: Minor changes to the available options packages.
2016: Leather seating is now standard on the EX and SX models, touchscreen added to the LX Popular Package.
2017: Fully redesigned for the fourth generation with new technology, engines, and styling.
2018: Improved stain-resistant cloth seating, EX Sport Appearance package now offered.
2019: No changes from earlier models.
2020: Minor exterior styling changes, additional standard safety features, standard 8-inch touchscreen on all models too.
2021: The Nightfall and Nightfall Edition Premium packages replace both the Sunroof and Premium packages.
How Does the Kia Sportage Compare to the Competition?
The 2019 Kia Sportage is a decent compact SUV offering a nice interior and good practicality while still being cheaper than many competitors.
The Hyundai Tucson is another small SUV, which can be found for about $1,500 more. Both the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage are built on the same platform, while the Hyundai Tucson has a more luxurious interior. We recommend the Kia Sportage since it’s cheaper, although it’s worth checking out both to see which you prefer.
The Ford Escape is a popular competitor, which is available in the same price range. The standard technology is better in the Ford Escape, while the Kia Sportage has a nicer interior. We recommend the Kia Sportage since it feels more upscale, although both are similar so it’s worth testing them out.
Do Owners Recommend the Kia Sportage?
Yes. The Kia Sportage is a great vehicle for commuting and travel. It is stylish and comfortable and has a decent amount of cargo space. Fuel economy is exceptional for commutes and even better for travel. Passengers have a decent amount of legroom with easily accessible cup holders. We love the ability of the back seats to slightly recline for longer trips. The technology in the car is modern and up to date, useful and easy to navigate. . Overall, this is a great car for an individual or a small family.
In my opinion the Kia Sportage is a great vehicle, it is great on gas. It is the perfect size for my family's needs. Wish we could have sprung for the more expensive trim.
Great size very comfortable family friendly great in snow four wheel drive very dependable sporty looking good on gas.
Yes ! I have been driving it since the end of October and I do not have any complaints. The ride is very smooth and the vehicle is very reliable. It is also good on gas, I get an average of 25 mpg which I consider to be very good for an AW drive SUV. The vehicle is also great in the snow. I drove it in a couple of snowstorms and I felt very safe in my vehicle. I enjoy the warm up seats and the cooling seats. It warms up and cools the vehicle in a couple of minutes. Overall a great bang for the buck !
Yes it's roomy, gets pretty good gas mileage, has nice upgrades added with no extra charge, has a really good warranty, has good safety features, rides smooth,
Yes. I feel safe in the vehicle. Surprisingly, it is not too bad on gas. It fits comfortably 5 passengers.
It is a good vehicle. I just wish that there was more space in the back seat. The way that the middle seatbelt was set is terrible though. When released, it slaps whoever is sitting on the right side.
The 2019 Kia Sportage is a good vehicle. I bought it because I liked the reviews the car received. Several of my friends have various Kia models and they helped influence my decision.