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Kia Sportage

5/5 Safety rating
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$16,993
Avg. listing price
Shop the 2021 Kia Sportage
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • LX FWD
    Avg. price
    $15,396
    MPG
    23 City / 30 Hwy
    Seat capacity
    5
    Engine
    Regular Unleaded I-4
    Drivetrain
    Front Wheel Drive
    Shop this trim See all specs
  • LX AWD
    Avg. price
    $15,396
    MPG
    21 City / 25 Hwy
    Seat capacity
    5
    Engine
    Regular Unleaded I-4
    Drivetrain
    All Wheel Drive
    Shop this trim See all specs
  • S FWD
    Avg. price
    $17,362
    MPG
    23 City / 30 Hwy
    Seat capacity
    5
    Engine
    Regular Unleaded I-4
    Drivetrain
    Front Wheel Drive
    Shop this trim See all specs
  • EX FWD
    Avg. price
    $18,737
    Range
    239 mi.
    Seat capacity
    5
    Engine
    Regular Unleaded I-4
    Drivetrain
    Front Wheel Drive
    Shop this trim See all specs
  • S AWD
    Avg. price
    $17,362
    MPG
    21 City / 25 Hwy
    Seat capacity
    5
    Engine
    Regular Unleaded I-4
    Drivetrain
    All Wheel Drive
    Shop this trim See all specs
  • EX AWD
    Avg. price
    $18,737
    Range
    239 mi.
    Seat capacity
    5
    Engine
    Regular Unleaded I-4
    Drivetrain
    All Wheel Drive
    Shop this trim See all specs
  • SX Turbo FWD
    Avg. price
    $19,974
    MPG
    20 City / 28 Hwy
    Seat capacity
    5
    Engine
    Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-4
    Drivetrain
    Front Wheel Drive
    Shop this trim See all specs
  • SX Turbo AWD
    Avg. price
    $19,974
    MPG
    19 City / 24 Hwy
    Seat capacity
    5
    Engine
    Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-4
    Drivetrain
    All Wheel Drive
    Shop this trim See all specs

Notable features

  • New Nightfall Edition
  • Five-seat compact SUV
  • Choice of two four-cylinder engines
  • Front- or all-wheel drive
  • Android Auto, Apple CarPlay standard
  • Automatic emergency braking standard

The good & the bad

The good

  • Performance with turbo engine
  • Accurate steering with good feedback
  • Backseat comfort for adults
  • Enormous moonroof available

The bad

  • Hesitant acceleration from a standstill with AWD
  • Gas mileage trails competition
  • Stubby exterior shape
See all specifications

Expert 2021 Kia Sportage review

Our expert's take
By Cars.com Editors
Full article

What Is the 2021 Kia Sportage?

The Kia Sportage is a compact SUV with room for five. It competes with popular SUVs like the Honda CR-V, Ford Escape and Toyota RAV4. Under the Sportage’s hood is a standard 181-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that works with a six-speed automatic transmission. The optional engine is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that makes 240 hp in front-wheel-drive models and 237 hp in all-wheel-drive versions.  

What’s New on the 2021 Kia Sportage?

Nightfall Edition and Nightfall Edition Premium packages are available on the S trim level, featuring piano-black exterior accents, unique 18-inch alloy wheels and special Sportage badging on the liftgate. 

What Features in the 2021 Kia Sportage Are Most Important?

Standard features include:

  • 17-inch alloy wheels
  • Cloth upholstery
  • 8-inch touchscreen multimedia system
  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity
  • Automatic emergency braking
  • Lane keep assist

Available features include:

  • Power-folding side mirrors
  • Panoramic moonroof
  • Leather-trimmed seats
  • Heated and ventilated front seats
  • Heated steering wheel
  • Navigation
  • Harman Kardon premium stereo
  • Wireless device charging
  • Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability
  • Blind spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert
  • Sport-tuned suspension

Should I Buy the 2021 Kia Sportage?

By and large, the Sportage delivers a refined driving experience and has an inviting interior with a backseat roomy enough for adults to ride comfortably. The touchscreen multimedia system is simple to use, but gas mileage is subpar.

2021 Kia Sportage review: Our expert's take

What Is the 2021 Kia Sportage?

The Kia Sportage is a compact SUV with room for five. It competes with popular SUVs like the Honda CR-V, Ford Escape and Toyota RAV4. Under the Sportage’s hood is a standard 181-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that works with a six-speed automatic transmission. The optional engine is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that makes 240 hp in front-wheel-drive models and 237 hp in all-wheel-drive versions.  

What’s New on the 2021 Kia Sportage?

Nightfall Edition and Nightfall Edition Premium packages are available on the S trim level, featuring piano-black exterior accents, unique 18-inch alloy wheels and special Sportage badging on the liftgate. 

