2011 Kia Sportage

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Rating8.3

Ranked #1 in 

Compact SUV
Write Review
$18,295 - $27,295
Starting Price 
Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on August 12, 2024

ProsConsWhat's New

Excellent safety scores

Ride can be harsh at times

The Kia Sportage has been completely redesigned for 2011

Gas mileage is good

Mediocre interior materials

New powertrains

Interior with lots of space

Specs & Features

$18,295

price

176 hp @ 6000 rpm

horsepower

168 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

torque

6-Speed Manual

transmission

2.4L 4cyl FWD 6M

engine

-

basic warranty

Overview

The 2011 Kia Sportage is all-new this year, with a new look, new in-cabin technology, and a new 4-cylinder that's standard across the board (with the single exception of the SX trim), with no V6 offered. Offered in both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive (AWD) versions, the 2011 Sportage also includes a multitude of segment firsts on its list of standard features. Moreover, Sportage makes a good choice for its low price and high value. Equipped with advanced safety and infotainment features, the 2011 Sportage features an attractive look, a refined interior, and excellent performance on all surfaces. The front-wheel-drive Sportage returns up to 22/31 mpg city/highway, which is good for the class. However, the Kia Sportage SX is more fun to drive, all thanks to its 270-horsepower turbocharged engine. The EX and SX trim levels also get some desired standard features such as Kia's UVO infotainment system, backup warning system, push-button start, a cooling glovebox, and auto-climate control.

 

 

2011 Kia Sportage Buying Advice

The all-new 2011 Kia Sportage SUV brings new styling, better amenities, and new powertrains that offer more power and fuel efficiency. This new Sportage offers a huge improvement over the outgoing 2010 model. Also, the 2011 Sportage delivers more standard features at a slightly lower price than the rivals, making it more valuable than the previous-generation model.

The 2011 Kia Sportage's only downside is its lack of interior space as compared to popular rivals such as the 2011 Honda CR-V and the 2011 Toyota RAV4. However, extra space will cost you a few thousand dollars more than a similarly equipped Sportage. The Kia Sportage is a better-looking compact crossover with high value and great reliability ratings. NHTSA reports 5 safety recalls for the 2011 Sportage pertaining to an engine oil leak, and bearing wear, so the buyer shall inspect properly to ensure the issue is resolved or not.

2011 Kia Sportage for sale

The 2011 Kia Sportage is a compact crossover with a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) starting at $18,295. The used 2011 Sportage sells at an average price of $8,241. The next in line is the LX trim level which is about $1,000 costlier than the base trim. Buyers will be lucky if they find the Sportage EX trim that comes with more interior amenities including leather accents, telescoping wheel, dual-zone climate control, and more. The EX models with average mileage have a retail price of around $12,500. The turbocharged SX trim starts at around $14,000. Another option is to lease a new Kia Sportage, with the best lease options for 2022 Sportage LX FWD trim available at $249 per month for 36 months with $3,499 due at signing. The effective monthly cost with this deal is $346.

Buying Advice

Kia's Sportage is a crossover intended principally for daily commuters, and its EX trim would satisfy all of these needs effortlessly. In case you are looking for extra power, you might consider the top-of-the-line SX trim which employs a 2-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine. In either case, you will find a perfect combination of Kia's aesthetics and driving dynamics.  

Comparative Analysis against Competition

The all-new 2011 Kia Sportage has been designed to bring more exciting, fun-to-drive features into the compact luxury SUV segment. So when it comes time to get down to business, or just enjoy a road trip with your family, the Sportage is ready and waiting – especially when you climb inside. It competes with other crossovers like the Subaru Forester, Toyota RAV4, and Honda CR-V.

2011 Kia Sportage Pricing:

The 2011 Kia Sportage SUV starts at a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $18,295 and goes up to $27,295 for the top-range SX Turbo AWD. The new 2011 Sportage has improved things greatly, with new styling and a base four-cylinder engine that has more power than the outgoing V-6. With a standard automatic transmission, the LX trim level starts at $20,295, which is almost $1,000 more expensive than the base. The EX trim costs around $23,295. The real upgrade is to the turbocharged SX trim which will cost you around $26,000. Though Kia offers the manual transmission available with the base trim, the rest of the lineup has a standard six-speed automatic.

