2021 Kia Sportage

2021 Kia Sportage Highlights

The 2021 Kia Sportage stands out in the compact SUV segment with its bold styling, comfortable interior, and available features. This model year continues to offer a choice of engines, including a potent turbocharged powerplant and maintains its position as a practical and stylish alternative to more traditional compact SUVs. The Sportage's attractive design and Kia's reputation for value make it a compelling option in a competitive market.

Key Details

• Compact crossover SUV body style
• Two-row, five-passenger seating
• Choice of 2.4-liter four-cylinder or 2.0-liter turbocharged engine
• Six-speed automatic transmission
• Standard front-wheel drive (FWD) or available all-wheel drive (AWD)

Benefits

• Bold exterior design with distinctive tiger-nose grille
• Spacious interior with comfortable seating
• Available turbocharged engine for enhanced performance
• A comprehensive suite of advanced safety features

Learn More: Here Are the Kia Sportage Years to Avoid

2021 Kia Sportage Overview

Performance

The 2021 Kia Sportage offers two engine options to suit different driving preferences. The standard powerplant is a 2.4-liter inline-four producing 181 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque. This engine provides reasonable power for daily driving and offers a good balance of performance and fuel efficiency. It’s fine for most drivers.

The SX Turbo trim features a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine generating 240 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque for those seeking more excitement. This powerplant delivers lively acceleration, making it ideal for highway passing and merging. Expect a zero-to-60 mph time of about seven seconds, which is quick for this segment but not blistering.

Both engines are paired with a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission featuring a manual shift capability. Front-wheel drive comes standard across the lineup, while all-wheel drive is available.

Safety

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the 2021 Kia Sportage an overall safety rating of five out of five stars. In addition, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) named the 2021 Sportage a "Top Safety Pick" when equipped with advanced safety tech and upgraded headlights. This is the organization’s second-highest designation.

The Sportage also offers a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance technologies, with availability varying by trim level:

• Forward collision avoidance assists with pedestrian detection
• Lane-keeping assist
• Lane departure warning
• Blind-spot collision warning
• Rear cross-traffic collision warning
• Adaptive cruise control
• Automatic high beams
• Rear parking sensors
• Driver attention warning

Driving

The 2021 Kia Sportage delivers a stable and predictable driving experience. The steering is nicely weighted and responsive, allowing for precise maneuvering in urban environments and steady handling on the highway. The Sportage's compact dimensions make parking and navigating tight spaces easy—a plus for city dwellers.

Ride quality is another strong point for the Sportage. The suspension does an admirable job of soaking up road imperfections, resulting in a smooth and composed ride. Road and wind noise are well-controlled, contributing to a serene cabin environment even at highway speeds.

The available all-wheel-drive system enhances traction in slippery conditions, making the Sportage a capable performer in light off-road situations or inclement weather. While it's not designed for serious trail-blazing, an AWD-equipped Sportage can easily handle dirt roads and mild terrain.

Interior

Step inside the 2021 Kia Sportage, and you'll find a well-designed, comfortable interior that punches above its weight class. The cabin features high-quality materials and solid build quality, giving the Sportage a premium feel that doesn’t usually accompany this price point.

The front seats are supportive and offer good adjustability, making finding a comfortable driving position uncomplicated. Higher trims feature ten-way power-adjustable driver's seats with lumbar support. Rear passengers are treated to ample legroom and headroom, even for tall passengers. The optional panoramic sunroof adds an airy feel to the cabin, although it slightly reduces headroom in the second row.

Cargo space is competitive for the compact SUV segment, with 30.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 60.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

Higher trims offer luxurious amenities such as leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The available Harman Kardon premium audio system delivers impressive sound quality for audiophiles.

Interior features available on various Sportage trims include:

• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob
• 60/40 split-folding rear seats
• Under-floor storage tray in the cargo area

Technology

The 2021 Kia Sportage comes well-equipped with modern technology features. The standard 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system is user-friendly and responsive, offering crisp graphics and intuitive menu structures. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration come standard across all trims, allowing for seamless smartphone connectivity.

