Long Term Test Vehicle | 2019 Kia Sportage EX Review

We've been driving the 2019 Kia Sportage EX for almost 2 months now, and racked up 8,400km on this compact crossover utility. We're driving it to 24,000km on this long-term episode of TestDrive Spotlight.
TestDrive has had the pleasure of featuring two previous long term ownership videos on the 2001 BMW 740iL and 2017 Mazda CX-5 GT, allowing us to produce update videos over the course of an extended period of time to talk about maintenance and repair costs, common problems that might have arisen, and our overall opinion about the vehicles after driving them for months at a time. We're doing the same thing with this new 2019 Kia Sportage EX which we picked up with 22 km on the odometer.
On this Episode of TestDrive Spotlight we go over the exterior and interior features of Kia's compact crossover SUV in the trim they expect to be the volume seller here in Canada. We talk about the LED running lights, halogen projector headlights and fog lights, keyless entry, trunk space, interior space, UVO infotainment, heated front seats, and the heated steering wheel.
We also take this 2.4L inline 4 GDI engine with 181 horsepower on a road test to talk about our impressions of it's drive, ride, and handling over the past two months. We project to hit our 24,000km goal by the end of the 2018 calendar year where we'll produce a 6 month update to talk about the cost of ownership, and any unscheduled repairs that have been needed on this vehicle.
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[@PS54228]

This car is just amazing after years .

[@PRNTestDrive]

It certainly worked out well for us for the time we had it.

[@benjaminbelcher1945]

I have 2019 Sportage EX and I love it. It's a very good SUV . The Design is very good , I get complement 's on it everyday.

[@PRNTestDrive]

Glad to hear it!

[@radlink14]

What color?

[@Outofurleaguex3]

How's, the gas

[@MartinSage]

@@Outofurleaguex3 28mpg combo

[@glenfordrobinson2530]

Thank you for this great 2019 Kia Sportage. AWD review. I just bought this SUV. I will pick it up today. For a compact crossover it looks so sleek and sexy with lots of trunk space for.

[@glenfordrobinson2530]

Our baby's stroller

[@PRNTestDrive]

Enjoy it, it’s a great choice! My parents ended up buying a 2022 just before they changed the design.

[@Sc0rpy]

Great car great review as always

[@PRNTestDrive]

Glad you liked it, thanks!

[@jefftroy9345]

Subscribed because of this video

[@PRNTestDrive]

Glad to have you on board! We’re hoping to be able to do more of these long term videos.

[@theresamauser]

Just hours 19 shortage ex,and couldn't be happier! Puppy motor and really tight steering and hugs the curves.

[@PRNTestDrive]

Glad to hear it, enjoy it!

[@dianer5300]

What?

[@Belgoboy]

What trim level?

[@Maxfli82]

Got a Sportage as a loaner. Great driving car. Even with the base engine it has some pep especially in sport mode. Inside reminds me of a Volkswagen. Drives like a German car.

[@PRNTestDrive]

We're glad to hear that you liked the one drove!

[@RigiLiquid945]

I have the 2015 Sportage. The traction control is WAY too touchy. I need to shut it off every day until winter, because potholes on a corner will set it off, cutting engine power at the bottom of a steep hill. Have you experienced similar issues with this new SUV?

[@PRNTestDrive]

Haven't had any issues with it, even before getting winter tires installed on it in some of the rougher weather we've had here already. Perhaps it's something they've addressed since the 2015 model.

[@andybub45]

Its actually very nice.

[@PRNTestDrive]

For a consumer segment crossover, absolutely! Sometimes we can all get a little overexcited with some of the fancy cars on the market, but for most consumers a vehicle with this equipment is more than enough.

[@simonebii]

question: in you tube I watched some complain about kia service, if you think this will be an issue, i mean if it is a good enough car that i do not need to worry i will bump into so many service issue/

[@PRNTestDrive]

Service is going to be a regional thing, we’ve heard our fair share of horror stories about specific dealership from many brands. You’re going to have good dealers and bad ones with any brand, Kia is no exception. I recommend shopping around in your area and get a feel for the choices closest to you.

[@vadimserghanuk6772]

I like a car ,nice video.

[@PRNTestDrive]

Thanks!

[@JP-ri4kt]

Good video. .I just subscribed 👍

[@PRNTestDrive]

Glad to have you on board, thanks for subscribing!

[@johnclark4131]

We have the torquey 2 Litre diesel in this in Oz. Heard diesels not popular in north America for some reason.

[@PRNTestDrive]

That's definitely true, diesel never caught on here. GM tried to bring a couple vehicles into the market in 2018, the Chevy Cruze, Equinox, and GMC Terrain with their diesels. We drove the Cruze, it didn't do great for fuel economy compared to other compact sedans. They pulled all of those last year from our market. Mazda is trying with the CX-5 but it was only for the 2019 model year. No word yet if they'll continue but it seems like it too is dead for our market.

[@danielasal2783]

Does the 2018 sportage and 2019 have a security alarm, keyless entry and, remote starter?

[@PRNTestDrive]

Trims might be different in each market, but here in Canada there is a security system and engine immobilizer on the base model, the EX adds the keyless entry, and then remote start should be something the dealer can add on any trim, but might be limited to EX and higher with the smart key.