What Features in the 2021 Kia Sportage Are Most Important?

Standard features include:

  • 17-inch alloy wheels
  • Cloth upholstery
  • 8-inch touchscreen multimedia system
  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity
  • Automatic emergency braking
  • Lane keep assist

Available features include:

  • Power-folding side mirrors
  • Panoramic moonroof
  • Leather-trimmed seats
  • Heated and ventilated front seats
  • Heated steering wheel
  • Navigation
  • Harman Kardon premium stereo
  • Wireless device charging
  • Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability
  • Blind spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert
  • Sport-tuned suspension

Should I Buy the 2021 Kia Sportage?

By and large, the Sportage delivers a refined driving experience and has an inviting interior with a backseat roomy enough for adults to ride comfortably. The touchscreen multimedia system is simple to use, but gas mileage is subpar.

Safety review

Based on the 2021 Kia Sportage base trim
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.
Overall rating
Combined side rating front seat
Combined side rating rear seat
Frontal barrier crash rating driver
Frontal barrier crash rating passenger
Overall frontal barrier crash rating
Overall side crash rating
Rollover rating
Side barrier rating
Side barrier rating driver
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
Side pole rating driver front seat
15.5%
Risk of rollover
Side barrier rating driver
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
Side pole rating driver front seat
15.5%
Risk of rollover

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
5 years / 60,000 miles
Corrosion
5 years / 100,000 miles
Powertrain
10 years / 100,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
5 years / 60,000 miles

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Dealer certification
135 Point Inspection
See all CPO program details

Compare similar vehicles

Select cars to compare for more detailed info.
  • 2021
    4.8
    Kia Sportage
    Starts at
    $24,090
    2021 Kia Sportage
    MPG
    23 City / 30 Hwy
    Seat capacity
    5
    Engine
    Regular Unleaded I-4
    Drivetrain
    Front-wheel drive
    Compare
  • 2023
    4.2
    Kia Sportage
    Starts at
    $26,290
    2023 Kia Sportage
    MPG
    25 City / 32 Hwy
    Seat capacity
    5
    Engine
    Regular Unleaded I-4
    Drivetrain
    Front-wheel drive
    Compare
  • 2023
    4.5
    Kia Seltos
    Starts at
    $23,340
    2023 Kia Seltos
    MPG
    27 City / 31 Hwy
    Seat capacity
    5
    Engine
    Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-4
    Drivetrain
    All-wheel drive
    Compare
  • 2023
    4.5
    Hyundai TUCSON
    Starts at
    $26,900
    2023 Hyundai TUCSON
    MPG
    25 City / 32 Hwy
    Seat capacity
    5
    Engine
    Regular Unleaded I-4
    Drivetrain
    Front-wheel drive
    Compare
Compare all vehicles

Consumer reviews

93% of drivers recommend this car
Based on 61 reviews
Write a review
Comfort
4.9
Interior
4.8
Performance
4.7
Value
4.5
Exterior
4.8
Reliability
4.8

Most recent

  • By Cory from Pelham Georgia
    Owns this car
    October 19, 2025

    The engine's use to much oil.

    The engine's use to much oil. The recommended 7500 is to long. If you purchase a KIA check your oil very frequently. It's not a matter of if your engine will blow it when it will blow. DON'T BUY A KIA!
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort
    4.0
    Interior
    4.0
    Performance
    1.0
    Value
    1.0
    Exterior
    4.0
    Reliability
    1.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • By Chris from PAWTUCKET RHODE ISLAND
    Owns this car
    March 28, 2023

    Great car

    Great car for the money, great service from Kia of Attleboro Roy Silveira was great to work with. Car runs great heated seats a bonus has good pick up for a 4 cylinder
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort
    3.0
    Interior
    5.0
    Performance
    5.0
    Value
    5.0
    Exterior
    4.0
    Reliability
    5.0
    12 people out of 12 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By John from Pinellas, FL
    Owns this car
    March 3, 2022

    No spare

    Would not lease another one. No spare tire- not even a donut. No jack. No automatic tailgate. No way to pop tailgate from inside vehicle. Since it is important to me, I should have asked about tailgate, but no spare? Brother supposed to get spiff for referral. 6 months, nothing.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort
    3.0
    Interior
    3.0
    Performance
    3.0
    Value
    2.0
    Exterior
    3.0
    Reliability
    2.0
    11 people out of 19 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By SF bay area from Oakland ca.
    Owns this car
    May 28, 2021

    Has 500 miles developed a noisey racket from motor

    It's a great car as long as you don't have any noises from motor after the first 500 miles and is getting louder, the dealer won't replace any parts in question high pressure fuel pump follower, or a possible timing chain tensioner. Warranty department is yet to be desired on this issue but could just this kia dealer. Love the kia sportage and fun car to drive
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort
    5.0
    Interior
    5.0
    Performance
    2.0
    Value
    1.0
    Exterior
    4.0
    Reliability
    1.0
    9 people out of 13 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By vatony from north las vegas
    Owns this car
    May 22, 2021

    So far so good but I haven't driven it much.