Key technology features available on select Sportage trims include:

• UVO infotainment system with voice-command navigation
• Wireless phone charger
• Harman Kardon premium audio system
• Proximity keyless entry with push-button start
• Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio streaming

Fuel Economy

The EPA fuel economy ratings for the 2021 Kia Sportage vary depending on the engine and drivetrain. Here are the official EPA estimates:

2.4-liter four-cylinder

• FWD (mpg): 23 city / 30 highway / 26 combined
• AWD (mpg): 22 city / 26 highway / 23 combined

2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder

• FWD (mpg): 20 city / 28 highway / 23 combined
• AWD (mpg): 19 city / 24 highway / 21 combined

2021 Kia Sportage Reviews

2021 Kia Sportage reviews on Kelley Blue Book are overwhelmingly positive, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars. Consumers give the Sportage high marks for reliability, quality, value, styling, and comfort.

Reasons to Buy It

• Distinctive exterior design
• Spacious and upscale cabin
• Available turbocharged engine
• Optional all-wheel drive
• Standard and available safety technologies

Problems

• Below-average fuel economy compared to some rivals
• Limited cargo space relative to class leaders
• The base engine can feel underpowered in certain situations
• Higher trims can get expensive
• Some competitors offer more advanced tech features

Explore: Kia Sportage Resale Value: Do They Hold Their Value? What To Know

CoPilot's Take

The compact SUV space has numerous choices, including the most popular options, the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V. Despite impressive rivals, the 2021 Kia Sportage remains compelling. Buyers will find a family-friendly crossover that looks different, offers a welcoming interior, and delivers solid value. Depending on the vehicle, the remainder of Kia’s five-year or 60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty may still apply.

The Sportage appeals in other vital areas, including a stellar safety record and the availability of advanced driver assistance technologies. In addition, most vehicles in this class aren’t available with a more powerful engine. The optional turbocharged four-cylinder engine won’t win many stoplight challenges, but it offers enough additional output to make the Sportage engaging to drive and more responsive on the highway.

At the same time, the 2021 Sportage isn’t perfect. It offers less cargo space than many competitors and comes up short in a fuel economy comparison. In addition, the base engine may leave some drivers wanting more.

2021 Kia Sportage FAQs

What is the downside to the 2021 Kia Sportage?

The main downsides of the 2021 Kia Sportage include below-average fuel economy compared to some competitors, limited cargo space relative to class leaders, and a base engine that can feel underpowered in certain situations. Additionally, higher trim levels can be on the pricier side, even as used cars.

How many years does a 2021 Kia Sportage last?

With proper care, a 2021 Kia Sportage can last 150,000 to 200,000 miles, possibly more. Kia vehicles have improved in terms of reliability over the past decade, and the Sportage benefits from this progress. The vehicle's longevity will depend on driving habits, upkeep, and environmental conditions.

Does the 2021 Kia Sportage hold its value?

From a depreciation standpoint, the 2021 Kia Sportage sits in the middle of the pack among compact crossovers. While the Sportage may not retain its value as well as some competitors like the Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4, it still performs adequately in this area. As with any vehicle, maintaining a good service history and keeping it in good condition will help maximize its resale value.

Are there any 2021 Kia Sportage problems?

It’s too early to determine if the 2021 Sportage has any known trouble spots. Consumer feedback is minimal at this point, making it challenging to determine definitive answers. Only time will tell if the 2021 Kia Sportage becomes problematic.

What are the 2021 Kia Sportage trims:

Shoppers can choose from four trims:

• 2021 Kia Sportage LX
• 2021 Kia Sportage S
• 2021 Kia Sportage EX
• 2021 Kia Sportage SX Turbo

Check Out: How Long Do Kia Sportages Last? The Scoop on Vehicle Lifespan