2020 Kia Sportage - Review & Road Test

The Kia Sportage has been lightly updated for 2020 with a range of now standard drivers assists including lane departure warning and collision warning with pedestrian detection. The exterior and interior have also benefited from the 2020 mid-cycle update but elsewhere much remains the same. In a compact SUV field overshadowed by fresh versions of the Ford Escape and Toyota RAV4, can Kia’s slightly improved 2020 Sportage hope to compete? Kelley Blue Book’s Micah Muzio has some thoughts.
For the latest Kia Sportage pricing and information:
www.kbb.com/ki...

[@kbb]

Would you buy a Sportage versus the rest of the compact SUV field?

[@devongee1776]

No. But pretty much any other Kia, yes.

[@squidproquo2241]

NO!!! Kourean cars are not much different than the nice looking but piece of crap European cars. Honda HRV or Subaru Crosstrek are proven quality cars. No need to gamble with this Kourean offer.

[@drewski1441]

Not sure about Kourean car quality but Korea? they makes really good cars.

[@squidproquo2241]

@@drewski1441 _ Koreans make Kourean cars they learn from Europeans. Their quality is no better than European cars because of that..

[@leeg3784]

Loved it BUT 2 things stopped me. 1) On EX trim, the driver's ventilated seat was uncomfortable. Padded oddly perhaps. Kept adjusting myself in seat and it didnt help. Can't do that for 8 years. Only happened one other time with a SUV, the Hyundai Tucson, which obviously we know their relationship. 2) Step out width is wider then most SUVs in segment & I've driven many. Sportage and Tucson both have same issue. No matter where the seat height, it was literally a long stretch to step out over the wide door width to get a foot on the ground. Considering a lot of women drive this Sportage & Tucson, it needs to be addressed. I checked other SUVs and none are as wide as Sportage/Tucson door width. I would've bought either except for these 2 issues. And lousy MPG.

[@theburgermeister7214]

I have a 2017 sx turbo I love it handles very well and the power is good. Wish it was a little better on fuel but its worlds better than my Cherokee i had. Overall love the car alot

[@baldheadlogic]

The biggest ding to the Sportage remains the low fuel economy. If they could get the efficiency figures to class competitors, this would sell much better

[@edwinalfredo310]

They aren't that bad in real world

[@marktuyet]

Only way to do that would make for lower reliability . Look at all the problems Honda is having . I'll take the lower mpg and better reliability any day . Turbo and CVT suck .

[@ThisGuyRides]

Kia gets bonus points for not using CVT for higher fuel economy on Sportage.

[@daniels7862]

Well I have a 2017 sx turbo awd and it needed a new engine at 55k. Among other issues. The rings blew and the engine was a goner. The warranty has been very nice and easy to deal with thus far. Mpg is around 17-18 combined but i still very much like this car.

[@bradybisgard]

Marktuyet lol you’re saying a Kia has better reliability than a Honda? Nope

[@tonymanzi3358]

After buying leasing American vehicles,I switched to Foreign, Never thought I would own a foreign vehicle especially a Kia!! Really impressed I got the "S" Model!! Sharp looking!!

[@luiggimondoli]

If you wanna be Really impressed, try a Honda or Toyota, that's where the real marvel foreign engineering is.

[@SamKhan-rd4rs]

10 year warranty good enough for me...

[@matty1053]

@@NaveenNair0 lol no they don't. You must have bought a used model that is years old.

[@hopehope7503]

Pay extra for extended warranty not free

[@shontayromey8428]

just bought this car today and i LOVE him

[@mr.e479]

I have a 05 Sportage EX with the 2.7 V6 engine, other than the same gas mileage as this new one ,I have been very happy with it !! It has excellent horse power, to say the least just wish it had better fuel economy !!!

[@IC-kf4mz]

This guy is The Godfather of car reviews.

[@chevyfan8428]

Just got a 2020 LX and its fantastic. Better then the Honda and Toyota after test driving both. Chevy Equinox was my second choice but was bigger and didn’t need the space. Liked the look of the Kia more.

[@Fomotomo1]

Bought one today, the SX motor is brilliantly done! I love it!