    The true litmus test will be on an upcoming 2 - month road trip, otherwise, I just have driven it much but so far I'm pleased
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort
    5.0
    Interior
    5.0
    Performance
    5.0
    Value
    4.0
    Exterior
    4.0
    Reliability
    5.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By LavaLyte from Akron, Ohio
    Owns this car
    May 17, 2021

    It's the best car that I have owned so far.

    I love the sporty look. Every time that I look at it I can't believe it's mines. I wish it had automatic start and the trunk lift with the remote but I know I can't have everything. I love the drive modes the lane assist, cruise control, camera, sound of the music, the color, etc. Just overwhelmed and always looking forward to driving it again.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort
    5.0
    Interior
    5.0
    Performance
    5.0
    Value
    4.0
    Exterior
    5.0
    Reliability
    5.0
    4 people out of 5 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By takesha Cottman from Pocomoke, md
    Owns this car
    May 8, 2021

    most reliable car better than my other car

    this car met all my needs with room and leg space along with the extra ubs cable hook ups i can also hook my phone and tablet to it
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort
    5.0
    Interior
    5.0
    Performance
    5.0
    Value
    5.0
    Exterior
    5.0
    Reliability
    5.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Katherine from Kemah, Tx
    Owns this car
    May 6, 2021

    Best purchase I could have made

    My kids (who are still in car seats) and I love it! The space inside is very spacious and we feel fancy as my daughters said. The panoramic sunroof really adds a great vibe. The pearl white is gorgeous.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort
    5.0
    Interior
    5.0
    Performance
    5.0
    Value
    5.0
    Exterior
    5.0
    Reliability
    5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By C.O. Cincy from Cinti.Oh.
    Owns this car
    May 3, 2021

    Very good fit for me.

    Drives well, smooth, and quiet. Has plenty of pep, just enough bells and whistles to make the drive enjoyable. Love the sporty look of the body style!
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort
    5.0
    Interior
    5.0
    Performance
    5.0
    Value
    5.0
    Exterior
    5.0
    Reliability
    5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By ET from BEACH PARK, IL
    Owns this car
    April 30, 2021

    HIGHLY RECOMMEND RAYMOND KIA

    I got exactally what I asked for. The car is perfect. Love the Pacific Blue. i Love the SX. Have owned Sportages for 25 Years. Never have I had an issue with them. None.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort
    5.0
    Interior
    4.0
    Performance
    5.0
    Value
    4.0
    Exterior
    5.0
    Reliability
    5.0
    5 people out of 5 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Nan, WS from Buffalo, NY
    Owns this car
    April 30, 2021

    Like the Kia warranty

    Perfect for me, small, all wheel drive, and extra comforts, this is actually my second time purchasing a sportage and my third Kia. Reliable and good price
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort
    5.0
    Interior
    5.0
    Performance
    5.0
    Value
    5.0
    Exterior
    5.0
    Reliability
    5.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Mz. Flo from Hampton
    Used to own this car
    April 30, 2021

    Great car 👎🏾Bad customer service

    This car was very dependable clean and sheep the moon roof was amazing 👏🏾 I would definitely buy this issue we but I would never purchase it from Casey kids go anywhere else just not to Casey key.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort
    5.0
    Interior
    5.0
    Performance
    5.0
    Value
    3.0
    Exterior
    5.0
    Reliability
    5.0
    0 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
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Latest Sportage stories

See all Kia Sportage articles

Kia dealers near you

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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2021 Kia Sportage?

The 2021 Kia Sportage is available in 4 trim levels:

  • EX (2 styles)
  • LX (2 styles)
  • S (2 styles)
  • SX Turbo (2 styles)

What is the MPG of the 2021 Kia Sportage?

The 2021 Kia Sportage offers up to 23 MPG in city driving and 30 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 2021 Kia Sportage?

The 2021 Kia Sportage compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 2021 Kia Sportage reliable?

The 2021 Kia Sportage has an average reliability rating of 4.8 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2021 Kia Sportage owners.

Is the 2021 Kia Sportage a good SUV?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2021 Kia Sportage. 93.4% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.8 / 5
Based on 61 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.9
  • Interior: 4.8
  • Performance: 4.7
  • Value: 4.5
  • Exterior: 4.8
  • Reliability: 4.8

Kia Sportage history

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