Buying Advice

A lot of buyers will be satisfied with the entry-level 2011 Kia Sportage model that retails at around $8,421 in the used car market. We like Sportage’s list of standard features, which include a standard USB port, satellite radio, and Bluetooth. However, the EX and SX include Kia’s UVO infotainment system, backup warning system, push-button start, a cooling glovebox, and auto-climate control, which are more desired. The Sportage SX also offers more oomph, thanks to its 260-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. The used 2011 Kia Sportage SX Turbo AWD is available at dealerships across the country at an average price of $11,266.

Build your 2011 Kia Sportage>>

Features
9.0/10

2011 Kia Sportage is a compact crossover SUV available in four different trim levels, including Base, LX, EX, and SX Turbo. With a starting price of $18,295, the base Sportage offers a good value for money. It gets the new four-cylinder engine that offers more power than the previous V-6 and includes the most needed standard features such as 16-inch cast-aluminum wheels, air-conditioning, full power accessories, a tilt steering wheel with audio and phone controls, cloth upholstery, Bluetooth, and a six-speaker CD/MP3 player with satellite radio and USB/auxiliary input jacks.

Moving to the LX trim, the price jumps to $20,295 for which it adds turn signals integrated into the exterior mirrors, tinted rear windows, and keyless entry. Seventeen-inch wheels are optional, but only on the LX. The Sportage EX is available for $23,295 and comes with 18-inch wheels, LED daytime running lights, foglights, chrome exterior accents, a rear spoiler, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and more. For $25 795, the top-range SX trim gets a turbocharged engine, as standard, unlike other trims which have a naturally-aspirated four-cylinder. Most of the Sportage EX features are available on the LX as options.

Trim

Base

LX

EX

SX

MSRP (FWD)

$18,295

$20,295

$23,295

$25,795

MSRP (AWD)

N/A

$21,795

$24,795

$27,795

Key Features

16-inch aluminum wheels

Adds/upgrades the features of the Base trim

Adds/upgrades the features of LX trim

Adds/upgrades the features of EX trim

 

Air-conditioning

Tinted rear windows

18-inch wheels

Kia’s UVO infotainment system

 

Tilt steering wheel

Keyless entry

LED DRLs

Push-button start

 

Cloth upholstery

Turn signals integrated exterior mirrors

Fog lights

Cooling glove box

 

Bluetooth

 

Chrome exterior accents

Back-up warning system

 

Six-speaker sound system

 

Rear spoiler

Upgraded engine spec
 

CD/MP3 player

 

Roof rails

 
 

Satellite radio

 

Dual-zone climate control

 

Available features include an upgraded audio system and a voice-controlled navigation system with a backup camera. An optional Premium package is only available on EX models and adds leather upholstery, heated front seats, a ventilated driver seat, keyless ignition/entry, panoramic sunroof, rear parking sensors, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a cargo cover.

View more 2011 Kia Sportage Specs and Features >>

Fuel Economy
8.0/10

The 2011 Kia Sportage's new 2.4 base engine gets good EPA estimated fuel economy of 22 mpg city/31 mpg highway mpg and 25 mpg in combined driving with front-wheel drive. With a manual transmission or all-wheel drive, the fuel economy drops those estimates by a few mpg each. The turbocharged SX gets EPA fuel economy estimates of 21/25 mpg. Every Sportage with a fuel tank capacity of 14.5 gallons. 

Model

2011 Kia Sportage

2011 Honda CR-V

2011 Toyota RAV4

2011 Subaru Forester

MPG (city)

21

21

21

21

MPG (Highway)

29

28

27

27

MPG (Combined)

24

24

24

23

Fuel Capacity

14.5 gal.

15.3 gal.

15.9 gal.

16.9 gal.

