This compact crossover SUV manufactured by the South Korean carmaker is probably one of the top-selling compact SUVs in the market today. The Kia Sportage, after its inception back in the 90s, has seen significant growth in its later generation models. Even though the car carries over unchanged from the previous year, it really doesn't need any update. However, a few features have been juggled with here and there, and the overall price has also gone down.
Independent front strut suspension w/anti-roll bar
suspension rear
Independent rear multi-link suspension w/anti-roll bar
brake rotors (f/r)
63.5/64
dimensions
wheelbase
105.1 in.
length
176.4 in.
width
73 in.
height
64.4 in.
curb weight
3305 lbs.
ground clearance
6.4 in.
capacity
passenger volume
35 cu ft.
cargo volume
60.1 cu ft.
towing capacity
2000 lbs.
performance
zero to 60 mph
8.5 sec.
fuel economy
city/combined/highway
23/26/30 mpg
highway range
492 mi.
warranty
basic warranty
5 yr. / 60000 mi.
drivetrain warranty
10 yr. / 100000 mi.
powertrain warranty
120 months. / 100000
corrosion warranty
5 yr. / 100000 mi.
roadside assistance
5 yr. / 60000 mi.
Pictures
exterior
interior
Colors and Styles
Black Cherry
Vehicle images are guides only and may not reflect the model's exact specifications/features– exact specifications/features should be confirmed with the seller.
The 2020 iteration of the Kia Sportage SUV offers two different engine options serving two very different purposes. The first one is a lousy 2.4 L motor which 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 the motors and provides a smooth and slick gear shifting.
Giving each other head to head competition, three brilliant SUVs namely Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, and Volkswagen Tiguan S are the Sportage's biggest rivals. Both the performance and price of the aforementioned SUVs lie very close to that of the Kia Sportage SUV. Let's move ahead and see where does the Sportage stands in this rather busy segment.
2020 Kia Sportage Front Three-quarter View
2020 Kia Sportage Rear Three-quarter View
5.7/10 Features
6.0/10 Engine and Performance
7.2/10 Interior
2020 Kia Sportage Features
5.7/10
The 2020 Kia Sportage SUV is available in three trims viz. LX, EX and SX. All the three trims come with the option of having either a front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive mechanism. Moreover, for each trim, the AWD variant costs $1500 more than the FWD variant.
Trim
LX
EX
SX
MSRP
$23,200
$25,700
$32,700
MSRP (AWD)
$24,700
$27,200
$34,200
Key Features
Projection headlights
Projection headlights
Projection headlights
LED daytime running lights
LED daytime running lights
Bi-Xenon HID headlights w/Dynamic Bending Light
AM/FM/CD/MP3/SiriusXM5 audio system
Front fog lights w/gloss black & chrome trim
LED daytime running lights
Rear-Camera Display
AM/FM/CD/MP3/SiriusXM5 audio system
AM/FM/CD/MP3/SiriusXM5 audio system
Cloth seats
UVO eServices Infotainment System w/7" touch screen, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
Harman Kardon 320-watt premium audio system w/Clari-Fi & 8 speakers
USB/auxiliary input jacks
Rear-Camera Display
Rear-Camera Display
Air conditioning
Push-button start w/Smart Key & Immobilizer
Push-button start w/Smart Key & Immobilizer
Bluetooth wireless technology
The LX is the entry-level trim of the Sportage and its FWD variant costs about $23,200 and it comes with the 2.4L engine. Standard features available in the LX trim include projector headlights, 17-inch wheels, rear camera with display and Bluetooth connectivity.
Moving a step further, the next trim is the EX, which has a price tag of $25,700 for the FWD variant. Comparing with the base trim, the EX offers various extra features such as fog lights, keyless ignition, climate control, leather steering wheel, engine immobilizer and bigger 18-inch wheels.
For the fully loaded trim SX, the MSRP becomes quite high compared to the EX model, which corresponds to $34,200 for FWD drivetrain. However, for the increased price, one will get exclusive features in the trim including the powerful 2.0L turbocharged engine, turn signal mirrors, xenon high-intensity headlamps, front and rear parking sensors, steering mounted cruise control and heated steering wheel.
We Recommend
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.
2020 Kia Sportage Engine and Performance
6.0/10
Engine and Transmission
Standard in the Sportage's lower trims is a 2.4 litre four-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower, whereas a 240 horsepower turbocharged four cylinder comes in the \tSX turbo trim. Acting as the powerhouse for both the LX and EX-trims of the 2020 Kia Sportage's 2.4-Liter 4-cylinder DOHC engine extracts a maximum torque of 175 lbs.-ft. On the other hand, the SX trim comes with high torque figures at 260 lbs.-ft.
