2020 Kia Sportage

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Rating7.0

Ranked #9 in 

Compact SUV
Write Review
$23,990 - $35,090
Starting Price 
Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on August 8, 2024

ProsConsWhat's New

Composed handling dynamics

Lousy fuel economy

Minor changes to the exterior

Various customisation options

Less cargo room than rivals

New S trim introduced

Intuitive touch controls

New additional creature comforts introduced

Spacious and opulent cabin

Latest driver-assistance features

Specs & Features

$23,990

price

181 hp @ 6000 rpm

horsepower

175 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

torque

6-Speed Shiftable Automatic

transmission

2.4L 4cyl FWD 6A

engine

-

basic warranty

Overview

The 2020 Kia Sportage is one of the best-looking and sporty compact crossovers, that is available for sale at a reasonable price. Kia made the 2020 Sportage in four trim levels: LX, new S, EX, and SX Turbo. For 2020, Kia refreshed the Sportage, now boasting updated front and rear styling with a more assertive look than the previous year. Kia also added more standard features including an 8-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, pedestrian detection, and forward collision warning to the Sportage. Along with a new S trim level and different wheel designs, the interior receives some new content. Leatherette interior trim and a new Steel Grey exterior color are available. Other than this, there is no difference between the 2020 and 2019 models. Buyers will get a four-cylinder engine as standard in all but the SX Turbo trim, which gets an upgraded turbocharged four-cylinder. Every trim comes standard with front-wheel drive, and all-wheel drive is available across the range. Unless you want a more powerful engine, the base LX trim is a well-equipped model that offers good tech and safety features at an affordable price.

2020 Kia Sportage Buying Advice

The 2020 Sportage is a good used compact crossover SUV. Kia last redesigned the Sportage SUV for the 2017 model year with year-on-year changes. This fun-to-drive Kia crossover gained more standard tech and features for the 2020 model year, while the 2018 and 2019 models were mostly carried over. If you are looking for 2017, 2018, or 2019 model, you can have good savings and discounts available at the dealership. 

The Kia Sportage, after its inception back in the 90s, has seen significant growth in its later generation models. A few trim features have been juggled with here and there, and the overall price has also gone down, as the 2020 Sportage now starts from an MSRP of $23,990. These prices are competitive as compared with the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Mazda CX-5 for which Kia offers class-leading powertrain warranty. As before, the Sportage continues to attract buyers with its attractive pricing, fantastic 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, and a generous amount of standard and available equipment.

2020 Kia Sportage for sale

The base 2020 Kia Sportage LX has a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $23,990, plus a destination fee of $1,045. All-wheel drive costs an extra $1,500. The new Sportage S adds paddle shifters and 18-inch wheels and starts at $26,140 with FWD and around $28,000 with AWD. The Sportage EX builds on the S trim level and adds a power tailgate for a starting price of $27,290. The top-range SX Turbo starts at $33,590. The used 2020 Kia Sportage average list price ranges from $25,266 to $33,758.

Buying Advice

From our observation, we vouch for the EX trim over the base trim as its additional features such as push-button start, engine immobilizer and fog lights improve the driving experience. Additionally, the price difference between the LX and EX trim is $2500, which is not that much. However, if you want the Kia Sportage SUV with the 2.0L turbo engine, then there is no option except going for the EX trim.

Comparative Analysis against Competition

The 2020 Kia Sportage offers two different engine options serving two very different purposes. The first one is a lousy 2.4L motor that maintains a calm composure while the other one is a turbocharged, 2.0L unit that excites the spirited driver in you. A 6-speed automatic transmission is common to both motors and provides smooth and slick gear shifting. For 2020, Kia has also equipped the Sportage with the latest in terms of driver-assistance features. 

Giving each other a tough time, three brilliant SUVs namely Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, and Volkswagen Tiguan are the Sportage's biggest rivals. Both in terms of performance and price, the 2020 Kia Sportage faces a tough fight. Let's move ahead and see where the Sportage stands in this rather busy segment.