Range (City/highway)

304.5/420.5/348

321.3/428.4/367.2

333.9/429.3/381.6

355/456/388

The RAV4 and CR-V both get about the same mileage, achieving 24 MPG combined, respectively. There is no doubt that all the crossovers are pretty similar in fuel efficiency. Both the CR-V and RAV4 have fuel tanks of 15.3 and 15.9 gallons, which are above average, while the 2011 Subaru Forester has the largest tank with 16.9 gallons. In terms of range, the Forester outperforms other cars averaging a combined mileage of 388 miles.

Interior
7.0/10

With a sports design and functional cabin, the 2011 Kia Sportage interior carries over mostly unchanged, which is not bad. Inside, the rear seat folds easily to expand the cargo volume from 26.1 cubic feet to a more generous 54.6. Though the Sportage's cargo space is smaller than some rivals including Honda CR-V, the Kia is more stylish and solidly built.

The Popular 2011 Kia Sportage EX trim features a more pleasing mix of complex and organic shapes. Standard interior features include cloth seating surfaces while leather comes with an option package, as does the panoramic sunroof. In terms of space, all occupants will enjoy well-contoured seats offering adequate head- and legroom. The rear seats comfortably seat two adults, with the third needs to be a kid. 

Combining the sophisticated style of the original Kia Sportage with dynamic performance and spaciousness, this vehicle effortlessly attracts attention. As a shining example of the 2011 Kia line-up, the Sportage provides an elegant experience for both driver and passengers. 

Uniquely designed with a healthy blend of artistic flair and high fashion, this vehicle provides an enjoyable driving experience that will surpass all expectations. It has many great features such as heated seats, Bluetooth capability, and remote keyless entry and though its cargo capacity of 26.1 cu.-ft feels spacious, it is smaller than its competitors. 

Model

2011 Kia Sportage

2011 Honda CR-V

2011 Toyota RAV4

2011 Subaru Forester

Seating Capacity

5

5

5

5

Front Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)

39.1/56.7/41.4

40.9/56.9/41.3

40.8/57.1/41.8

41.6/56.1/43.1

Rear Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)

38.5/55.1/37.9

38.6/56/38.5

39.7/55.3/38.3

40.4/55.6/38

Cargo Capacity (cu-ft)

26.1 cu-ft

35.7 cu-ft

36.4 cu-ft

33.5 cu-ft

In comparison, the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Subaru Forester can seat 5 people too. The Forester offers ample cargo space of 33.5 cu. ft, while the RAV4 has a luggage room of 36.4 cubes which is the largest in this segment.

Despite Sportage's cramped rear row, all three cars provide similar seating space. Major interior features include-

  • Air-conditioning
  • Cloth/leather upholstery
  • Dual-zone automatic climate control 
  • Leather-wrapped steering wheel
  • Heated and ventilated front seats (optional)

How intuitive is the 2014 Kia Sportage's infotainment unit?

With the 2011 Kia Sportage, the infotainment system is as minimalistic as its contemporaries with a decent amount of standard features, including Bluetooth, satellite radio, USB, an auxiliary input, and six speakers. The top-level EX and LX models feature voice-controlled navigation systems along with an upgraded audio system as standard equipment.

Some other salient infotainment features include:

  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • Satellite radio
  • USB port
  • Auxiliary input jack 
  • 6-speaker stereo system
  • Voice-controlled navigation system

Exterior
8.0/10

Sophisticated and sporty, the redesigned 2011 Kia Sportage boasts a more aerodynamic body that not only improved the handling but improves its fuel economy as well. The new exterior is complemented by an interior with a bolder design and improved storage solutions, creating the perfect SUV for everyday use. Its unique exterior design of sharp angles and incorporated curves add bold sophistication to its style for a look that's all it's own. The Sportage is designed to give you the best in performance, endurance, fuel economy, and security. It has ultimate power with crisp handling thanks to an aerodynamic drag coefficient of a mere 0.34.

