Model research hub
Kia Sportage
The Kia Sportage is a compact crossover made since 1993 in five generations, with the latest introduced for the 2023 model year. The 2017 has the most complaints (399) and the 2023 the most recalls (6), and the 2026 Sportage starts at $30,285 and is rated 24 to 42 mpg combined across gas, hybrid and plug-in versions.
What the Kia Sportage is and who buys it
Wikipedia (opens in a new tab) describes the Sportage as a series of automobiles made by Kia since 1993 through five generations, a body-on-frame compact SUV at first and a compact crossover from 2004. CarGurus (opens in a new tab) says the latest version was introduced for the 2023 model year. The 2026 Sportage offers a 2.5L four-cylinder, a 1.6L hybrid and a 1.6L plug-in hybrid, rated 24 to 42 mpg combined by the EPA, about $1,500 to $2,600 a year in fuel. Kelley Blue Book base prices start at $30,285 for the LX and reach $37,885 for the SX Prestige.
Best and worst Sportage model years
Federal counts single out two years. The 2017 has 4 recalls and 399 complaints, the most complaints of any year, with fuel system, brakes and trailer hitch among its recall components, and the 2023 has 6 recalls, the most, covering the electrical system, air bags, brakes and powertrain, with 185 complaints. Other years have 1 to 3 recalls: the 2022 and 2025 have one each, and complaints run from 46 on the 2022 to 162 on the 2018. See the 2017 Sportage page for the complaint peak.
CarGurus (opens in a new tab) says a one-year-old 2025 Sportage averages about $26,888 used, a three-year-old 2023 about $24,970 and a five-year-old 2021 about $16,508, and notes that a solid reputation for reliability excludes the 2017 version. CarsCounsel (opens in a new tab) says first-generation models and the 2006 year also present significant reliability and safety concerns, and Car Smite (opens in a new tab) ranks every year from 1995 to 2023.
How it compares
RevvedUpCars (opens in a new tab) says the Sportage Hybrid's total system output of 227 horsepower and 258 lb-ft is above the RAV4 Hybrid's 219 hp and the CR-V Hybrid's 204 hp. A Toyota dealer, Pappas Toyota (opens in a new tab), says the CR-V and Sportage lead slightly on raw cargo volume but the RAV4 more than makes up for it in towing capability, which is a seller's view.
Questions buyers ask
Which Kia Sportage year has the most problems?
Federal data shows the 2017 with the most complaints (399) and the 2023 with the most recalls (6). CarGurus says the 2017 is the exception to the Sportage's solid reliability reputation.
Does the Kia Sportage come as a hybrid?
Yes. The 2026 Sportage offers a 1.6L hybrid and a 1.6L plug-in hybrid alongside the 2.5L gas engine.
Research map
Every major decision path.
The 2027 Kia Sportage is built around 2.5L gas, turbo hybrid or plug-in hybrid, rated at 187–261 horsepower across its compact SUV body style.
Explore this topic →02Trims and equipmentThe 2027 U.S. lineup has 12 trims.
Explore this topic →03Towing and capabilityThe most the 2027 Kia Sportage is published to tow is 2,500 lb.
Explore this topic →04Safety and ownershipNHTSA recalls, complaints and crash ratings for the 2027 Sportage.
Explore this topic →Current model year
2027 Kia Sportage
The Sportage family spans gasoline, hybrid and plug-in-hybrid powertrains. The marketed trim ladder changes across those three branches, so a Sportage trim must stay attached to its powertrain. MY2027 is confirmed as a minimal-update carryover (about $400 pricier lineup-wide), with X-Line the only trim gaining real new standard content.
Read specifications, trims, answers and sourcesModel-year archive
4 indexed Kia Sportage model years.
| Model year | Trims | Open record |
|---|---|---|
| 2027 Kia Sportage | 2027 record → | |
| 2026 Kia Sportage | 2026 record → | |
| 2025 Kia Sportage | 2025 record → | |
| 2024 Kia Sportage | 2024 record → |
Background and safety record
What public sources say about the Kia Sportage.
The Kia Sportage is a series of automobiles manufactured by the South Korean manufacturer Kia since 1993 through five generations. Initially a compact SUV built on a body-on-frame chassis, the second-generation Sportage transitioned to a car-based platform, placing it into the compact crossover SUV class, and was originally developed alongside the Hyundai Tucson (and since the fifth-generation model launched in 2021), in two sizes with different wheelbase lengths for different markets, alongside the Hyundai Santa Fe and the Kia Sorento.