[@nittanyburg20]

Slightly worse fuel economy for the reliability of a traditional automatic transmission over a CVT is a trade off I’ll make every time

[@joshua9073]

Absolutely

[@JULYXXIV]

I bought one. This same color. I LOVE it!

[@fawkyou7362]

I just bought a brown one, she’s so lovely

[@FindTheBestCarPrice]

Memorial day is definitely time to get this. Solid review Micah!

[@RussianPlus]

I'm gonna buy one!

[@alextim4259]

Same

[@jujutoosmoove]

my mom just bought a 2018 kia sportage and she loves it already!

[@TIG5574]

Lol so did mine! 😀

[@brent8052]

Just bought the 2022 Kia Sportage LX it came with the black 18 inch wheels, appleplay is great. Got it due to an emergency my wife’s Jeep transmission went , 40k gone for nothing. My wife will be using it for a few months and we plain on giving to our daughter in the fall for college, they both love the veh. Most likely going back to Kia for the new Sorento in the fall or the Sportage upgrade to the turbo engine.

[@kerryparks8509]

I bought the all NEW MY20 KIA Seltos, even in BASIC form for under *AU$26k* it comes with its many standard features like roof rails, Apple Car play /8" touch screen, rear parking sensors Forward collision stop Lane departure and keeping assist bold new styling with chrome features loads of space (huge boot) cabin quietness and drivability 7yrs warranty and "roadside assist.* and not least the fantastic economy (600km urban driving) I could have bought the slightly pricier model "Sports+) but I prefer the 16" wheels with higher profile tyres.

[@osirismaximus2787]

My company is giving me one of these as my work vehicle. Thanks for all the info!

[@Wbrooks01]

Actually really like the refresh...especially in that color. Just wish they’d make the interior upscale with an option for a digital gauge cluster and such

[@chuckers40]

That should be there for the new gen Sportage for model year 2022

[@antonmicallef1494]

I’m 1:21seconds into this review, BEST REVIEW, LIKE E V E R !!! One cool 😎 dude.... can’t wait to see the rest.

[@meRyanP]

I got one of these as a CPO and I absolutely love it so far. 10/10 car, good buy as a CPO too.

[@MinisterOfTheGospel-7]

Why am I getting bill Nie the science guy vibes ? 😂 Love you bro

[@telcentral1]

I just bought one and it is great. The funny thing is that when you usually buy a new car when you leave the showroom all you see is the same car you just bought. Not so with the Sportgage. It has been a week now and I still have not seen any on the road. Weird!!!

[@bbbt8090]

Sportage over the rest of the crowd, i hate cvts

[@squidproquo2241]

HRV or Crosstrek even with CVT's over the piece of crap cars.

[@iphoneseven2322]

Langolier Not

[@squidproquo2241]

@@iphoneseven2322 _ Absolutely ARE

[@sereneko9365]

@@squidproquo2241 Honda CVTs are good but would you get Nissan's chrysler CVTs over this?

[@1linkbelt]

I have a Subaru with a cvt, never again!

[@marktuyet]

I saw one of these this weekend at the local mall in the bronze color . Very good looking . Base engine with the 6 speed should be very reliable .

[@luiggimondoli]

Naaaah. I don't think so

[@briangonzalez6432]

6 months with this car 2021 and it's been great, especially with sport mode on highways

[@lobolex305]

How much room in the back seats

[@briangonzalez6432]

@@lobolex305 3 passengers total of 5 seats, want more? Then either the Kia Sorento or Telluride would be a good go

[@lobolex305]

@@briangonzalez6432 I almost bought a Mazda CX3 but the back seats have absolutely no room so I backed out. I’m probably going to check out the Kia Sportage at a dealership sometime soon

[@briangonzalez6432]

@@lobolex305 mmm the sportage seating space is almost the same as the CX3 only that the cargo space is a little more roomier, is a compact SUV, so it feels like a sedan but it has more control when driving

[@theMLBfan]

I must know what that driver's seat pump does!!

[@stephenhendricks103]

Raises and lowers the seat.

[@N2LADIES55]

It's a replacement for Viagra.

[@YocoWheelin]

Looks good, but that's some 2011 MPG numbers.

[@ThisGuyRides]

Because 2011 6 speed tranny, preferable to 2020 CVT.

