Starting at
Starting at
181-240 | Horsepower (HP) | 181-240 |
23/30 MPG | Estimated Fuel Efficiency (city/highway) | 23/30 MPG |
30.7 | Cargo Space (cu.ft.) | 30.7 |
It’s good to know Kia got it right with its latest refresh, as evident when comparing the two most recent models offered by Kia in the compact SUV segment: 2021 Kia Sportage vs 2020 Kia Sportage. The 2020 model year saw a significant refresh with notable upgrades such as new front and rear styling, a standard 8-inch touch screen (with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility), and more driver-assist features. And Kia succeeded in adding these features while keeping the price extremely competitive in the segment.
What separates the Kia Sportage from other SUVs in its segment is not only it's affordable pricing but its fantastic powertrain warranty and generous standard and available equipment. Not many manufacturers stand behind their product like Kia. In offering a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, Kia clearly stands behind its product—and for a good reason. Kia’s reputation for reliability, coupled with its attractive and affordable pricing, make the Sportage one of the best deals on the market.
Whether you are looking at the 2020 or 2021 model year, you can expect high styling, an excellent warranty, and state-of-the-art safety features. The Sportage is currently in its fourth generation, which was all-new for the 2017 model year. Other notable features for the fourth-generation Sportage include a larger exterior and roomier interior—and a new focus on affordable luxury.
What exemplifies the fourth-generation Sportage and sets it apart from other SUVs in its class is the option to add luxury features at an affordable price. On a mid-trim Sportage, you would not necessarily expect to find climate-controlled seats or a heated steering wheel. Kia, however, is changing our expectations of luxury, and the Kia Sportage is a great example of an intriguing new emphasis on affordable premium amenities.
So let’s take a more in-depth look at what makes the Kia Sportage one of the most value-packed compact-crossover SUVs on the market.
As mentioned previously, the 2020 model year saw a significant refresh, so much so that the 2021 model year appears to remain unchanged, aside from new available color options. With an updated look and revised styling, and more high-tech features, what remains untouched, however, might just be the best part of the new Sportage—its 10-year/100,000-mile warranty.
It’s certainly comforting to know Kia has one of the best warranties in the automotive industry. Luckily, that’s a given for Kia, so let’s take a look at what options are new in the most recent refresh. How about a standard 8-inch touch screen to start with? Even with automakers offering bigger and bigger infotainment options, this still stands out as a valuable standard option. You will appreciate the bigger touch screen (previously, a 7-inch touchscreen was standard) and the nicely organized cabin. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto have been added as well.
Other high-tech upgrades include a number of available driver assists. Just when you thought the Sportage could not be more family-friendly, the refresh equipped the Sportage with the latest driver assistance technologies. The optional features include lane-keeping assist, a driver attention warning system, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go ability, forward collision assist with pedestrian detection, and high-beam headlight assist. These are sure to give you the peace of mind you need when carpooling or taking the family on a road trip.
What other features can you expect? Sofino leatherette seating surfaces and trim. A new Steel Gray exterior color. LED headlights and fog lights. A wireless smartphone charging tray. It seems like Kia has thought of everything.
An SUV must have a solid powertrain to be competitive in the market, and the Kia Sportage does not disappoint. There are two engines offered for both the 2020 and 2021 model years, and between the two offerings, consumers will find everything they’re looking for—and then some.
Consumers have the option of a 2.4-liter inline-4 with 175 hp (up to 181 hp depending on the trim) and 175 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 with 240 hp (237 hp for AWD models) and 260 lb-ft of torque. While the 2.4-liter engine competes well in the compact segment, the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine offers best-in-class horsepower. 181 horsepower is plenty of ponies for a compact SUV, but with the turbocharged offering, not only will you be able to keep up with just about any vehicle on the road, you will be able to tow up to 2,000 pounds.
You might not expect this level of power from a Kia, but that seems to be a theme of the Sportage in general—defying expectations while redefining the segment. Now you can purchase a compact SUV and have the ability to tow. Whereas other compact SUVs might offer functionality more aligned with what you will find in a sedan, the Sportage offers serious utility and plenty of sport. Not only can the Sportage tow, but it has plenty of power to tap into when you need it.
Another great thing about the Kia Sportage is that all-wheel drive is an option for every trim level. This is a really valuable option because if all-wheel drive is more important to you than other features, you won’t have to pay extra for higher trim levels just to add all-wheel drive.
Both powertrains also offer competitive fuel efficiency ratings. You can expect with the standard engine to see 23/30 MPG. With the turbocharged engine, expect 20/28 MPG. Numbers like 28 mpg and 240 hp show Kia is tuned in to what the consumer needs from a vehicle in this day and age, and they keep surprising us with their ability to redefine our expectations.
Of note also is an off-road-friendly 28-degree approach angle. The front fascia redesign allowed Kia engineers to make the Sportage more off-road capable, and with the excellent horsepower and torque numbers, the Sportage now has the ability to take you and your family safely through some of the toughest conditions. With a locking differential for improved traction on slick surfaces, you really don’t have to worry much about the road ahead.
One of the more distinctive aspects of the Kia Sportage is the option to add luxury at a reasonable price. You might be surprised by the available options, such as heated and ventilated front seats. Imagine not having to pay a premium price for premium amenities. With Kia, you have the option to upgrade an entry-level SUV to a luxury SUV without breaking the bank.
Maybe you want a heated steering wheel. No problem. A 320-watt Harman Kardon audio system? Sure, why not? Imagine how much better that recording of your son or daughter’s band will sound on a premium sound system. A panoramic sunroof? Seriously? That’s right; we’re talking about a Kia Sportage, not a Porsche Macan or Audi Q5. You’ll certainly be the envy of everyone in your neighborhood once they catch on to the fact that you found something everyone covets in a sports utility vehicle, regardless of their budget—luxury and functionality at a sensible price.
What else makes the Kia Sportage look and feel more luxurious than you would expect? Drawing interior comparisons to Audi vehicles and with a 0-60 time among the best in its class, there is a lot to check out in the fourth generation of the Sportage, and you will be surprised how far your money goes with the many options available.
We can guarantee the fourth-generation Kia Sportage will defy your expectations and change the way you look at the compact SUV market. Not only does it have the potential to change the market, but it also has the potential to redefine the way we view luxury. And not many automakers can make that claim. Kia’s emphasis on affordable luxury is something everyone in your family can appreciate.