- Safety
- The second-generation Sportage earned a top rating of five stars in crash tests by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. However, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rated it only “acceptable” for frontal and side impact crash protection and “poor” for roof strength.
- Awards
- In 2022, the Sportage won the 'Family SUV' and 'Full Hybrid' categories in the Scottish Car of the Year Awards. In 2023, the Sportage was chosen as Car of the Year in Morocco.
- Engines
- The SL series Sportage was released to Asian and European markets in April 2010, the North and Central American markets in August 2010, and the Australian market in October 2010, for the 2011 model year. Two engines were available, a 2.0-litre Hyundai R diesel engine with 184 hp (137 kW), and a 2.0-litre Theta T-GDi petrol engine.
Source: Kia Sportage (Wikipedia); safety and recall figures from NHTSA.
Kia Sportage at a glance
- Production
- 1993–present
- Model years
- 1995–present
- Class
- Compact SUV (1993–2004), Compact crossover SUV (C) (2004–present)
- Body style
- 5-door SUV, 3-door convertible (1990–2001)
- Layout
- Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive (1993–2004), Front-engine, front-wheel-drive (2004–present), Front-engine, all-wheel-drive (1993–present)
- Chassis
- Body-on-frame (1993–2004), Unibody (2004–present)
- Predecessor
- Kia Retona
NHTSA rated the 2025 Kia Sportage overall 5 of 5 stars, front crash 5 of 5 stars, side crash 5 of 5 stars, rollover 4 of 5 stars.
Recent recalls (2 campaigns across the latest model years)
- January 2026, Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel. Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2025 Kia K4, 2025-2026 Sorento, Sorento Hybrid, Sorento Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV), 2026 Sportage, Sportage Hybrid, Sportage PHEV, K5, EV9, Carnival, and Carnival Hybrid vehicles. Due to a software error, the instrument panel display may… Consequence: An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as the speedometer, tire pressure, or warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.
- December 2025, Trailer Hitches. Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Sportage Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV) and 2024-2025 Sportage vehicles equipped with a 4.2" screen and a Genuine Kia tow hitch harness accessory. Due to a software error, the instrument panel screen may fail. As… Consequence: An instrument panel screen that fails to display critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, can increase the risk of a crash.
Owners filed 51 complaints with NHTSA for the 2025 Kia Sportage, most often about unknown or other (21), electrical system (15), forward collision avoidance (8).
Year by year
The Kia Sportage across 13 model years.
| Model year | Combined MPG/MPGe | EPA annual fuel cost | EPA records | NHTSA recalls | NHTSA complaints | NHTSA overall rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Kia Sportage | 24–41 | $1,600–$2,700 | 6 | |||
| 2026 Kia Sportage | 24–42 | $1,500–$2,600 | 6 | 1 | 5 stars | |
| 2025 Kia Sportage | 25–43 | $1,450–$2,500 | 6 | 1 | 49 | 5 stars |
| 2024 Kia Sportage | 25–43 | $1,450–$2,500 | 6 | 3 | 68 | 5 stars |
| 2023 Kia Sportage | 25–43 | $1,450–$2,500 | 5 | 6 | 185 | 5 stars |
| 2022 Kia Sportage | 21–26 | $2,400–$2,950 | 4 | 1 | 46 | 5 stars |
| 2021 Kia Sportage | 21–26 | $2,400–$2,950 | 4 | 2 | 50 | 5 stars |
| 2020 Kia Sportage | 21–26 | $2,400–$2,950 | 4 | 2 | 159 | 5 stars |
| 2019 Kia Sportage | 21–25 | $2,500–$2,950 | 6 | 2 | 69 | 5 stars |
| 2018 Kia Sportage | 21–26 | $2,400–$2,950 | 6 | 3 | 162 | 5 stars |
| 2017 Kia Sportage | 21–26 | $2,400–$2,950 | 6 | 4 | 399 | 5 stars |
| 2016 Kia Sportage | 21–23 | $2,700–$2,950 | 4 | 2 | 130 | 5 stars |
| 2015 Kia Sportage | 21–23 | $2,700–$2,950 | 6 | 2 | 146 | 5 stars |
Year-to-year changes
What changed in the Kia Sportage, one model year at a time.
