2021 Kia Sportage

header-image
Rating7.0

Ranked #9 in 

Compact SUV
Write Review
$24,090 - $35,250
Starting Price 
Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on August 12, 2024

ProsConsWhat's New

Potent engine performance

Subpar cargo space

New appearance packages in the form of the Nightfall and Nightfall Premium Edition packages.

Premium, well-designed interiors

Average Fuel Economy Ratings

Balanced ride quality and handling

Ample standard and available features

Specs & Features

$24,090

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 2021 Kia Sportage is a compact crossover SUV slotted between the larger Kia Sorento and smaller Seltos. With one of the most affordable pricing, the Sportage gets superior ratings for its bold exterior styling, handsome interior, generous passenger space, and sporty performance among the stalwarts like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. For the 2021 model year, the Sportage gets a new S Nightfall edition package, which brings in black trim pieces all across the interior and exterior including 18-inch black alloys, and a unique black "Sportage" badge. Like every Kia car, the 2021 Sportage continues to attract more buyers with a class-leading 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Every Sportage seat is five in two rows while its spacious cabin offers best-in-class creature comforts, especially with the S and EX trim levels. The Sportage's two engine choices include a base 2.4L Inline-4 unit standard on all but SX Turbo trim, which gets a gutsy 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder with 240 horsepower and a 7.2 sec 0-60 mph time. 

 

 

2021 Kia Sportage Buying Advice

By and large, the Kia Sportage offers a refined and sporty driving experience that too, in an inviting interior with a comfortable and roomy backseat. The 2021 Sportage received shuffled trim packages - S Nightfall Edition and S Nightfall Edition Premium packages are now available in the Sportage S trim. Other than this, there are no major differences between the 2020 and 2021 models. Comparatively, the prices for the 2021 models see a minor bump of a couple of hundred dollars over the refreshed 2020 Sportage's pricing. You can look at the used 2020 Sportage to get extra savings and discounts as both models are nearly identical.

 The Kia Sportage offers room for five and competes with popular SUVs like Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Volkswagen Tiguan. Moreover, the Sportage's base price is competitive in the compact crossover segment, for which it offers a class-leading powertrain warranty and ample features. The base LX trim is a good pick because it comes with ample safety and infotainment technology, and its 181-horsepower four-cylinder engine satisfies most shoppers' daily driving or family-hauling needs. The Kia's biggest downside is its average fuel economy ratings and subpar cargo area for the class.

2021 Kia Sportage for sale

Available for sale across major Kia dealerships, the original prices for the 2021 Sportage start from a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $24,090 for the base LX FWD trim, while the top-of-the-line SX Turbo begins at $33,750. The midlevel S and EX trims are available at $26,590 and $27,390, respectively. Shoppers can look for an All-wheel drive Sportage version which cost just $1,500 more in the LX, EX, and SX trims, while the S trim offers a special bargain as it bundles all-wheel drive with heated front seats for just $1,700. Based on the listings, you can find the used 2021 Kia Sportage for sale from $24,000 to $33,000. With the arrival of the next-generation Kia Sportage for the 2023 model, there are new lease deals in place for the new Sportage.

Buying Advice

While the driving dynamics of the 2021 Kia Sportage would go well with the turbocharged engine, the SX Turbo variant is priced out of sensible reach for most people in the market for a Sportage. A more financially sustainable option would be to pick the EX trim with all-wheel drive, saving around $7k on the SX Turbo sans the peppier engine, but with all the necessary features for a hassle-free ownership experience.

Comparative Analysis against Competition

The $24,090 Kia Sportage is quite competitively priced in the segment for the year 2021, which allows it to hold a decent sales margin in the segment. The Kia Sportage is entertaining on the road and offers a pleasant ride. Apart from the exciting drive, the 2021 Kia Sportage does offer upmarket interiors that are quite premium for what you pay, although the levels of practicality you'd expect from the Sportage as a Kia vehicle are amiss, and the punchy engines aren’t the most frugal.

The entry-level Sportage has an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration. And every trim is eligible for all-wheel drive. Though the cargo volume is subpar, the Kia Sportage satisfies most buyers. It goes up against the likes of the Volkswagen Tiguan, Mazda CX-5, and the Hyundai Tucson.

What are the lease deals on offer with the 2021 Kia Sportage?

