2020 Kia Sportage Review
2020 sees the release of the newly facelifted Kia Sportage, featuring updated good looks, a plethora of safety features old and new, and a premium interior normally reserved for a much higher price point. Power is drawn from either a 2.4-liter inline-four-cylinder motor producing 181 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque or a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder producing an impressive 240 hp and 260 lb-ft. Kia's six-speed automatic transmission delivers that power to either two or four wheels with an optional Dynamax all-wheel-drive system. The Kia doesn't have to look far for competition, however, with Honda's CR-V and the Sportage's South Korean counterpart, the Hyundai Tucson, putting up a stiff challenge for the segment lead.
What's the Price of the 2020 Kia Sportage?
Pricing for the 2020 Kia Sportage starts at an MSRP of $23,990 for the LX base model, excluding tax, licensing, registration, and a $1,045 destination charge. For $2,000 more, the S trim model is the second in the line-up, followed closely by the EX model at $27,190. Topping the range is the SX Turbo model, with a considerable price bump to $33,490, but that does buy you all the bells and whistles as standard, with no additional packages available to bolster its features. All-wheel-drive is an additional $1,500 on all trims except the S, on which it costs $1,700. Kia dealerships tend to offer incentives and are responsible for their own pricing, so shopping around might net you a great deal.
2020 Sportage Exterior
Dimensions
| Length | Wheelbase | Height | Max Width | Front Width | Rear Width | Curb Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 176.4 in | 105.1 in | 64.4 in | 73.0 in | 63.5 in | 64.0 in | 3,305.0 lbs |
2020 Sportage Performance
Handling and Driving Impressions
Kia's engineers have gone to great lengths to insulate the cabin from road noise, without completely dulling it from the outside world. This continues to show in the ride quality, which feels as refined as the rest of the Sportage's looks. The suspension soaks up the bumps and imperfections on those well-traveled roads with relative ease, too. Despite its obvious size, the Sportage also handles like a much smaller car than you might expect and is especially true when utilizing its different driving modes. Equipped as standard across the range is DMS (Drive Mode Select), giving you a pick from Eco, Normal, and Sport driving modes to adapt the steering, transmission and throttle response to your needs.
The emphasis on comfort carries on with braking being effective but quite forgiving and easy to modulate, affording the Sportage a very easy to drive feel and a sense of additional refinement. To add to its versatile and practical nature, the Sportage also gets an optional Dynamax AWD system, which means you don't have to shy away from gravel and snow roads. All things considered, the 2020 Sportage is quite a capable SUV and makes a great companion for the business and family man or woman alike.
2020 Sportage Interior
2020 Sportage Trunk and Cargo Space
Warranty
| Basic | Drivetrain | Corrosion | Roadside Assistance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 Years / 60,000 Miles | 10 Years / 100,000 Miles | 5 Years / 100,000 Miles | 5 Years / 60,000 Miles |
US NHTSA Crash Test Result
| Overall Rating | Frontal Barrier Crash Rating | Side Crash Rating | Rollover Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
Verdict: Is the 2020 Kia Sportage A Good SUV?
The 2020 Sportage has a lot to offer. With its ample cargo and storage space, optional all-wheel-drive system, spacious interior cabin, and a plethora of safety features, its a practical, versatile, and a safe driving companion for the urban crawler and long-distance traveler alike. It doesn't disappoint with its styling either, with the difference between bold and subtle being a color choice away. Being the fourth iteration of the Sportage, it holds a strong track record for being reliable, and as an early 2020 release, is a good time to buy as well, with a number of great deals to be found. The interior also feels a step above its price point and is a comfortable place to be. Where it does disappoint is its below-average fuel economy and the slow transition away from older technologies. That said, the Sportage is a very strong competitor in the compact SUV segment, and Kia's exceptional warranty makes it a very attractive option for prospective buyers, old and new.
What Kia Sportage Model Should I Buy?
We recommend the EX model as the ideal trim to go for. Featuring all the technology and features of its lesser trim models, it's also the highest trim you can opt for without the turbocharged motor, which sees a considerable price jump between trims. Although the much stronger motor sets it apart from the competition, the 2.4-liter engine is more than capable as a daily powerplant and handles towing loads with ease. It's also the more economical choice, even in all-wheel-drive configuration. If you need more tech at your fingertips, the EX Technology Package ($4,500) still places the EX at a better price point than the SX Turbo.
2020 Kia Sportage Comparisons
2020 Kia Sportage vs Hyundai Tucson
Based on the same platform and sharing many aspects with each other, the Tucson and Sportage have minor differences to set them apart. The exterior of the Tucson is a more conventional and clean design, where the Sportage leans towards a more sporty look altogether. Both Hyundai and Kia offer exceptional warranty periods to accompany their SUV's too. The Tucson does boast better cargo and trunk capacity, even if only by a small margin. Gas mileage is also largely the same, with the advantage going to the Sportage for a stronger engine in base trim. The same is true on the other end of the spectrum, where the 2.0-liter turbocharged motor dominates the Tucson's best offering. Until such time as the Tucson is updated, the Sportage reigns supreme.
2020 Kia Sportage vs Honda CR-V
Honda carries a strong reputation for having practical and spacious cars, and the CR-V is no exception. Offering an immensely larger cargo hold of 39.2 cubic feet compared to the Sportage's 30.7 cubic feet, the CR-V is not only more spacious but more practical as well. Fuel economy sees the same trend, with the CR-V being more economical at 28 mpg on the combined cycle compared to the Sportage's 26 mpg. Even the all-wheel-drive variant is more economical compared to the Sportage in a front-wheel-drive configuration. The Sportage redeems itself with better safety features equipped as standard, as well as a vastly superior warranty compared to its Japanese rival with five years and 40,000 miles extra cover on the powertrain. Ultimately, it comes down to a choice between practicality (CR-V) and performance (Sportage).