[@JXFFLPZ]

Micah is the best youtube car reviewer!

[@JulezWinnfield]

The forgotten Kia amidst all the Telluride hype.

[@freshtowels3917]

LOL Micah is so funny. Loved the little bezel montage haha so random yet funny.

[@hlcepeda]

I've never been inspired to laugh while watching any car review... but the "They should have sent the poet" got me.

[@tjs114]

I wonder how many people actually got the Contact reference.

[@hlcepeda]

@@tjs114 At least two, to date.

[@truth959]

I would buy this car just for the cool and quirky look. The 10 year warranty is incredible.

[@SymetricRaven]

I wish I knew about kia’s warranty last year. This is crazy affordable.

[@Patriot842]

I love my 2011 Sportage.

[@cyberwithsami]

I’m not a fan of the “pufferfish” front fascia... they should change it and give it a more serious face... just like the Chinese version of the Sportage (KX5).

[@cyberwithsami]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/boDcYn6LrdSZjq8

[@jaredshelton4718]

I think it's beautiful

[@samaanalkhaldi2364]

It's just missing the new Kia 8-speed AT. Thanks.

[@ascott2168]

Oh wow, I have to tell everyone in the office about this Macan refresh !!!

[@jaredshelton4718]

Oh hush, this looks much nicer than the Macan.

[@ArtbyAtlas]

I genuinely don't know if you like this car or not Micah lol

[@wilmotown]

The key-proximity tailgate sounds great, but what it really does is make your car beep whenever you walk around the rear bumper. I turned it off a few days after getting my ‘17 Elantra.

[@stephenhendricks103]

You must walk VERY slowly around the rear bumper. Have the same feature on my KIA Sorento and I have to remain motionless for at least four seconds before the auto tailgate begins to rise.

[@husq48]

Just got one yesterday, same color!

[@rogerthat24]

It would have been nice to tell the viewers which trim you were reviewing.

[@asteve4914]

People in my country: “sportaaaarj” This guy: “spordidge”

[@jiminverness]

I find that in the RH Drive version, the aircon dial has a sideways protrusion which irritates the side of my left knee. This irritiation is magnified over longer trips.

[@niceguyjayson]

I like the Porcupine Tree song on the radio...

[@tgeraty1]

Ditto!

[@ericellis2729]

Deadwing!

[@leonardoolaer7777]

The things dont like this kia sportage..is the turn cignal light.why?the put @the bottom.it will not seen @d back.ty.

[@GibsonBuck]

I love my 2020 SX Turbo AWD. Can't wait for snow storms!!

[@c-mac9736]

WOW!!! Those bezels are BEZELICIOUS!!!!!!

[@Aarzak]

Yes I would. I actually bought 2.

[@Belgoboy]

What trim level of the Sportage offers the hands free lift gate?

[@hemenkareamg6957]

Pretty. I wish that had hybrid model

[@dinohermann1887]

Probably next gen, that will most likely come out on 2021!

[@crackercookiecreammango2909]

Hemen Kareamg niro. Kia. Iconic Hyundai

[@miguelircontar]

T W O W O R D S : Fuel Economy 👎

[@ALMX5DP]

Miguel Ircontar the out of pocket difference is still pretty minimal.

[@byuharminnhtet]

Is it sparkling gray or steel gray?

[@DarrenX9]

Thumbs up for the Porcupine Tree on the audio system!

[@alexkravtsov5401]

Hello, What is the real fuel consumption of a turbo gasoline engine and turbo diesel engine. Kind regards, Alexander

[@gene978]

Hell yeah Micah. You had me at the newly designed steering wheel. I really wish the kissing cousins from Korea Sportage and Tuscan somehow find a newly thrift miser engine or offer a Hybrid Assist. I think that’s what holds this funky looking SUV Back a bit. IF it had, a quieter ride and better MPG I really think it would up the ladder really fast to compete.

[@miguelangelcolon1345]

A used Toyota Rav5, honda or a new Kia Sportage?

[@jungking4033]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/gau7f2ePoK5rd5o

[@jfish9014]

The elbow test is actually important to me when shopping for a new car - excellent that you give details on the support of armrests. Include more details on the actual driving comfort, from the view of the driver's seat.