Lease deals offered on the Kia Sportage are pretty affordable. Apart from the $2000 required while signing, you can lease the Sportage for $347/ month. Or else, opt for any one of the 24 or 48-month term lengths, which require you to shell out $426/ month and 313/ month respectively. In any case, you get an average of 12,000 annual mileage limit.

Buying Advice

While the driving dynamics of the 2021 Kia Sportage would go well with the turbocharged engine, the SX Turbo variant is priced out of sensible reach for most people in the market for a Sportage. A more financially sustainable option would be to pick the EX trim with all-wheel drive, saving around $7k on the SX Turbo sans the peppier engine, but with all the necessary features for a hassle-free ownership experience.

Features
9.0/10

The 2021 Kia Sportage is available for sale in four trim levels: LX, S, EX, and SX. The entry-level 2021 Kia Sportage LX starts at $24,090 with FWD, which is below average in the compact SUV class. The midlevel S and EX trims start at $26,590 and $27,390, respectively. The top-spec SX Turbo trim starts at $33,750 and comes with all the features available on lower trims.

The only trim that gets the turbo engine is the top-spec Sportage SX. All-Wheel-Drive is available on all trims at an additional cost of around $1,500, and it is a necessary upgrade for those who deal with adverse weather conditions year-round. Even the base 2021 Sportage LX trim is well-equipped for buyers as it comes with ample driver-assist and infotainment technology at an affordable price tag.

Trims

LX

S

EX

SX Turbo

MSRP (FWD)

$24,090

$26,590

$27,390

$33,750

MSRP (AWD)

$25,590

$28,290

$28,890

$35,250

Features

Blind-spot collision warning

Adds or upgrades to “LX”

Adds or upgrades to “S”

Adds or upgrades to “EX”

 

Tilt and Telescoping steering wheel

18-inch alloy wheels

Smart Key entry with push-button start

Ventilated front seats

 

Rear AC vents

Smart Cruise Control with Start/Stop function

10-way power-adjustable front seats with lumbar support

19-inch machined alloy wheels

 

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity

Powered ORVM with LED turn signal

Powered rear tailgate

LED interior lighting 

 

6-speaker audio setup

Roof rails

Heated front seats

LED front fog lamps

 

The 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system

USB 2.1 rear charging ports

Dual-zone automatic climate control

Steering Wheel-mounted paddle shifters

New for 2021, the Nightfall Edition package adds LED interior lighting, illuminated vanity mirrors, a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat with two-way power lumbar support, a leather-trimmed steering wheel, and a panoramic roof, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic warning. 

See all Specs and Features >>

Fuel Economy
4.0/10

Unfortunately, despite all its refinement, the Kia Sportage doesn't offer the most frugal engines in the segment. EPA estimates the 2021 Sportage with FWD and base engine to return 23 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway, resulting in a combined 26 MPG. The SX Turbo earns an EPA-rated 20 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway.

Models

2021 Kia Sportage

2021 Volkswagen Tiguan

2021 Mazda CX-5

2021 Hyundai Tucson

MPG (City)

23

23

25

26

MPG (Highway)

30

29

31

33

MPG (Combined)

26

25

28

29

Fuel Capacity (Gallons)

16.4

15.3

14.8

14.3

Range (City/Highway/Combined in miles)

377.2/492.0/426.4

351.9/443.7/382.5

370/458.8

371.8/471.9/414.7

The 2021 Hyundai Tucson's 2.5L engine is more fuel-efficient than the 2.4L unit in the Sportage, as it offers 3 more miles per gallon in the city and on the highway, offering a best in class combined MPG of 29. The SkyActiv engine in the Mazda CX-5 offers decent fuel economy as well at 28 MPG combined. The Kia Sportage does have its fuel capacity working in its favor, as its 16.4-gallon tank is the largest in the segment and allows for the longest range on a full tank.

Interior
7.0/10

The interior of the 2021 Kia Sportage garners a positive reaction in terms of styling and space, even if the cargo capacity is average. The cabin of a 2021 Sportage has a premium design, while the materials used don’t feel out of place in a car around the $30k range. The dashboard is slightly angled towards the driver to emphasize the fact that the Sportage is meant to be a driver’s car. Its supportive and comfortable seats, logical control positioning, and red backlighting make it a desirable compact car.