| Step | EPA records | Combined MPG/MPGe, midpoint | Electric range, miles | Added | No longer listed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 to 2027 | 33.0 to 32.5 | ||||
| 2025 to 2026 | 34.0 to 33.0 | 34 to 33 | |||
| 2023 to 2024 | 5 to 6 | Labels: Sportage X-pro | |||
| 2022 to 2023 | 4 to 5 | 23.5 to 34.0 | first listed: 34 | Labels: Sportage Hybrid AWD, Sportage Hybrid FWD, Sportage Plug-in Hybrid; Engines: 1.6L 4-cyl SIDI; Hybrid, 1.6L 4-cyl SIDI; PHEV, 2.5L 4-cyl SIDI & PFI; Transmissions: Automatic (AM-S6), Automatic (S8); Fuels: Regular Gas and Electricity | Engines: 2.4L 4-cyl SIDI, 2L 4-cyl SIDI; Transmissions: Automatic (S6) |
| 2019 to 2020 | 6 to 4 | 23.0 to 23.5 | Labels: Sportage FE AWD, Sportage FE FWD | ||
| 2018 to 2019 | 23.5 to 23.0 | ||||
| 2016 to 2017 | 4 to 6 | 22.0 to 23.5 | Labels: Sportage FE AWD, Sportage FE FWD | Labels: Sportage SX AWD, Sportage SX FWD | |
| 2015 to 2016 | 6 to 4 | Transmissions: Automatic 6-spd |
Buying used
What the Kia Sportage recalls and complaints are about.
| Model year | Campaigns | Systems recalled | Warnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | electrical system (instrument cluster/panel) | None |
| 2025 | 1 | trailer hitches | None |
| 2024 | 3 | structure (body); steering (electric power assist system); trailer hitches | None |
| 2023 | 6 | electrical system (alternator/generator/regulator); air bags (side/window); electrical system (instrument cluster/panel); 3 more | 1 stop-driving or park-outside |
| 2022 | 1 | trailer hitches | 1 stop-driving or park-outside |
| 2021 | 2 | service brakes, hydraulic (antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip); trailer hitches | 2 stop-driving or park-outside |
| 2020 | 2 | service brakes, hydraulic (antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip); trailer hitches | 2 stop-driving or park-outside |
| 2019 | 2 | service brakes, hydraulic (antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip); trailer hitches | 2 stop-driving or park-outside |
| 2018 | 3 | fuel system, gasoline (delivery); service brakes, hydraulic (antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip); trailer hitches | 2 stop-driving or park-outside |
| 2017 | 4 | trailer hitches; fuel system, gasoline (delivery); service brakes, hydraulic (antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip) | 2 stop-driving or park-outside |
| 2016 | 2 | fuel system, gasoline (delivery); service brakes, hydraulic (antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip) | 1 stop-driving or park-outside |
| 2015 | 2 | fuel system, gasoline (delivery); service brakes, hydraulic (antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip) | 1 stop-driving or park-outside |
Recalls that told owners to stop driving or park outside
- 2015, campaign 22V-051 (Feb 2022): service brakes, hydraulic (antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip). An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
- 2016, campaign 22V-051 (Feb 2022): service brakes, hydraulic (antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip). An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
- 2017, campaign 21V-137 (Mar 2021): service brakes, hydraulic (antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip). An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury.
- 2017, campaign 22V-703 (Sep 2022): trailer hitches. A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
- 2018, campaign 21V-137 (Mar 2021): service brakes, hydraulic (antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip). An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury.
- 2018, campaign 22V-703 (Sep 2022): trailer hitches. A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
8 more campaigns carry the same warning; each is on its model year's page.
| System | Complaints | Share of all complaints | Worst model year |
|---|---|---|---|
| engine | 655 | 44% | 2017 (219) |
| unknown or other | 282 | 19% | 2017 (69) |
| electrical system | 241 | 16% | 2017 (62) |
| service brakes | 171 | 12% | 2016 (38) |
| power train | 111 | 8% | 2017 (40) |
| fuel/propulsion system | 79 | 5% | 2017 (21) |
Trim by trim
Every 2027 Kia Sportage trim side by side.
