History/Overview
This is Kia’s oldest SUV nameplate, now in a fourth generation that is nearing the end of its run before the Korean company redesigns it into generation number five.
What’s New/Key Changes From Last Year
The Sportage carries over into 2021 without significant changes, but Kia has trimmed the number of trim levels.
Available Trims
Kia offers the Sportage in LX, LX S, EX S, EX Premium S and SX. All use a 2.4L four-cylinder engine except SX, which moves up to a more powerful 2.0L turbo engine. LX starts with front-wheel drive, while all other versions are standard with AWD. A six-speed automatic transmission is the only one available.
Standard Features
LX trim comes dressed in 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic on/off headlights, fog lights, keyless entry, tinted glass, heated/body-coloured side mirrors with power adjustments, and a rear spoiler.
Inside, there’s cloth upholstery, heated front seats, a tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, power windows, air conditioning, an 8.0-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone support, and cruise control.
LX S trim brings 18-inch wheels, power-folding side mirrors, a sport grille, dark chrome exterior trim, silver skid plate accents, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross traffic alert.
EX S adds LED daytime running lights and positioning lights, a windshield wiper de-icer, a panoramic sunroof, chrome outside door handles, gloss black roof rails, a power driver’s seat, a heated leather-trimmed steering wheel and leather-trimmed shifter, wireless smartphone charging, an electric parking brake, passive keyless entry, LED interior lighting, lane keeping assist, and forward collision detection.
EX Premium S gains LED headlights and taillights, synthetic leather upholstery, a hands-free power tailgate, dual-zone automatic climate control, and rear parking sensors.
Finally, SX adds 19-inch wheels, LED fog lights, dual exhaust outlets, genuine leather seating, a power front passenger seat, heated rear seats and ventilated front seats, a sport steering wheel, gloss black and chrome interior trim, stainless steel door scuff plates, navigation, a premium stereo, satellite radio, smart cruise control, connected car services, advanced forward collision avoidance, and front parking sensors.
Fuel Economy
As of this writing, Kia hadn’t published fuel consumption estimates for the 2021 Sportage, but they should be similar to those for the 2020 model. Those figures are 10.1/7.6 L/100 km (city/highway) with the 2.4L engine and front-wheel drive, and 10.8/9.1 with AWD. The SX model’s turbo motor is rated 12.1/9.6 L/100 km (city/highway).
Competition
The Sportage counts all kinds of competitors in the crowded compact crossover class, including the mechanically related Hyundai Tucson.
From Japan come the Honda CR-V, Toyota’s RAV4, the Mazda CX-5, Mitsubishi’s Outlander, the Nissan Rogue, and Subaru’s Forester.
Domestic competition comes from the Ford Escape, Chevrolet’s Equinox, the GMC Terrain, and the Dodge Journey.
Germany’s sole entry here is the Tiguan.
