2020 Kia Sportage Review

　　

2020 Kia Sportage Review

byCameron RogersManager, News

　　Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Today, he leads the news team in developing cutting-edge news articles, opinion pieces and sneak peeks at upcoming vehicles. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at zzdcar include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).

　　If you're in the market for a small crossover, you're probably aware of heavy hitters such as the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 and Ford Escape. Wander off the beaten path, however, and you'll find alternatives that offer strong selling points. The 2020 Kia Sportage is one of these lesser-known rivals, and we think it makes a good name for itself, with a low price and a feature-rich lineup.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2020 Kia Sportage LX 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$145/mo  for Sportage LX

　　Sportage LX

　　LX 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 6A) (Most Popular) - $23,990 MSRPLX 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl 6A) - $25,490 MSRPS 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 6A) - $26,140 MSRPS 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl 6A) - $27,840 MSRPEX 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 6A) - $27,290 MSRPEX 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl 6A) - $28,790 MSRPSX Turbo 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A) - $33,590 MSRPSX Turbo 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A) - $35,090 MSRP

　　vs

　　$166/mo

　　Avg. Compact SUV

　　The Sportage costs less than many of its competitors but offers more features, including standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, plus desirable driver aids such as lane departure and forward collision warning systems. Unlike rivals, which offer skimpy starter versions, you can equip the Kia's base LX model with an option package that makes it well-equipped for such a reasonably priced crossover. Up the trim ladder, you'll find features that are rare for the class, including ventilated front seats and a panoramic sunroof.

　　Its most significant drawback is its relatively compact cargo area. The Sportage is smaller than most in the class, but its passenger seating is just as roomy as you'll find in competitors. That means the space savings has to come from behind the second row, where the Sportage supplies about one-third less cargo space than its most spacious rivals. We also aren't impressed by the upgraded engine, which feels strong but posts worse acceleration figures than the standard motor. Fuel ratings for either engine are also middling.  However, its lower purchase price helps even things out, and you won't be turned off by the cargo area unless you typically load your car to the brim with gear.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Average

　　7.2

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

6.5/10

　　How does the Sportage drive? The Sportage performs best around town, where its ample low-end torque, smooth braking and nicely weighted steering can shine. But when taken out of its comfort zone, the Kia falls apart. Our tester with the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine managed 0-60 mph in 9 seconds, a poor showing for an upgraded motor in the class. The brake pedal is a little soft, but it's easy to gauge the amount of pressure needed to bring the Sportage to an easy stop.

　　While the ride feels sporty, the suspension feels sloppy on twisty roads. Combined with numb steering and sometimes on-off power delivery, the Sportage reveals itself to be anything but sporty.

　　

Comfort

7.5/10

　　How comfortable is the Sportage? We like the supportive front seats that have plenty of adjustment and above-average heating and cooling capabilities. The climate control system quickly adjusts cabin temperatures too. The interior is well isolated from traffic noise and from road noise over bumps, but tire noise is noticeable at freeway speeds.

　　In keeping with the Sportage name, the ride is a bit firm and sporty. Around town, the suspension does a great job absorbing small bumps, but at higher speeds and over larger bumps, there's noticeable bounciness and rebound. It can be almost boat-like at times.

　　

Interior

7.5/10

　　How’s the interior? The Sportage's interior feels high-quality for the class and has some nice features, but the sleek roofline creates compromises. Legroom and elbow room is generous all around, but drivers and passengers over 6 feet tall may note a lack of headroom. The low roof makes the interior feel smaller than it is, and the thick roof pillars create a number of blind spots. Yet even with the low roof, it's easy to get in or out of the SUV due to the wide door openings.

　　The seating position offers a good range of motion, especially with the generously telescoping steering wheel, but taller drivers will wish the seat could go lower. Buttons are clearly labeled, but each panel features buttons of identical shape and size so you will be relying on those labels rather than finding controls by touch.

　　

Technology

8.0/10

　　How’s the tech? With few exceptions, the Sportage's tech features are top-notch. The logical and approachable touchscreen is very user-friendly, and we appreciate the standard smartphone integration and charging options for front and rear passengers. Our tester's upgraded stereo is among the best in the class. Navigation is clean and crisp, although some tasks take more steps than we'd like. Voice commands were disappointing — the system is easily confused, especially when you're trying to control navigation — and can't be accessed while using smartphone projection. A subscription to Kia's Uvo services, which our tester lacked, is said to improve voice recognition.

　　The Sportage's suite of driver aids worked well, handling traffic without false positives or unsettling jerkiness. Only lane keeping assist had issues, misreading lines in the pavement at times and providing little steering assist.

　　

Storage

7.0/10

　　How’s the storage? The trunk is usable but capacity is just average for the class. There's 30.7 cubic feet of space behind the second row and 60.1 cubic feet with the seats folded. The low cargo floor makes it easy to load items, but the trunk opening is also relatively low and the wheelwells intrude into the space. In the cabin, there are some nice storage options but not much space for small items. We like the generous phone cubby, but the console box is on the small side. All four door pockets have room for regular-size water bottles, but they quickly narrow to leave little room for much else.