At the rear, the seats recline back and offer plenty of space to stretch out. However, headroom takes a hit with the optional panoramic sunroof.  The higher trim levels add more convenient features such as heated rear seats. The new Nightfall package includes an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat. The Sportage’s 30.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats expands to 60.1 cubic feet when they’re folded down.

Models

2021 Kia Sportage

2021 Volkswagen Tiguan

2021 Mazda CX-5

2021 Hyundai Tucson

Seating capacity

5

7

5

5

Front row (Headroom/Shoulder room/ Legroom in inches)

39.3/57.1/41.5

39.6/57/40.2

39.7/57.1/41

40.1/57.6/41.4

Second row (Headroom/Shoulder room/ Legroom in inches)

39.1/55.1/38.2

39.1/55.9/36.5

39/54.8/39.6

39.5/56/41.3

Third row (Headroom/Shoulder room/ Legroom in inches)

NA

33.8/47.8/27.9

NA

NA

Trunk capacity (cubic feet)

30.7

12

30.9

38.7

The 2021 Kia Sportage’s infotainment system is probably the one aspect of the car that is outright lackluster. The 2021 Kia Sportage offers little in the way of convenience and connectivity, offering just the basics that we have come to expect from infotainment systems today. The 6-speaker audio system in the base variants isn’t great, although the upgrade to the premium Harman Kardon setup is worth it.

Highlights of the infotainment system include:

  • 8” touchscreen
  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support
  • Premium Harman Kardon speaker system
  • Built-in navigation 
  • Wireless charging pad

Exterior
7.0/10

With the contribution of the designer of the Audi TT, the 2021 Sportage has smooth surfaces and sharp edges that make it look athletic. The front fascia of the 2021 Kia Sportage is very contemporary and not to everyone's liking. The Sportage has compact dimensions as compared to larger Sorento and bigger than the small Seltos. The Kia Sportage measures 176 inches long, 73 Wide, and 64-65 inches high. The new-for-2021 Nightfall Edition and Nightfall Edition Premium packages for the Sportage S trim replace last year’s Sunroof and Premium packages. They include piano-black exterior accents, special-design dark grey 18-inch alloy wheels with black centers, a panoramic sunroof, and a Sportage badge that stretches across the tailgate.

Unlike most crossovers/SUVs, the Sportage has dimensions that make it look no larger than a hatchback on stilts. The base LX trim has 17-inch alloy wheels; the range-topping SX Turbo model rolls on 19-inch alloy wheels.

Models

2021 Kia Sportage

2021 Volkswagen Tiguan

2021 Mazda CX-5

2021 Hyundai Tucson

Curb weight (lbs.)

3305

3735

3552

3329

Length (inches)

176.4

185.1

179.1

182.3

Width (inches)

73

72.4

72.5

73.4

Height (inches)

64.4

66.3

65.4

65.6

Ground clearance (inches)

6.4

7.9

7.5

7.1

Wheelbase (inches)

105.1

109.8

106.2

108.5

The small wheelbase of the Sportage is an indication of the room available in the car, as it has the smallest wheelbase in the segment. It is also the shortest in terms of length and offers car-like ground clearance compared to the rest of the vehicles in the segment. The Tiguan has the most SUV-like proportions with 7.9” of ground clearance, while the Kia Sportage is also the shortest in terms of height.

Standout exterior features include:

  • Powered liftgate
  • Panoramic sunroof with power sunshade
  • Sound-absorbing front windshield glass
  • Auto headlight control
  • 18” machine-finished alloy wheels
  • Heated, power-adjustable, power-folding outside mirrors with LED turn signals
  • LED daytime running lights

Safety
8.0/10

The NHTSA gave the 2021 Sportage the highest 5-stars ratings for overall safety. The Sportage received five stars in the side crash test and four stars in the frontal crash and rollover tests. The Sportage has been named the "Top Safety Pick" by the IIHS for 2021, making it one of the safest options in the class. The standard halogen headlights received the lowest ratings in the IIHS crash test. However, models with LED headlights earned the second-highest rating of Acceptable for forwarding visibility. Kia equips the 2021 Sportage with ample safety and driver assistance features to ensure occupant safety.