[@benhaze1010]

Great old Firebird @ 6:27

[@CocoTaveras8975]

Nice observation, didn’t even notice it!

[@eddieconroy212]

Small improvements to the looks makes a big difference. The old car was odd looking, I quite like this one.

[@sphong0610]

The new Sportage and the new Tuscan are up in 2-3 years. If you absolutely need to get a Korean compact CUV wait for those. Or save up and get a Telluride; it's the most awesome non-luxury SUV ever.

[@chuckers40]

Same thing for the Hyundai Palisade and eventually Genesis GV80

[@G1OCK22]

That TRANS AM tho at 6:28 👀

[@jaredshelton4718]

Ew

[@tishpit]

I'm strongly considering it, though it is a bit over my intended budget. Love the simplicity of controls, real gear shifter instead of UFO inspires knobs, buttons, joysticks, etc. Lots of bang for the buck. Back seats fold flat. Spare tire. Lots of safety goodies. 6-speed tried and true tranny. Warranty. Looks different than the typical SUV clones. Yes, I was also considering a Honda HR-V, but really... NO power seats or lumber adjustment, NO driver's side blind spot monitor, armrest is unusable, CVT droooooone, engine has to work hard, but I do love the cargo room and supposed reliability and resale value. Also looking at the Buick Encore (not the GX) as another reliable, cute, comfy, quiet, and proven SUV that is adorable. But the cargo room is a big drawback. The Encore GX seems to be having new model hiccups and leery about a 3 cyl. turbo longevity. Still shopping; the fun is in the test driving... the misery is in the battle for a decent price in this era of chip shortages and thus limited inventory. But now is also a great time to trade in... my old van has gone up thousands of $$ lately... so it may be GO time!

[@ryanfrisby7389]

Howdy, great review as always!😸😸

[@zylo999]

This needs an exterior styling update

[@that1guy524]

This thing is a cute little vehicle. Waiting for the Rav4 hybrid prime to come out. It’s going to do circles around this sportage of 300 hp with an estimated of 90mpg with it’s electric motor?? 😂

[@peternilsen4218]

I test a sportage with 185 hp and drive in " sport" mode, he consume a lot, dont know exactly but much. Is that normal in this mode???

[@mfmf100]

Nice entertaining review. The Sportage is good looking and seems at or near best in class in many ways except for weirdly bad fuel economy.

[@gwgrote5]

Love the Lawrence Welk Bezel Muzio music.........

[@stevewise1656]

Somehow I’m sure KIA is going to be doing a full redesign very soon.

[@canadabear72]

Steve Wise...The all new model will debut in December 2020, according to Kia Korea. Still got a little wait. All new Tucson will come out first.

[@stevewise1656]

John Holst thanks! I haven’t read or heard that anywhere and I follow the Korean channels. If they redesign is right, this could be another game changer for KIA. This space is ripe for an above and beyond competitor.

[@canadabear72]

@@stevewise1656 You're right! A top Korean model here could really clean up! The current Tucson and Sportage are getting old. The Tucson will be replaced in the first half of 2020, and the Sportage in December 2020. I got this info from internal docs that were leaked to the Korean car press.

[@canadabear72]

@@stevewise1656 By the way, I found the video with the Hyundai timetable for new product deployment for the new year. Go to 11:34 of this video and you can see. The 9th item on this list is the Tucson. kzbin.info/www/bejne/kGKtl6Oqls-or6s

[@stevewise1656]

John Holst Good to know! Looking forward to the release.

[@thekaerichtexas]

I enjoyed my 2015 Kia Sorrento, traded it for a 2017 vw passat....love and miss my kia...but no more kids to shuffle around, been thinking about the sportage or another small SUV.

[@shammes53ify]

I looked at the new Seltos, good smaller SUV, but go with the Turbo

[@pap2-371]

Why does the gas mileage suck ?

[@mysticstrikeforce5957]

This bought one last weekend.

[@Aradhya.Sharma]

What’s a destination charge? I’ve never paid it.

[@robbierobinson6839]

Is the arm rest really that short?

[@kauilanikim3312]

I have the 2020. I didn't even notice.

[@tomtalker2000]

I don't care much for the front grill design. They should have made it look more like the Telluride with the "tiger nose". Or even better the Sedona minivan which has a gorgeous front grill.