Buying Advice

From our observation, we vouch for the EX trim over the base trim as its additional features such as push-button start, engine immobilizer, and fog lights improve the whole experience. Additionally, the price difference between the LX and EX trim is $3200, which is not that much. However, if you want the Kia Sportage SUV with the 2.0L turbo engine, then there is no option except going for the SX Turbo trim.

Features
9.0/10

The 2020 Kia Sportage SUV is available in four trims viz. LX, S, EX, and SX Turbo. All four trims come with the option of having either a front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive mechanism. The entry-level Kia Sportage starts at a price of $23,990 and comes with a 2.4L engine. Moreover, for each trim, the AWD variant costs $1500 more than the FWD variant. Moving a step further, the new Sportage S has a sticker price of $26,140. For the fully loaded trim SX Turbo, the price soars quite high compared to the EX model, which corresponds to $33,590 for the FWD drivetrain. However, for the increased price, one will also get an exclusive potent 2.0L turbocharged engine.

Trim LX S EX SX Turbo
MSRP (FWD) $23,990 $26,140 $27,290 $33,590
MSRP (AWD) $25,490 $27,840 $28,790 $35,090
Key Features Fog Lights with Gloss Black Trim and Black Chrome bar Power Folding ORVMs and Roof Rails Projection headlights Harman Kardon 320-watt premium audio system w/Clari-Fi & 8 speakers
  Android Auto and Apple CarPlay Dark Trim 18-inch alloy wheels LED daytime running lights Bi-Xenon HID headlights w/Dynamic Bending Light
  8-inch touchscreen SoFino Premium Leatherette Seats with Heated front seats Front fog lights w/gloss black & chrome trim LED daytime running lights
  Cloth seats Blind Spot Collision Warning system Rear-Camera Display AM/FM/CD/MP3/SiriusXM-5 audio system
    Flat Bottom Steering wheel UVO eServices Infotainment System w/7" touch screen, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto Push-button start w/Smart Key & Immobilizer

Fuel Economy
4.0/10

The 2020 Kia Sportage's gas mileage suffers with all-wheel drive. - thecarconnection.com

Talking about the fuel economy, the 2020 Kia Sportage AWD returns EPA estimated 22 MPG in the city, 26 MPG on highways, whereas, with the FWD setup, the fuel economy improves to 23 MPG in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. This is with the 2.4L NA engine at the helm. On opting for the 2.0L turbocharged engine, the 2020 Sportage delivers 19 and 24 MPG in the city and highway respectively, whereas, with the AWD setup, the Sportage delivers 20 and 28 MPG in the city and highway respectively.

Model

2020 Kia Sportage

2020 Honda CR-V

2020 Mazda CX-5

2020 Volkswagen Tiguan

MPG (city)

23

28

25

22

MPG (highway)

30

34

31

29

MPG (combined)

26

30

28

25

Fuel capacity 16.4 gallons 14.0 gallons 14.8 gallons 15.3 gallons

The mileage figures of Sportage are good but if we look at the competitors, the Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-5 are certainly superior with their 30 MPG and 28 MPG of combined fuel economies respectively.

Interior
7.0/10

Contrary to what the Kia Sportage's exterior looks like, its interior draws out favorable impressions with modern styling, features, and spacious seats. The cabin space, on the whole, is completely family-centric, and it subtly oozes practicality. Focused on driver engagement, the cabin controls are all well laid out and easy to use. Kia splits the Sportage's dash into an upper half to keep the driver focused on the gauges and one of the 3 available infotainment screens while grouping the ancillary controls lower but still in control of the driver.