Notable standard and available safety features include:

  • Lane-keeping assist
  • Forward collision avoidance assist
  • Blindspot collision warning
  • Lane departure warning
  • Rear cross-traffic alert

Competition
7.0/10

2021 Kia Sportage vs 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan

The Kia Sportage and Volkswagen Tiguan might be similarly sized, but couldn’t be further apart in the type of vehicles they actually are. The Tiguan is a sedate people mover with three rows of seating and a commanding road presence, while the Sportage enjoys a nimble chassis with an added focus on front-seat comfort. If you’re in the market for a crossover, your primary needs will do the job of separating these two for you. 

2021 Kia Sportage vs 2021 Mazda CX-5

While the CX-5 isn’t necessarily marketed as a driver-centric crossover, the sheer thrill of driving one makes it a close contender to the Sportage. While the Sportage offers agility, the Mazda CX-5 offers similar levels of performance at added comfort and fuel economy, while maintaining a level of practicality very similar to that of the Sportage. The Mazda CX-5 does have the potential to be the best in its class, although more practical competition would seem like the better option. Unfortunately for Kia, the Sportage is not more practical than the CX-5, and therefore it's hard for it to beat.

Final Verdict
7.0/10

The latest 2021 Kia Sportage is a classified crossover, but it offers hatchback levels of cargo-carrying capacity. The 2021 Sportage should be on the shopping list as it has affordable pricing, good driving dynamics, a comfortable ride, plenty of standard techs, and a great warranty. The used 2021 Kia Sportage LX starts at around $24,090, which is slightly below average for a compact SUV while the range-topping Kia Sportage SX Turbo is available for around $33,000.

Trims

    LX
    $24,090 onwards
    • 1St row LCD monitor
    • A-Spec Sport Seats
    • AM/FM stereo, Radio
    • Cloth Seat trim
    • Manual front air conditioning
    S
    $26,590 onwards
    • Front Fog/driving lights
    • Heated mirrors
    • SOFINO leatherette Seat trim
    EX
    $27,390 onwards
    • Dual zone automatic front air conditioning
    • Heated Front Seats
    SX
    $33,750 onwards
    • 1st and 2nd row Sliding and tilting glass Sunroof
    • 2 - 1st row LCD monitor
    • Navigation system
    • Parking assist
    • SiriusXM AM/FM/Satellite, Radio

Compare to similar cars

Price

$24,090- $35,250

Engine

Gasoline

Rating

7.04

Horsepower

240 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque

260 lb.-ft. @ 1450 rpm

Capacity

5

Read Review

$31,545- $50,725

Gasoline

7.39

235 hp @ 4500 rpm

258 lb.-ft. @ 1600 rpm

7

Read Review

$26,850- $42,450

Gasoline

7.59

191 hp @ 6100 rpm

181 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

5

Read Review

$24,795- $34,895

Gasoline

7.07

182 hp @ 5800 rpm

176 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm

5

Read Review

$24,495- $31,395

Gasoline

6.14

180 hp @ 6400 rpm

175 lb.-ft. @ 3900 rpm

5

Read Review

$27,210- $38,975

Gasoline

6.13

180 hp @ 6250 rpm

171 lb.-ft. @ 4800 rpm

-

Read Review

$21,020- $29,340

Gasoline

6.03

141 hp @ 6500 rpm

127 lb.-ft. @ 4300 rpm

5

Read Review

$26,050- $37,230

Gasoline

6.93

201 hp @ 5600 rpm

225 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

5

Read Review

$25,245- $39,095

Gasoline

6.93

184 hp @ 4360 rpm

221 lb.-ft. @ 1600 rpm

7

Read Review

$24,885- $36,155

Gasoline

7.26

181 hp @ 6000 rpm

190 lb.-ft. @ 3000 rpm

5

Read Review

2021 Kia Sportage vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    Top Speed
    SourceCompare
    8.7 sec16.5 sec120 mph
    6.8 sec15.2 sec-
    7 sec--
    7.7 sec15.5 sec114 mph
    7.8 sec15.6 sec119 mph
    8.1 sec16.2 sec-

    2021 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.
      2021 Kia Niro

      Ranked #1

      53 mpg48 mpg50 mpg11.9 gal.630.70/571.20 mi.
      28 mpg34 mpg30 mpg13.2 gal.369.6/448.8 mi.
      27 mpg35 mpg30 mpg14.5 gal.391.5/507.5 mi.
      27 mpg35 mpg30 mpg14.5 gal.391.5/507.5 mi.
      26 mpg33 mpg29 mpg16.6 gal.431.6/547.8 mi.