The second-generation Kia Sportage was slightly bigger than the first-gen model. Simple yet exhilarating, the 2011 Kia Sportage strikes the perfect balance of stylish and functional. It features a new SUV design that incorporates state-of-the-art technologies, making sure it offers more than just great style. The design is led by a powerful but sleek front fascia with a bold Kia grille, swept-back headlamps, and fog and cornering lights.

Model

2011 Kia Sportage

2011 Honda CR-V

2011 Toyota RAV4

2011 Subaru Forester

Curb Weight (lbs)

3157 lbs.

3386 lbs.

3360 lbs.

3250 lbs.

Length (in.)

175 in.

179 in.

182 in.

180 in.

Width (in.)

74 in.

72 in.

73 in.

70 in.

Height (in.)

64 in.

66 in.

66 in.

66 in.

Ground Clearance (in.)

7

7

8

9

Wheelbase (in.)

104 

103 

105 

103 

Among the competitors, the Honda CR-V is the heaviest, while the Kia Sportage is the lightest car, each weighing 3,386 pounds and 3,157 pounds. With a length of 182.0 inches, and a wheelbase of 105 inches, the 2011 Toyota RAV4 has the best wheelbase in the competition.

Few major exterior features include-

  • LED daytime running lights
  • Fog Lights
  • Chrome exterior accents
  • Rear spoiler
  • Roof rails
  • Panoramic sunroof (optional)
  • Rear parking sensors (optional)
  • Auto-dimming rearview mirror (optional)

Safety
9.0/10

As a result of its excellent frontal offset and side-impact protection, the 2011 Sportage received the highest safety rating of "Good" from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The 2011 Sportage didn't undergo crash testing by the NHTSA. However, Kia made sure that the all-new Sportage has all the essential safety features including front side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, active front headrests, antilock disc brakes with brake assist, traction control, and stability control, as well as hill descent and hill start control. Other salient safety features include:

  • Full-length side curtain airbags
  • Active front headrests
  • Traction control 
  • Stability control 
  • Hill descent and hill start control
  • Front side airbags

Final Verdict

The 2011 Kia Sportage continues to be one of those models that stand out in a crowd and certainly makes a statement. The overall look is aggressive yet stylish in appearance. The range of engine sizes is offered with both manual and automatic transmissions with available all-wheel drive. The interior can seat five passengers with comfort and passenger space being generous. The 2011 Kia Sportage delivers a pleasant mix of safety and usefulness, as well as a range of passenger-friendly features. It's also practical, economical, and good to drive.

Trims

    Base
    $18,295 onwards
    • 16-inch silver aluminum Wheels
    • A-Spec Sport Seats
    • Cloth Seat trim
    • Front manual air conditioning
    • Seek-Scan Radio
    • Sirius AM/FM/Satellite
    LX
    $20,295 onwards
    • Remote keyless entry
    EX
    $23,295 onwards
    • 18-inch machined aluminum Wheels
    • Driver Lumbar support
    • Dual zone automatic front air conditioning
    • Front Fog/driving lights
    SX
    $25,795 onwards
    • AM/FM stereo
    • Cruise control
    • Dual Illuminating Vanity Mirrors
    • Emergency braking