[@aryehrosenthal2138]

Great review.

[@bl3376]

What about GPS tracking system

[@asimmustafakhan5441]

Need a prado review from kbb

[@farhanbutt9710]

Sir prado is only in asia not north america

[@Lucky8s]

It's not sold in North America

[@asimmustafakhan5441]

@@farhanbutt9710 oops...ok

[@Van-Hammer]

Prado comes here as the Lexus GX

[@FlyGuy457]

I actually had to stop the video to catch a breath, man those bezels-whew. Now, I would appreciate a "it's worth the money" or not comment-and a suggestion of which model is the best bet. A pumping what now?

[@JudeRalu]

Sportage vs Seltos?

[@funkychild21]

Seltos is a bit smaller than the sportage but I would pick the seltos since the styling is a lot nicer than the sportage

[@canadabear72]

@@funkychild21 Agreed! It's barely smaller inside, and the totally new style along with the upgraded tech makes it a much better choice.

[@chuckers40]

Also, the Seltos is a sub-compact CUV and the Sportage is a compact CUV. The All new Sportage should be out in late 2020 for the 2021 model year.

[@chuckers40]

@@funkychild21 It's the corporate cousin to the Hyundai Kona

[@pinker812]

My Sportage is crappy in the wind. Of course I'm in Chicago.

[@canadabear72]

We've had this model in Korea for almost two years already. In fact, the all new redesigned model is coming out in December of 2020. This Sportage is good, but getting a bit long in the tooth! It'd be a great used value though!

[@sweetpotato7878]

John Paul II was a great pope.

[@quesokid4959]

“Gee I sure hate crashing”- yeh.

[@salmonline]

Very tasty fuzzy-guitar tones👍

[@nattga]

I only wish the belt line were lower. I am short and when I sat in one; feeling like a bathtub.

[@kurtmangiggles1805]

Is the Hyundai Santa Fe bigger than this?

[@canadabear72]

@Jonathan A. Actually the Santa Fe kinda straddles the line. It's slightly bigger than the RAV4 or CRV, but a bit smaller than the Murano and so forth. Just like the Sportage/Tucson is smaller than the CRV but bigger than the HRV.

[@canadabear72]

@Jonathan A. Many consider the Santa Fe a "tweener" and that's why it gets cross shopped against both classes. It's notably shorter than the Murano and Edge, which are both "mid sized" SUV's. Fact!

[@devinday5759]

I think the Santa Fe’s comparable is the Kia Sorento. I test drove the Sportage & Sorento last week. Just got rid of a 2007 Sportage.

[@canadabear72]

@@devinday5759 Very comparable. Sorento is just a hair longer.

[@canadabear72]

@Jonathan A. Well it matters to the people buying these things Jonathan. Check the specs of the cars just above and just below.

[@blackbirdpie217]

I want one just for the bezels.

[@hr9592]

I drove one once and it was so rough

[@princemensah3590]

I'm interested in pumping device...🤣🤣

[@SitesandWebMedia]

I bought one brand new and take good care of it. I hate the dull luster of the paint. I will never buy another Kia.

[@Jacobk66]

So the AWD Turbo has less fuel economy than my 350hp S4. Got it!

[@GibsonBuck]

Your Audi is $20k more. You pay for what you have.

[@joshua9073]

GibsonBuck exactly he is comparing apples & oranges. A car and a blocky suv that weighs more is not the same

[@jacobbio]

It’s really nice for a Kia

[@dam4274]

Why do all other countries pronounce it as Spor-taj, even though it’s spelled with a “g”?

[@carlfichtner8148]

It's french for sporty...

[@mightylotan]

Surprised how meme-y this filled. Thought KBB was professional company

[@SitesandWebMedia]

I own one and will never buy another Kia again. I got no warranty support from the dealership and have heard nothing back from Kia America. I terrible disappointment.

[@TheEasyeman]

Anyone that plays Porcupine tree on a Sportage test drive has my vote!!!

[@luiggimondoli]

I like it as a cheap rental for a week on my vacations. For $24K you can buy a Honda HR-V. which is way better car.

[@toastm4n]

HR-V with a 1.8L engine?? 🤡