      2021 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.
        188.4 in.74.8 in.66.3 in.8.2 in.108.9 in.
        185.1 in.72.4 in.66.3 in.7.9 in.109.8 in.
        183.1 in.72.6 in.65.4 in.7.6 in.107.3 in.
        183 in.72.4 in.66.5 in.8.2 in.106.5 in.

        2021 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.
          31.1 cu.ft.111.9 cu.ft.76.1 cu.ft.
          31.6 cu.ft.105.4 cu.ft.74.1 cu.ft.
          37.6 cu.ft.98.9 cu.ft.69.8 cu.ft.
          24.3 cu.ft.100.1 cu.ft.58.8 cu.ft.

          2021 Kia Sportage vs competitor's cargo space

            Car Name
            Cargo Volume
            Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area
            Max Cargo Volume
            Bed Length
            SourceCompare
            60.1 cu.ft.30.7 cu.ft.60.1 cu.ft.-
            55.3 cu.ft.20.8 cu.ft.55.3 cu.ft.-
            96.8 cu.ft.20.6 cu.ft.96.8 cu.ft.-
            -27.2 cu.ft.59.8 cu.ft.-Jeep USA
            2021 Kia Niro

            Ranked #5

            -12 cu.ft.54.5 cu.ft.-
            76.1 cu.ft.31.1 cu.ft.76.1 cu.ft.-

            2021 Kia Sportage vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Towing Capacity
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              SourceCompare
              2000 lbs.1202 lbs.3305 lbs.
              2021 Kia Niro

              Ranked #1

              2800 lbs.849 lbs.3100 lbs.
              2000 lbs.1488 lbs.3649 lbs.
              2000 lbs.1034 lbs.3552 lbs.
              2000 lbs.-3467 lbs.
              2000 lbs.1080 lbs.4253 lbs.

              2021 Kia Sportage SUV Problems, Issues, Complaints, Recalls, and which year to avoid?

              2

              Recalls

              2

              Investigations

              34

              Complaints
              Overall Safety Rating
              Read More

              Top Kia Cars

              2021 Kia Telluride

              Horsepower : 291 hp @ 6000 rpm

              MPG Combined : 23 mpg

              0-60 : 7.2 sec

              #1

              2021 Kia Sedona

              Horsepower : 276 hp @ 6000 rpm

              MPG Combined : 21 mpg

              0-60 : 7.8 sec

              #2

              2021 Kia Stinger

              Horsepower : 255 hp @ 6200 rpm

              MPG Combined : 25 mpg

              0-60 : 6 sec

              #3

              2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid SUV

              Horsepower : 227 hp @ 5500 rpm

              MPG Combined : 37 mpg

              0-60 : 7.2 sec

              #4

              2021 Kia Sorento

              Horsepower : 191 hp @ 6100 rpm

              MPG Combined : 26 mpg

              0-60 : 6.5 sec

              #5

              2021 Kia Sportage

              Horsepower : 181 hp @ 6000 rpm

              MPG Combined : 26 mpg

              0-60 : 8.7 sec

              #6

              2021 Kia K5

              Horsepower : 180 hp @ 5500 rpm

              MPG Combined : 32 mpg

              0-60 : 7 sec

              #7

              2021 Kia Soul

              Horsepower : 147 hp @ 6200 rpm

              MPG Combined : 27 mpg

              0-60 : 8.9 sec

              #8

              2021 Kia Forte

              Horsepower : 147 hp @ 6200 rpm

              MPG Combined : 31 mpg

              0-60 : 7.9 sec

              #9

              2021 Kia Seltos

              Horsepower : 146 hp @ 6200 rpm

              MPG Combined : 29 mpg

              0-60 : 10 sec

              #10

              2021 Kia Sportage User Reviews

              0.0

              [1 Reviews]

              1

              [0.0%] [0 Reviews]

              2

              [0.0%] [0 Reviews]

              3

              [0.0%] [0 Reviews]

              4

              [0.0%] [0 Reviews]

              5

              [0.0%] [0 Reviews]

              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