| Trim | Drive | Engine | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) | Curb weight (lb) | Max towing (lb) | Combined mpg | Base price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LX | AWD | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (GDI) | 187 | 178 | 3,603 | 2,500 | 26 | $30,485 |
| EX | AWD | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (GDI) | 187 | 178 | 3,603 | 2,500 | 26 | $32,285 |
| SX | FWD | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (GDI) | 187 | 178 | 3,434 | 2,500 | 28 | $36,085 |
| X-Line | AWD | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (GDI) | 187 | 178 | 3,603 | 2,500 | 26 | $36,285 |
| SX Prestige | AWD | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (GDI) | 187 | 178 | 3,603 | 2,500 | 26 | $38,085 |
| X-Pro Prestige | AWD | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (GDI) | 187 | 178 | 3,603 | 2,500 | 26 | $41,385 |
Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications for the 2027 model year; base price is KBB's national base price where its list carries the trim by the same name. A dash means KBB lists no figure.
Specifications by year
Power, weight and towing for every Kia Sportage model year.
| Model year | Trims | Engines | Horsepower | Curb weight (lb) | Max towing (lb) | Fuel tank (gal) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | 6 | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (GDI) | 187 | 3,434–3,603 | 2,500 | 14.3 |
| 2026 | 6 | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (GDI) | 187 | 3,396–3,700 | 2,500 | 14.3 |
| 2025 | 7 | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (GDI) | 187 | 3,396–3,700 | 2,500 | 14.3 |
| 2024 | 7 | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (GDI) | 187 | 3,396–3,700 | 2,500 | 14.3 |
| 2023 | 7 | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (GDI) | 187 | 3,664–3,834 | 2,500 | 14.3 |
| 2022 | 4 | 2.4-liter 4-cylinder (GDI) / 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo, GDI) | 181–237 | 3,596–3,997 | 2,000 | 16.4 |
| 2021 | 4 | 2.4-liter 4-cylinder (GDI) / 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo, GDI) | 181–237 | 3,596–3,997 | 2,000 | 16.4 |
| 2020 | 4 | 2.4-liter 4-cylinder (GDI) / 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo, GDI) | 181–237 | 3,305–3,765 | 2,000 | 16.4 |
| 2019 | 3 | 2.4-liter 4-cylinder (GDI) / 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo, GDI) | 181–237 | 3,305–3,765 | 2,000 | 16.4 |
| 2018 | 3 | 2.4-liter 4-cylinder (GDI) / 4-Cyl, Turbo, GDI, 2.0L | 181–237 | 3,305–3,765 | 2,000 | 16.4 |
| 2017 | 3 | 2.4-liter 4-cylinder (GDI) / 4-Cyl, Turbo, GDI, 2.0L | 181–241 | 3,305–3,765 | 2,000 | 16.4 |
| 2016 | 3 | 2.4-liter 4-cylinder (GDI) / 4-Cyl, Turbo, GDI, 2.0L | 180–260 | 3,280–3,585 | 2,000 | 15.3 |
| 2015 | 3 | 2.4-liter 4-cylinder (GDI) / 4-Cyl, Turbo, GDI, 2.0L | 182–260 | 3,280–3,585 | 2,000 | 15.3 |
Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications for each model year. A range covers every trim KBB lists that year; a dash means KBB lists no figure.
Owning it
Oil, fluid and wheel-nut figures for the Kia Sportage.
| Model year | Engine oil | Brake fluid | Wheel-nut torque | A/C refrigerant | Key-fob battery |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | – | DOT 4 | – | R-1234yf | – |
| 2025 | 0W-20 (6.13 qt) Smartstream G2.5 GDi | – | – | R-1234yf | – |
| 2024 | 0W-20 (6.13 qt) Smartstream G2.5 GDi | DOT 4 | – | R-1234yf | CR2032 |
| 2023 | 0W-20 (6.13 qt) Smartstream G2.5 GDi | DOT 4 | – | R-1234yf | CR2032 |
| 2021 | – | – | – | R-1234yf | – |
| 2019 | – | – | – | R-1234yf | – |
| 2016 | – | – | – | R-134a | – |
| 2015 | – | – | – | R-134a | – |
Source: the manufacturer's owner's manual for each model year. A dash means that year's manual gave no single value for it, for instance one that lists two oil grades or two key types.
Model-year recall record
Kia Sportage: which model years carry more or fewer federal safety recalls.