Models
Kia Sportage LX
Honda CR-V LX
Mazda CX-5 sport
Volkswagen Tiguan S
MSRP\t
$23,200
$24,045
$24,045
$24,995
Engine
2.4L I4
2.4L I-4 16-Valve DOHC i-VTEC
2.5L DOHC 16-Valve 4-Cylinder
2.0L TSI DOHC Turbocharged 4-Cylinder
Transmission
6-speed automatic
CVT automatic
6-speed automatic
6-speed automatic
Horsepower
181 hp @ 6000 rpm
184 hp @ 6400 rpm
187 hp @ 6000 rpm
200 hp @ 5100 rpm
Torque
175 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
180 lb-ft @ 3900 rpm
185 lb-ft @ 3250 rpm
207 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm
Comparing the base LX trim with the competitors, one can easily observe that the Volkswagen Tiguan S is the most powerful SUV with 200 hp of power and 207 lbs.-ft. of torque. Whereas, the Kia Sportage has the least engine power and torque amidst the rivalry. Both the Mazda CX-5 Sport and Volkswagen Tiguan S feature a 6-speed transmission, whereas it got replaced by a CVT automatic transmission in the Honda CR-V LX SUV.
Acceleration
The Sportage lives up to its athletic name and doesn't really disappoints us when it comes to athleticism and vigour. Despite having a much higher curb weight and lower engine specs, the 2020 Kia Sportage is much faster than its competitors. The juicy acceleration of the Sportage allows it to go from 0 to 60 mph in just 8.0 seconds. Moreover, the quarter mile time of the Kia Sportage is the best at 16.0 seconds followed by 16.6 seconds of the Mazda CX-3 Sport.
Models
Kia Sportage LX
Honda CR-V LX
Mazda CX-5 sport
Volkswagen Tiguan S
0-60 MPH
8.0 sec
8.6 sec
8.9 sec
8.3 sec
Quarter mile
16.0 sec
16.7 sec
16.6 sec
17.0 sec
Engine
2.4L
2.4L
2.5L
2.0L
Emission
(Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)
6.8
6.3
6.5
8.0
From the emissions point of view, the Kia Sportage is at 3rd less polluting vehicle with 6.8 tons/year emissions. On the other hand, Honda CR-V LX is titled as the least polluting car among the competition with an annual emission of 6.3 tons.
Ride and Handling
One of the main features of the Sportage is that it handles like a charm. The South Korean car offers a sweet balance between the ride and handling quality. Along with a responsive throttle response, the SUV performs extremely well while talking on corners. Additionally, in comparison with the previous models of the Kia Sportage, the suspension system of the 2020 version gets modified and eliminates typical impacts from reaching inside the cabin. Moreover, the SUV's AWD variants are braced very well to tackle off-road challenges and snowy road conditions.
Braking
Even though the curb weight of the Kia Sportage is highest among the rivalling SUV's, it offers a commendable 60-0 mph distance of just 114 ft. This is made possible by the highly efficient 12.0-inch brakes at the front and 11.9-inch brakes at the rear. Moreover, the 60-0 mph distance of Sportage is better than both the Honda's CR-V LX and Mazda's CX-5 Sport.
Model
Kia Sportage LX
Honda CR-V LX
Mazda CX-5 sport
Volkswagen Tiguan S
Brake Front (in.)
12.0
11.1
11.7
12.3
Brake Rear (in.)
11.9
10.2
11.9
11.1
Curb Weight (lbs.)
3596
3307
3527
3448
60-0 MPH (ft.)
114
117
126
N/A
Towing Capacity
Model
Kia Sportage LX
Honda CR-V LX
Mazda CX-5 sport
Volkswagen Tiguan S
Towing Capacity (lbs.)
2000
1500
2000
2200
By looking at the towing capacities of each of the competing SUVs, it can be concluded that the Kia Sportage's 2000 lbs. capacity is second best after 2200 lbs. of towing capacity of the Volkswagen Tiguan S.
2020 Kia Sportage Fuel Economy
The 2020 Kia Sportage's gas mileage suffers with all-wheel drive. - thecarconnection.com
Talking about the fuel economy, the Kia Sportage offers 23 MPG in the city, 30 MPG on highways and 26 MPG as combined. The mileage figures of Sportage are good but if we look at the competitors, the Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-3 become superior with their 28 MPG and 27 MPG of combined fuel economies respectively.
Model
Kia Sportage LX
Honda CR-V LX
Mazda CX-5 sport
Volkswagen Tiguan S
MPG (city)
23
26
24
20
MPG (highway)
30
32
31
24
MPG (combined)
26
28
27
22
2020 Kia Sportage Interior
7.2/10
Seating and Comfort
On the contrary to what the exterior of the car looks like, The Sportage's cabin draws out favourable impressions. The cabin is subtly inclined towards the driver, with a clean and well laid out set of controls.