In the seating section, the 2020 Kia Sportage offers a passenger capacity of 5 people similar to its competitors. Although, as it has one of the shortest wheelbases in the segment, the rear seating space in the Sportage is quite adequate. Pointing to the room available in the second row, a good amount of space is available in the Kia Sportage for comforting the passengers. However, the Honda CR-V again swipes away all the competition including the Kia Sportage with its unsurpassed second-row space. With the rear seat up, the 2020 Sportage can also accommodate 30.7 cubic feet of cargo space.

Model

2020 Kia Sportage

2020 Honda CR-V

2020 Mazda CX-5

2020 Volkswagen Tiguan

Passenger capacity

5

5

5

5

Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)

39.3/57.1/41.5

40.1/57.9/41.3

39.7/57.1/41.0

39.1/56.2/40.1

Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)

39.1/55.1/38.2

39.2/55.6/40.4

39.0/54.8/39.6

39.0/55.0/35.8

Cargo Capacity 30.7 cu. ft 39.2 cu. ft 30.9 cu. ft 12.0 cu. ft

The standard infotainment system available in the 2020 Kia Sportage SUV comprises a 5-inch touchscreen display along with a USB port and an auxiliary audio input port. The infotainment system also supports satellite radio and offers a 3-month complimentary subscription to the satellite radio service. Additionally, a premium 6-speaker audio system is connected with the infotainment system to deliver sound throughout the SUV.

Exterior
7.0/10

For 2020, Kia tweaks the Sportage's bold styling and adds more standard and optional features - Car and Driver

The 2020 Kia Sportage has subtle styling and design virtues that will definitely pale out when compared with other aesthetic hatchbacks in its segment. This car's design works simple and plain, inside out. That comes out as a disappointment in this segment where carmakers try to draw eyeballs out with gimmicky styling tricks. The front is adorned by the usual tiger grille, along with scooped-up headlights.

For 2020, Kia subtly revamps the front and rear fascias, to an extent that, it may not seem as different though to the previous iteration, which begs the question as to what changes have been made? Its boxy silhouette is still a concern, unlike the rest of the segment, that has been updating its design every 2-3 years. Coming to the dimensions, the Kia Sportage has one of the smallest wheelbases in this segment, which certainly reciprocates into a smaller cabin.

Model

2020 Kia Sportage

2020 Honda CR-V

2020 Mazda CX-5

2020 Volkswagen Tiguan

Curb weight (lbs.)

3305

3337

3541

3757

Length(in)

176.4

182.1

179.1

185.1

Width(in)

73.0

73.0

72.5

71.2

Height(in)

64.8

66.1

66.2

66.3

Ground clearance (in)

6.4

7.8

7.5

7.9

Wheelbase (in)

105.1

104.7

106.2

109.8

Track width (in) F/R

63.5/64.0

63.0/63.7

62.8/62.8

61.8/61.9

Some of the exterior features on offer are-

  • Roof rack crossbars
  • Rear bumper applique
  • Tow Hitch
  • LED DRLs
  • 19-inch alloy wheels
  • Rear privacy-tinted windows
  • Variable Intermittent Windshield wipers and De-icer
  • Panoramic sunroof

Safety
8.0/10

Kia has certainly looked after the safety quotient of the 2020 Sportage, as a large number of additional and latest active and passive safety features have been added as standard this time around. The base model gets most of the latest driver assistance features. Analyzing the IIHS ratings of the 2020 Kia Sportage SUV, its headlights are rated as poor while the child seat anchors are rated as acceptable. On the other hand, the superior rating is given to its front crash prevention while for all other remaining IIHS parameters, the SUV got a good rating. In the NHTSA test, the overall rating of 4 stars entitles the Kia Sportage as an above average car from the safety perspective.

Some of the standard safety features on offer are-

  • Emergency braking assists
  • Electronic Stability Control
  • Vehicle Stability Management
  • Traction control and dusk sensing headlamps
  • Lane keep assist
  • Driver attention warning
  • Forward collision warning
  • Rear cross traffic alert

Competition
7.0/10

2020 Kia Sportage vs 2020 Mazda CX-5

Priced at $25,190, the Mazda CX-5 Sport is only $1,100 more expensive than the 2020 Kia Sportage LX. On the upper hand, the CX-5 Sport has better engine specs, more mileage, higher ground clearance, and larger legroom space in the second row than the Kia Sportage.