More recalls than this model’s own average
- 2023 Kia Sportage : 6 recalls on file, most commonly affecting electrical system and airbags.
| Model year | Federal recalls on file | Complaints on file | Recalls most commonly affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | not available | electrical system |
| 2025 | 1 | 49 | trailer hitch |
| 2024 | 3 | 68 | structure, steering, trailer hitch |
| 2023 | 6 | 185 | electrical system, airbags, brakes, powertrain |
| 2022 | 1 | 46 | trailer hitch |
| 2021 | 2 | 50 | brakes, trailer hitch |
| 2020 | 2 | 159 | brakes, trailer hitch |
| 2019 | 2 | 69 | brakes, trailer hitch |
| 2018 | 3 | 162 | fuel system, brakes, trailer hitch |
| 2017 | 4 | 399 | trailer hitch, fuel system, brakes |
| 2016 | 2 | 130 | fuel system, brakes |
| 2015 | 2 | 146 | fuel system, brakes |
Method: recall counts and their affected components come from the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation: Recalls API, queried by exact make, model and model year. Complaint counts come from the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation: Complaints API, same query pattern. Data pulled 2026-09-04.
Known gap: the NHTSA complaints API did not return data for Kia Sportage model year 2026 when queried for this page: the request itself failed upstream, not returning a genuine zero. Those years are marked "not available" above instead of shown as clean; recall counts for those years are unaffected and come from the separate recalls API, which returned data for every year listed.
Check open recalls by VIN for one particular vehicle.
Q01Is there a best year to buy a Kia Sportage?
Recall count alone can't answer that: it says nothing about a specific vehicle's price, mileage, accident history or maintenance record. What federal data can say: 2023 carried more. See the model-year table on this page for the exact counts and what they cover.
Q02Which Kia Sportage model years should I watch for recalls?
The 2023 Kia Sportage has 6 federal recalls on file, most commonly affecting electrical system, airbags, brakes. Always confirm the open/completed status of every campaign for the specific VIN: a recall on this list may already be repaired on the vehicle in front of you.
Q03What are common recall-related problems on the Kia Sportage by model year?
2026: electrical system. 2025: trailer hitch. 2024: structure, steering, trailer hitch. 2023: electrical system, airbags, brakes, powertrain. 2022: trailer hitch. 2021: brakes, trailer hitch.
Q04Why do some Kia Sportage model years show "not available" for complaints?
The NHTSA complaints API did not return data for Kia Sportage model year 2026 when queried for this page: the request itself failed upstream instead of the count genuinely being zero. Recall counts for those years are unaffected; they come from a separate NHTSA endpoint that returned data for every year listed.
Diagnosing one of these symptoms? The recalled systems above map to this site’s own ownership desks: general, evidence-first guidance that applies regardless of whether the specific vehicle in front of you was ever part of a recall campaign: Engine and cooling, Brakes, tires and steering, Buying, records and recalls, Climate and electrical, Transmission and drivetrain.
2023 Kia Sportage owners specifically: see Climate and electrical and Buying, records and recalls and Brakes, tires and steering and Transmission and drivetrain.
Compared with
Models this Kia Sportage is most often compared with.
Nearest Kia models
Other Kia models.
Frequent questions
Answers with their conditions intact.
Q01How many trims does the 2027 Sportage come in?
The 2027 Kia Sportage (compact SUV) comes in 12 trims: LX, EX, SX, SX Prestige, X-Line, X-Pro, X-Pro Prestige, Hybrid LX, Hybrid EX, Hybrid SX Prestige, PHEV X-Line, PHEV X-Line Prestige.
Q02What are the 2027 Sportage trims?
The 2027 Kia Sportage trims are LX, EX, SX, SX Prestige, X-Line, X-Pro, X-Pro Prestige, Hybrid LX, Hybrid EX, Hybrid SX Prestige, PHEV X-Line, PHEV X-Line Prestige, listed from the entry LX up to the top PHEV X-Line Prestige.
Q03What engine or powertrain does the 2027 Sportage use?
The 2027 Kia Sportage is built around 2.5L gas, turbo hybrid or plug-in hybrid, rated at 187–261 horsepower across its compact SUV body style.
Q04How much horsepower does the 2027 Sportage have?
The 2027 Kia Sportage is rated at 187–261 horsepower (2.5L gas, turbo hybrid or plug-in hybrid).
Q05Is AWD or 4WD available on the 2027 Sportage?
The 2027 Kia Sportage is offered with FWD / AWD.