2021 Kia Sportage: Review, Trims, Specs, Price, New Interior Features, Exterior Design, and Specifications

$24,090 - $35,250

Price Range (MSRP)

2021 Kia Sportage For Sale

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2021 Kia Sportage Review: Compact Fashionista

by Aiden Eksteen

In the USA, contemporary and stylish compact crossover SUVs are the in thing, as they're admired for their commanding impressions, balanced performance dynamics, and pragmatic designs. To help it stand out in the highly competitive classification, the 2021 Kia Sportage receives two new Nightfall Edition packages that diversify the line. Though these new additions are minimal, the Sportage SUV remains a compelling option in the market for its suave, modern aesthetic, pleasant and high-quality cabin, and extensive selection of driver assists and safety features. The 5-door family runabout can be equipped with either a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder or 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder engine with outputs coming in at 181- and 240 horsepower, respectively. Though a really good pick within the class, the Sportage is eclipsed by the ever-popular Toyota RAV4.

Read in this review:

Exterior Design 7 /10
Performance 6 /10
Fuel Economy 6 /10
Interior & Cargo 7 /10
Infotainment & Features 10 /10
Reliability 8 /10
Safety 8 /10
Value For Money 8 /10

7.5

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2021 Kia Sportage Changes: What’s The Difference vs The 2020 Kia Sportage?

While there's nothing new for the Kia Sportage in terms of standard specs, the 2021 year model does see the addition of the Nightfall Edition and Nightfall Edition Premium packages on the S trim. These packages replace last year's S Sunroof and Premium Package variants and add piano black trim pieces on the front bumper, side skirts, front, and rear skid plates, and fog light surrounds. The packages also include unique 18-inch alloy wheels with blacked-out center caps, as well as black 'Sportage' badging on the rear liftgate. All other models remain unchanged.

Pros and Cons

Attractive design and styling
Strapping turbo-four engine
Exemplary overall build quality
Extensive list of inclusive features
Superlative safety rating
Proven long-term reliability

Middling fuel economy returns
Lackluster base four-cylinder engine
Hindered outward visibility
Not the most spacious SUV

Best Deals on 2021 Kia Sportage

2021 Kia Sportage LX

$21,999

35,640 miles

2021 Kia Sportage LX

$19,995

26,177 miles

2021 Kia Sportage EX

$22,137

33,346 miles

2021 Kia Sportage LX

$19,755

48,213 miles

See All Sportage For Sale

2021 Kia Sportage Trims

See trim levels and configurations:

Trim	Engine	Transmission	Drivetrain	Price (MSRP)
LX	2.4L Inline-4 Gas	6-Speed Automatic	Front-Wheel Drive All-Wheel Drive	$24,090
S	2.4L Inline-4 Gas	6-Speed Automatic	Front-Wheel Drive All-Wheel Drive	$26,590
EX	2.4L Inline-4 Gas	6-Speed Automatic	Front-Wheel Drive All-Wheel Drive	$27,390
SX Turbo	2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Gas	6-Speed Automatic	Front-Wheel Drive All-Wheel Drive	$33,750

See All 2021 Kia Sportage Trims and Specs

2021 Sportage Exterior

See All 2021 Kia Sportage Exterior Photos

Dimensions

Length 176.4 in
Wheelbase 105.1 in
Height 64.4 in
Max Width 73.0 in
Front Width 63.5 in
Rear Width 64.0 in
Curb Weight 3,305.0 lbs

Exterior Colors

Snow White Pearl, Available: 10/01/2020 +$395
Hyper Red +$395
Black Cherry +$395
Snow White Pearl +$395
Sparkling Silver
Pacific Blue
Steel Gray
Burnished Copper
Clear White, Build Out: 09/30/2020

2021 Sportage Performance

Engine and Transmission

Engines

2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Gas, 2.4L Inline-4 Gas
Transmission

6-Speed Automatic
Drivetrains

AWD, FWD

2021 Sportage Interior

See All 2021 Kia Sportage Interior Photos

Seating and Interior Space

Seating capacity

5-seater

Front Leg Room 41.5 in
Front Head Room 39.3 in
Rear Leg Room 38.2 in
Rear Head Room 39.1 in

2021 Sportage Trunk and Cargo Space

2021 Sportage Safety and Reliability

Warranty

Basic:
5 Years \ 60,000 Miles
Drivetrain:
10 Years \ 100,000 Miles
Corrosion:
5 Years \ 100,000 Miles
Roadside Assistance:
5 Years \ 60,000 Miles

US NHTSA Crash Test Result

Overall Rating
Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Side Crash Rating
Rollover Rating

Verdict: Is the 2021 Kia Sportage A Good SUV?

If you're looking for a stylish and well-rounded suburban vehicle, the 2021 Kia Sportage is a superlative pick. Not only is it one of the better-looking cars in its classification, but it's also one of the most comfortable and exceptionally built cars. It's contemporary and comes generously outfitted with modern specifications, creature comforts, conveniences, and safety technologies. The base engine is a bit of a downer because of its sluggish responses but the turbocharged alternative is quite the opposite, to some perhaps a bit too peppy for the purpose and size of the compact Sportage SUV. Unfortunately, both units prove to be relatively infrugal. Nevertheless, the 6-speed transmission is refined and the Sportage handles wonderfully with either the FWD or AWD system in play. All these perks are combined with a top-notch comprehensive-safety review and proven reliability standing for the fourth-generation Sportage. Furthermore, the entry-spec 2021 Kia Sportage SUV bears a price of just $23,990, making it exceptional value for the money.

What Kia Sportage Model Should I Buy?

Unfortunately, the 2.0L turbo-four is offered only with the top-spec and most expensive SX Turbo trim. While it gets the better of the two engines and is comprehensively outfitted with the best the Sportage line can offer, it doesn't offer the most value for the money. In this regard, we'd recommend the EX, as it comes with some nice luxury features for only a little more money than the trims beneath it. These include push-button start, dual-zone automatic climate control, a ten-way power driver's seat, heated front seats, and a power liftgate. It also comes standard-fit with a good selection of advanced driver assists, so you won't even need to review the 2021 Kia Sportage's options list.