However, when it comes to 0-60 mph acceleration, braking efficiency, and cargo volume, the 2020 Kia Sportage outpaces the Mazda CX-5 sport.

2020 Kia Sportage vs 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan

The last but not the least SUV that puts up a challenge to the Kia Sportage is the Volkswagen Tiguan. Considering the price, the Sportage costs almost $1,795 more than the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan SUV. Nevertheless, for the price, the Tiguan SUV offers more engine power, torque, and towing capacity than the Sportage.

On the other side, it lags way behind the Kia Sportage in various parameters like mileage, acceleration, interior space, and cargo capacity. 

Final Verdict

Well, things have certainly been more like a roller coaster for the Kia Sportage in the past. The Sportage wasn't really a class leader before the 2020 model launch and this new surgery hasn't been really effective and impactful enough to turn the tables. The South Korean car is undoubtedly good, in all aspects barring a few like fuel economy and styling but it still doesn't really stand out when it comes to its competitors and this turns out as the biggest disadvantage for the 2020 Sportage.

Trims

    LX
    $23,990 onwards
    • 8-Inch touchscreen display
    • Automatic headlights
    • Led daytime running lights
    • Rear privacy glass
    • Tilt-And-Telescoping steering wheel
    S
    $26,140 onwards
    • Blind-Spot monitor w/ rear cross-traffic alert
    • Foglights
    • Heated and power-folding mirrors
    EX
    $27,290 onwards
    • Hands-Free tailgate
    • Keyless entry and ignition
    • Leather-Wrapped steering wheel
    • Rear USB port
    SX
    $33,590 onwards
    • 19-Inch wheels
    • Dual exhaust tips
    • Led headlights

Compare to similar cars

Price

$24,945- $38,795

Engine

Gasoline

Rating

7.13

Horsepower

184 hp @ 4400 rpm

Torque

221 lb.-ft. @ 1600 rpm

Capacity

7

Read Review

$23,550- $33,300

Gasoline

6.91

161 hp @ 6200 rpm

151 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm

5

Read Review

$20,820- $28,890

Gasoline

6.11

141 hp @ 6500 rpm

127 lb.-ft. @ 4300 rpm

5

Read Review

$26,275- $39,575

Gasoline

7.32

185 hp @ 6000 rpm

178 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

5

Read Review

$31,545- $49,195

Gasoline

7.16

235 hp @ 4500 rpm

258 lb.-ft. @ 1600 rpm

7

Read Review

$23,990- $35,090

Gasoline

7.02

240 hp @ 6000 rpm

260 lb.-ft. @ 1450 rpm

5

Read Review

$25,000- $40,600

Gasoline

7.12

170 hp @ 5600 rpm

203 lb.-ft. @ 2000 rpm

5

Read Review

$31,995- $43,600

Gasoline

6.2

197 hp @ 6300 rpm

192 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm

5

Read Review

$25,950- $35,880

Gasoline

7.32

203 hp @ 6600 rpm

184 lb.-ft. @ 5000 rpm

5

Read Review

$25,840- $38,495

Gasoline

6.59

180 hp @ 6400 rpm

171 lb.-ft. @ 4600 rpm

5

Read Review

2020 Kia Sportage vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    Top Speed
    SourceCompare
    8.3 sec16.5 sec122 mph
    7.1 sec15.5 sec112 mph
    7.4 sec15.7 sec124 mphreddit
    7.7 sec16 sec110 mph
    8.1 sec15.4 sec114 mph
    8.2 sec16.3 sec-

    2020 Kia Sportage vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      Fuel Tank Capacity
      Range (C/H)
      SourceCompare
      23 mpg30 mpg26 mpg16.4 gal.377.2/492 mi.
      2020 Kia Niro

      Ranked #1

      51 mpg46 mpg49 mpg11.9 gal.606.90/547.40 mi.
      28 mpg34 mpg30 mpg13.2 gal.369.6/448.8 mi.
      27 mpg33 mpg30 mpg14.8 gal.399.60/488.40 mi.
      28 mpg34 mpg30 mpg14 gal.392/476 mi.
      26 mpg35 mpg30 mpg14.5 gal.391.5/507.5 mi.