　　The reclining rear seatback and clearly marked car seat anchors make fitting a child seat easier, but bulky rear-facing seats will requiring moving the front seats forward.

　　

Fuel Economy

5.0/10

　　How’s the fuel economy? EPA estimates range from 26 mpg combined for the base front-wheel-drive Sportage down to 21 mpg combined for the turbocharged 2.0-liter model with all-wheel drive. Neither of those numbers is a strong showing in a class where competitors can claim up to 30 mpg.

　　On our real-world testing loop, the Sportage returned 20.6 mpg, coming close to the EPA estimate. Still, considering the relatively slow acceleration from even the turbocharged model, these economy numbers are disappointing.

　　

Value

7.5/10

　　Is the Sportage a good value? Where the Sportage was once a standout, it's now caught up in the mix as automakers hone their value propositions. The Kia has a slight price advantage, especially if you place more priority on comfort and tech features than performance or practicality. But the real value proposition is Kia's warranty: The five-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty are matched only by Hyundai.

　　Starting at around $24,000, the Sportage undercuts the base CR-V, but it's less practical and comes with a less desirable base engine. Our top-of-the-line tester came in at a bit over $37,000, which just undercuts the highest-trim CX-5 that offers better performance with similar practicality. For the class, you're not quite getting everything you're paying for.

　　

Wildcard

6.5/10

　　The Sportage lives and dies on its features, and it really only shines as a commuter. It's certainly an SUV that feels good to get into, with its well-built interior and comprehensive feature set, but push it outside of its comfort zone and the veneer cracks. In the end, it's hard to do anything but assign a split score here.

　　

Which Sportage does zzdcar recommend?

If you want a feature-rich Sportage without an outrageous price tag, there are two ways you can go. The EX has faux leather upholstery, heated front seats and a handful of tech options such as blind-spot monitoring and keyless entry. If you want more goodies and can live without leather, the S with Premium package is a little more expensive but includes sporty styling upgrades, satellite radio and adaptive cruise control, among other extras. Of course, you can get these features on the EX, but that option package is pricey.

　　

2020 Kia Sportage models

The 2020 Kia Sportage is a five-passenger compact-crossover SUV available in LX, S, EX and SX Turbo trim levels. The LX has a decent number of standard features, while the S adds a few more and offers the most choices for optional packages. The EX contains features of both of the above trims and their respective packages. The sporty SX Turbo comes with nearly all of the Sportage's features as standard.

　　Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is an option on all versions. The LX, S and EX have a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine (181 horsepower, 175 lb-ft of torque), while the SX Turbo has a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder (240 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque). Adding all-wheel drive drops output slightly to 237 hp. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard, regardless of powertrain choice.

　　Standard equipment on the LX includes 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, LED daytime running lights, rear privacy glass, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a driver information display, selectable driving modes, a height-adjustable driver's seat, a 60/40-split folding and reclining back seat, Bluetooth, an 8-inch touchscreen display, the Kia Uvo infotainment system, and a six-speaker sound system with a USB port and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. Standard safety features include a rearview camera, a driver attention monitor, automatic high-beam control, lane departure warning and mitigation, and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection.

　　We suggest getting the LX with the Popular package. It adds foglights, UV-reducing glass for the front windows and windshield, a windshield wiper de-icer, power-folding and heated side mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control, vanity mirror lights, a power-adjustable driver's seat, upgraded seat fabric, and a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert.

　　The S builds off the LX, adding 18-inch wheels, foglights, roof rails, heated and power-folding mirrors, exterior and interior styling enhancements, a flat-bottom steering wheel with wheel-mounted paddle shifters, Sofino simulated-leather upholstery, and the blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert.

　　Two packages are available for the S. The Sunroof package equips the Sportage with a panoramic sunroof, the UV-reducing glass, the windshield wiper de-icer, and ambient interior lighting. The S Premium package includes the Sunroof package, plus unique wheels, LED foglights and taillights, a leather-wrapped shifter, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, black interior trim, keyless entry and ignition, dual-zone automatic climate control, a power driver's seat, heated front seats, satellite radio, voice recognition, a wireless charging pad, a rear USB port, adaptive cruise control, and an electronic parking brake with auto hold.

　　The EX essentially mixes and matches features from the above trims and packages. It builds off the LX with Popular package, adding 18-inch wheels, roof rails, a hands-free tailgate, keyless entry and ignition, black interior trim, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, the Sofino faux leather upholstery, and a rear USB port.

　　The EX's Technology package is expensive but packed with goodies. These include front and rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, an electronic parking brake with auto hold, a panoramic sunroof, a spare tire, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, ambient lighting, a power-adjustable passenger seat, ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, leather upholstery, a wireless phone charger, a navigation system, and an eight-speaker Harman Kardon sound system with satellite radio and voice recognition.

　　Topping the Sportage range is the SX Turbo. It comes with everything above, plus the more powerful engine, 19-inch wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, larger front brakes, LED headlights, dual exhaust tips,and upgraded instrumentation.

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2020 Sportage Highlights

Trim: LXSEXSX TurboLX

　　

Base MSRP	$23,990
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	26 MPG
Cost to Drive	$145/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	30.7 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	5 years / 60,000 miles