2021
Kia Sportage

Starts at:
$33,750
Shop options
New 2021 Kia Sportage
See ratings
Consumer rating
Owner reviewed vehicle score
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
Consumer rating
Owner reviewed vehicle score
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
Shop Cars.com
Browse cars & save your favorites
Dealers near you
Find & contact a dealership near you
Listings near 43272
Change location See all listings

Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • LX FWD
    Starts at
    $24,090
    23 City / 30 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • LX AWD
    Starts at
    $25,590
    21 City / 25 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • S FWD
    Starts at
    $26,590
    23 City / 30 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • EX FWD
    Starts at
    $27,390
    239 mi.
    Range
    5
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • S AWD
    Starts at
    $28,290
    21 City / 25 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • EX AWD
    Starts at
    $28,890
    239 mi.
    Range
    5
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • SX Turbo FWD
    Starts at
    $33,750
    20 City / 28 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • SX Turbo AWD
    Starts at
    $35,250
    19 City / 24 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

Photo & video gallery

2021 Kia Sportage 2021 Kia Sportage 2021 Kia Sportage 2021 Kia Sportage 2021 Kia Sportage 2021 Kia Sportage 2021 Kia Sportage 2021 Kia Sportage 2021 Kia Sportage 2021 Kia Sportage 2021 Kia Sportage 2021 Kia Sportage 2021 Kia Sportage 2021 Kia Sportage 2021 Kia Sportage 2021 Kia Sportage 2021 Kia Sportage 2021 Kia Sportage 2021 Kia Sportage 2021 Kia Sportage 2021 Kia Sportage 2021 Kia Sportage 2021 Kia Sportage 2021 Kia Sportage 2021 Kia Sportage 2021 Kia Sportage 2021 Kia Sportage 2021 Kia Sportage 2021 Kia Sportage 2021 Kia Sportage 2021 Kia Sportage

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

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.

Available cars near you

See all cars near you

Safety review

Based on the 2021 Kia Sportage base trim
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.
Overall rating
5/5
Combined side rating front seat
5/5
Combined side rating rear seat
5/5
Frontal barrier crash rating driver
4/5
Frontal barrier crash rating passenger
5/5
Overall frontal barrier crash rating
4/5
Overall side crash rating
5/5
Rollover rating
4/5
Side barrier rating
5/5
Side barrier rating driver
5/5
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
5/5
Side pole rating driver front seat
5/5
15.5%
Risk of rollover
Side barrier rating driver
5/5
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
5/5
Side pole rating driver front seat
5/5
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

Age / mileage
6 years or newer / less than 80,000 miles
Basic
12 months / 12,000 miles
Dealer certification
165-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
    23 City / 30 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    -
    Warranty
    Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Front-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2022
    4.1
    Hyundai TUCSON
    Starts at
    $24,950
    2022 Hyundai TUCSON
    33 mi.
    Range
    5
    Seat capacity
    -
    Warranty
    Regular Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Front-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2023
    4.9
    Kia Sportage Hybrid
    Starts at
    $27,490
    2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid
    42 City / 44 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    120 month/100,000 miles
    Warranty
    Intercooled Turbo Gas/Electric I-4
    Engine
    Front-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2023
    4.5
    Kia Seltos
    Starts at
    $23,340
    2023 Kia Seltos
    27 City / 31 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    -
    Warranty
    Regular Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    All-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2020
    4.7
    Kia Sportage
    Starts at
    $23,990
    2020 Kia Sportage
    239 mi.
    Range
    5
    Seat capacity
    -
    Warranty
    Regular Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Front-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • Compare more options
    Use our comparison tool to add any vehicle of your choice and see a full list of specifications and features side-by-side.
    Try it now

Consumer reviews

95% of drivers recommend this car
4.8 / 5
Based on 60 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.9
Interior 4.8
Performance 4.8
Value 4.6
Exterior 4.8
Reliability 4.8

Most recent

  • 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
    11 people out of 11 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • 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
    9 people out of 17 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • 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?
    Yes No
  • 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?
    Yes No
  • 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?
    Yes No
  • 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?
    Yes No
  • 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?
    Yes No
  • 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?
    Yes No
  • 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?
    Yes No
  • 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?
    Yes No
  • 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
  • By GreenEyes from Celina, OH
    Owns this car
    April 28, 2021

    Love Everything About This Vehicle!!

    Love the look,comfort...it's just a sharp and everything that you could want. I love the leather interior, the space and the ability to haul or for camping trips and you never know when you will have to go off road but at least you know that you can if needed!!
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
See all reviews

Latest news from cars.com

toyota-corolla-hybrid-2021-exterior-oem-01
Featured

Report: What Brand Makes the Most Reliable Used Cars?

Consumer Reports, which has been ranking new-car reliability for years, has released its first-ever ranking of used cars that are 5 to 10 years old. Read more

What’s the Safest, Most Affordable Car for Teens?

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and Consumer Reports have released their annual list of recommended vehicles for teens, and the 2024 list offers more safety for less, as used- and new-car prices stabilize.

Report: These Are the Vehicles Most Likely to Be Stolen

IIHS has released its annual report cataloging the vehicles most likely to be stolen, and the list is again topped by not one, but two variants of the Dodge Charger.

Kia Recalls 380K More Cars for Fire Risk

Kia is recalling nearly 380,000 Cadenzas and Sportages for a fire issue with its hydraulic cruise control unit.
See all news

Kia dealers near you

See all Kia dealers near you

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. 95.0% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.8 / 5
Based on 60 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.9
  • Interior: 4.8
  • Performance: 4.8
  • Value: 4.6
  • Exterior: 4.8
  • Reliability: 4.8

Kia Sportage history

Your list was successfully saved.
 
 
 
 
Save list Compare
[{"cat":"crossover_compact","stock_type":"used","bodystyle":"SUV","page_type":"research/make-model-year","oem_page":false,"search_fuel_types":["Gasoline Fuel"]}]