      2020 Kia Sportage vs competitor's dimensions

        Car Name
        Length
        Width
        Height
        Ground Clearance
        Wheelbase
        SourceCompare
        176.4 in.73 in.64.4 in.6.4 in.105.1 in.
        198.3 in.78.3 in.70 in.8 in.117.3 in.
        187.8 in.74.4 in.66.1 in.7.3 in.108.9 in.
        185.1 in.72.4 in.66.3 in.7.9 in.109.8 in.
        184.5 in.72.4 in.68 in.7.8 in.106.5 in.
        183.7 in.72.4 in.66.8 in.6.2 in.108.3 in.

        2020 Kia Sportage vs competitor's trunk space

          Car Name
          Trunk Capacity
          Passenger Volume
          Max Trunk Volume
          SourceCompare
          30.7 cu.ft.98.6 cu.ft.60.1 cu.ft.
          20.6 cu.ft.153.7 cu.ft.96.8 cu.ft.
          33.5 cu.ft.104 cu.ft.65.4 cu.ft.
          31 cu.ft.102.2 cu.ft.61.9 cu.ft.
          22.6 cu.ft.94.6 cu.ft.48.9 cu.ft.
          35.4 cu.ft.111.9 cu.ft.76.1 cu.ft.

          2020 Kia Sportage vs competitor's cargo space

            Car Name
            Cargo Volume
            Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area
            Max Cargo Volume
            SourceCompare
            60.1 cu.ft.30.7 cu.ft.60.1 cu.ft.
            76.1 cu.ft.35.4 cu.ft.76.1 cu.ft.
            83.1 cu.ft.33.5 cu.ft.65.4 cu.ft.
            --59.8 cu.ft.Jeep USA
            63.3 cu.ft.29.6 cu.ft.63.3 cu.ft.
            17.1 cu.ft.26.9 cu.ft.57.3 cu.ft.

            2020 Kia Sportage vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Towing Capacity
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              SourceCompare
              1653 lbs.1202 lbs.3305 lbs.
              4500 lbs.1000 lbs.3590 lbs.Jeep USA
              2959 lbs.1095 lbs.2906 lbs.
              2020 Kia Niro

              Ranked #3

              2800 lbs.849 lbs.3100 lbs.
              2000 lbs.-3298 lbs.
              2000 lbs.1034 lbs.3541 lbs.

              2020 Kia Sportage SUV Problems, Issues, Complaints, Recalls, and which year to avoid?

              2

              Recalls

              2

              Investigations

              116

              Complaints
              Overall Safety Rating
              Read More

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              0-60 : 8.3 sec

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              2020 Kia Sportage User Reviews

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              POPULAR TAGS

              CH

              Christopher Hemingway

              2020 Kia Sportage

              LX 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 6A)

              Not Rated

              User Overall Rating

              Posted On: July 2, 2024

              Kia Sportage

              Pros - ["Back up camera", "Affordable"]

              Cons - ["Middle piece", "Back trunk"]

              The Kia Sportage is a safe vehicle for toddlers because my nephew loves riding in the suv and as long he's safe that's all that matters. The Performance of the vehicle Is remarkable and I love the breeze that comes from the air

              Not Rated
              Features
              Not Rated
              Interior
              Not Rated
              Design
              Not Rated
              Safety
              Not Rated
              Reliability
              Not Rated
              Deal Value
              Not Rated
              Dealer Review