At the seating section, the 2020 Kia Sportage offers a passenger capacity of 5 people similar to its competitors. The space available for passengers in the first row of Sportage corresponds to 39.3 inches of headroom, 57.1 inches of shoulder room and 41.5 inches legroom. However, headroom and shoulder room offered by the Honda CR-V is highest.
Model
Kia Sportage LX
Honda CR-V LX
Mazda CX-5 sport
Volkswagen Tiguan S
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
Pointing 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 LX again swipes away all the competition including the Kia Sportage with its unsurpassed second-row space.
Infotainment System
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.
The standard infotainment system available in the 2020 Kia Sportage SUV comprises of 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 of the satellite radio service. Additionally, a 6-speaker audio system is connected with the infotainment system to deliver the sound throughout the SUV.
Interior Features
The interior finishing of the 2020 Kia Sportage is remarkable and it can give complexion even to some expensive SUVs. Additionally, there are numerous useful features inside the cabin:
Cargo tray and net
Interior light kit
Auto-dimming mirror Power windows
Cruise control
Tilt and telescopic steering wheel
Bucket front seats
6-way manually adjustable driver seat.
Cargo Capacity
With the rear seat up, the 2020 Kia Sportage accommodates 30.7 cubic feet of cargo that increases to 60.1 cubic feet after folding down the rear seat. Analyzing the rivals, the Volkswagen Tiguan offers lesser cargo space while the Mazda CX-5 has similar capacity as that of the Kia Sportage. However, the cargo capacity of the Honda's CR-V LX is the highest, which is about 39.2 cubic feet with rear seat up and 75.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.
Model
Kia Sportage LX
Honda CR-V LX
Mazda CX-5 sport
Volkswagen Tiguan S
Cargo Volume rear seat up (ft.3)
30.7
39.2
30.9
23.8
Cargo Volume rear seat folded (ft.3)
60.1
75.8
59.6
56.1
2020 Kia Sportage Exterior
Dimension and Weight
The Kia Sportage has 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.
Coming to the dimensions of the Kia Sportage, it is 176.4 inches long, 73.0 inches wide and 64.4 inches tall. Among the rivalry, the Volkswagen Tiguan S has the minimum length as well as width while the Kia Sportage is the shortest in terms of height. The ground clearance offered by Kia Sportage measures about 6.4 inches whereas the ground clearance of both the Volkswagen Tiguan S and Mazda CX-5 is higher with 6.9 and 7.6 inches respectively.
Model
Kia Sportage LX
Honda CR-V LX
Mazda CX-5 sport
Volkswagen Tiguan S
Curb weight (lbs.)
3596
3307
3527
3448
Length(in)
176.4
180.6
179.1
174.5
Width(in)
73.0
73.0
72.5
71.2
Height(in)
64.4
66.1
65.3
67.1
Ground clearance (in)
6.4
N/A
7.6
6.9
Wheelbase (in)
105.1
104.7
106.3
102.5
Track width (in) F/R
63.5/64.0
63.0/63.7
62.8/62.8
61.8/61.9
Exterior Features
Roof rack cross bars
Rear bumper applique
Tow Hitch
LED DRLs
Aluminium Wheels
Rear privacy-tinted windows
2020 Kia Sportage Safety
Safety Features
Regarding the safety of the vehicle and passengers, the 2020 Kia Sportage provides numerous standard safety features in it. Some of the key safety features include ABS, centre 3-point belt at the rear, front and rear head airbags, emergency braking assists, remote anti-theft alarm, traction control and dusk sensing headlamps.
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. The SUV has scored 5 stars in most of the individual NHTSA safety parameters except for the frontal barrier crash driver and rollover, in which it has scored 4 stars.
Dual front seat-mounted side airbags
Dual front advanced airbags
Height-adjustable front seat-belt anchors
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Vehicle Stability Management (VSM)
2020 Kia Sportage Competition
Honda CR-V LX
The first tough competitor on the list is Honda CR-V LX SUV, which gets a slightly higher price tag of $24,045 than the Kia Sportage. Looking at its perks over the Sportage, it offers lower emissions, better fuel economy, bigger passenger room, and bigger cargo capacity.
Mazda CX-5 sport
Priced at $24,045, the Mazda CX-5 Sport is only $845 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 at the second row than the Kia Sportage. However, when it comes to 0-60 mph acceleration, braking efficiency and cargo volume, the Kia Sportage outpaces the Mazda CX-5 sport.
Volkswagen Tiguan S
The last but not the least SUV that puts up a challenge to the Kia Sportage is the Volkswagen Tiguan S. Considering the price, the Tiguan costs almost $1,795 more than the 2020 Sportage SUV. Nevertheless, for the additional price, the Tiguan S 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.
2020 Kia Sportage 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 car.