Compare to similar cars

Price

$18,295- $27,295

Engine

Gasoline

Rating

8.27

Horsepower

256 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque

264 lb.-ft. @ 1850 rpm

Capacity

5

Read Review

$22,995- $30,320

Gasoline

8

182 hp @ 6700 rpm

172 lb.-ft. @ 4900 rpm

5

Read Review

$21,590- $28,995

Gasoline

7.24

210 hp @ 5200 rpm

235 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

5

Read Review

$21,240- $27,920

Gasoline

7.98

171 hp @ 6000 rpm

171 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm

5

Read Review

$27,640- $38,775

Gasoline

7.64

285 hp @ 6500 rpm

253 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

5

Read Review

$24,250- $31,400

Gasoline

7.75

182 hp @ 6700 rpm

172 lb.-ft. @ 4900 rpm

5

Read Review

$20,825- $24,185

Gasoline

7.47

166 hp @ 5800 rpm

161 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

4

Read Review

$18,895- $26,345

Gasoline

8.13

165 hp @ 6200 rpm

146 lb.-ft. @ 4600 rpm

5

Read Review

$21,845- $30,845

Gasoline

7.82

175 hp @ 6000 rpm

169 lb.-ft. @ 3750 rpm

5

Read Review

$22,045- $33,320

Gasoline

6.61

202 hp @ 5200 rpm

237 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

4

Read Review

2011 Kia Sportage vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    Top Speed
    SourceCompare
    8.8 sec17.3 sec112 mph
    6.8 sec15.5 sec120 mph
    7.3 sec15.6 sec-
    7.3 sec15.5 sec-
    7.8 sec--
    8.4 sec16.4 sec113 mph

    2011 Kia Sportage vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      Fuel Tank Capacity
      Range (C/H)
      SourceCompare
      21 mpg29 mpg24 mpg14.5 gal.304.5/420.5 mi.
      22 mpg32 mpg26 mpg18.8 gal.413.6/601.6 mi.
      22 mpg32 mpg26 mpg18 gal.396/576 mi.
      21 mpg28 mpg25 mpg17.5 gal.402.5/490 mi.
      23 mpg29 mpg25 mpg13.6 gal.312.80/394.40 mi.Jeep USA
      23 mpg28 mpg25 mpg16.6 gal.381.8/464.8 mi.

      2011 Kia Sportage vs competitor's dimensions

        Car Name
        Length
        Width
        Height
        Ground Clearance
        Wheelbase
        SourceCompare
        174.8 in.73 in.64.4 in.6.8 in.103.9 in.
        187.8 in.72.5 in.66.3 in.7.8 in.112.5 in.
        185.3 in.72.8 in.66.3 in.6.9 in.112.5 in.
        184.3 in.73.7 in.64.8 in.8.1 in.108.3 in.
        184.2 in.76 in.67 in.7.9 in.111.2 in.
        184.1 in.74.4 in.67.9 in.8.1 in.106.3 in.

        2011 Kia Sportage vs competitor's trunk space

          Car Name
          Trunk Capacity
          Passenger Volume
          Max Trunk Volume
          SourceCompare
          26.1 cu.ft.100 cu.ft.54.6 cu.ft.
          35.7 cu.ft.103.8 cu.ft.72.9 cu.ft.
          31.4 cu.ft.99.5 cu.ft.67.1 cu.ft.
          32.2 cu.ft.108.4 cu.ft.68.9 cu.ft.
          29.3 cu.ft.45.4 cu.ft.75.6 cu.ft.
          34.2 cu.ft.108.3 cu.ft.78.2 cu.ft.

          2011 Kia Sportage vs competitor's cargo space

            Car Name
            Cargo Volume
            Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area
            Max Cargo Volume
            Bed Length
            SourceCompare
            13.5 cu.ft.26.1 cu.ft.54.6 cu.ft.-
            70.8 cu.ft.28.4 cu.ft.70.8 cu.ft.-
            67.2 cu.ft.31.4 cu.ft.67.2 cu.ft.-
            27 cu.ft.36.2 cu.ft.72.6 cu.ft.-
            83.1 cu.ft.32.2 cu.ft.68.9 cu.ft.82 ft.
            68.3 cu.ft.33.5 cu.ft.68.3 cu.ft.-

            2011 Kia Sportage vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Towing Capacity
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              SourceCompare
              2000 lbs.1340 lbs.3157 lbs.
              5000 lbs.1150 lbs.3976 lbs.
              5000 lbs.881 lbs.4143 lbs.
              3500 lbs.1059 lbs.3335 lbs.
              3500 lbs.1150 lbs.4076 lbs.Jeep USA
              3500 lbs.1298 lbs.4082 lbs.

              2011 Kia Sportage SUV Problems, Issues, Complaints, Recalls, and which year to avoid?

              6

              Recalls

              4

              Investigations

              179

              Complaints
              Overall Safety Rating
              Read More

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