[@JustMe-gs9xi]

@@PRNTestDrive In the US there is a Real problem. to get such things,, they expect you to go up about $10,000. Living in New England it is Very Hard to figure out what it Has and Doesn't have,, because US and Canada have Totally different features on their models,,, I know they do this to make you spend more,,, and im finding out it will be $36,000 to be Able to get lane assist and collision warning,,, On a Kia those things should be available on a basic model. It cannot cost that much to put those in,,,, I am looking for a good deal And a good car,,,,, so yes,, keep driving and i'll follow up,, i definitely would like to know how this car does,, thank you

[@FIVEOFEVER]

@@PRNTestDrive You can get remote start on all models for $425 USD but it is a separate fob than so you have to carry it with the key. Typical of all Asian makers.

[@Wedgetail96]

I’m curious as to how a long term review on a 2019 car can be made available in August 2018. Did time travel become a thing?

[@PRNTestDrive]

Most manufacturers release their vehicles before the actual year itself, Kia and Hyundai typically start rolling out ‘next years’ models in March/April.

[@aledagaro8075]

i love this car

[@PRNTestDrive]

Glad to hear it! We're looking forward to see what the 2021 will be, as the rumour is it'll be a complete refresh.

[@lkh0120]

good car good design good price

[@PRNTestDrive]

They do seem to be pretty popular out here.

[@seanharty1673]

The audio is difficult to understand the commentator especially when he was outside the car is hard to understand he does speak very quickly, however appreciate the review...slow down a little

[@3sprit1]

Any issues with “ticking” engine noise at star up?

[@PRNTestDrive]

Haven't noticed any on this car, but we'll keep an ear out for it if it's a problem others have reported.

[@thecerealguy7713]

YES, JUST GOT THE 2019 EX, VERY NOTICEABLE TICKING AT COLD START, IT DISSIPATES AS CAR WARMS UP, TOOK BACK TO DEALER TO HAVE MECHANIC LOOK AND LISTEN, WAS TOLD IT WAS VERY NORMAL FOR THIS CAR, THIS ENGINE AND WERE ASSURED THERE WERE NO PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR.

[@GENESISINCENSE]

How do you make the bottom lights on

[@PRNTestDrive]

Those should be the fog lights, if there isn't a toggle on the light stalk then yours doesn't have them as an option.

[@thecerealguy7713]

ON COLD MORNINGS, DO YOU NOTICE A TICKING SOUND FROM ENGINE AT COLD START UP????

[@PRNTestDrive]

Most cars we've tested in the winter do have a sound like that, including this Sportage. We're at 20,000km on it now without any issues to report.

[@thecerealguy7713]

Perpetual Radio Networks THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!

[@audiwankenobi361]

I like Kia...I was at the Daytona beach dealship today looking at a Sorento tho.

[@PRNTestDrive]

We're hoping to get our hands on the 2019 Sorento, the facelift looks pretty good. We keep seeing ads for it on the US TV stations we get here.

[@tomjohns5146]

audiwan=yea and wait until it burns up !

[@audiwankenobi361]

@@tomjohns5146 .....because it happened to you or your cousins sisters best friend on your step mom side of the family?....wait wait wait i got it! You're about to site every case that this has happened and now you're 100% sure that this WILL happen to every Kia.

[@tomjohns5146]

audiwan=you stupid liberal fool==143 fires from kia's ===their engines are made by hyundia====now you know =====you stupid liberal fool======:)

[@JustMe-gs9xi]

serious,?

[@ting4939]

Mine stays in sport when I turn it off and back on the same year and model

[@PRNTestDrive]

Interesting! I haven’t experienced this in any car, they usually default to their normal mode, eco if available and selected last.

[@hillcityninja3155]

What about towing a tracker boat?

[@PRNTestDrive]

Check the weight of the boat + trailer versus the specs for the vehicle. Keep in mind the maximum towing capabilities shouldn't be the max you tow.

[@ulyssescrittendon2653]

Look y’all... I just want the real deal.. I’ve been looking at the jeep cherokee for a minute , & I took a quick glance and saw this car, i love it, ...it appears to be a better deal.. which is better and why? I’m on the fence... Please enlighten me! Big Poppa! Hey

[@PRNTestDrive]

We haven't had a chance to drive the 2019 Cherokee yet, but it does look a lot nicer than the pre-facelift models for the KL. We'll see if we can make an episode happen on one, there isn't one on our press fleet but we'll see what we can do!

[@elgreeko6241]

Jeep is garbage.

[@Do_Not_Buy_Kia_Look_After_UK]

Can someone explain why the Kia Sportage is the only vehicle I repeatedly see on UK roads at dusk or dark with the front lights fully on and the rear lights off. Even when it is totally dark, I see no rear lights on. Not every Sportage, but quite a lot of them - maybe 5 or 6 in every 10. This is a dangerous design fault and needs to be looked into.

[@PRNTestDrive]

This is unfortunately becoming a serious problem across the board for a lot of different vehicles from a lot of manufacturers. Before car makers started adding digital clusters they'd be back-lit, and would turn on when the headlights were on. Drivers were a lot more aware with that setup if their lights were off, since their cluster was also dark. Today with digital the screens are always lit up, and less attentive drivers don't seem to realize their headlights aren't on, especially with some LED DRLs that are bright enough to give those in-attentive drivers the impression their lights are on. There are two ways to solve this. Some manufacturers, like BMW for example, have forced automatic headlights, even if you try to switch the lights off, they will not turn off at night. The other, less effective solution, would be to add proper headlight illumination lights on the clusters. Some only advise if the parking/DRLs are on like Volvo. Personally automatic headlights should be mandatory, without the ability to turn them off at night.

[@Do_Not_Buy_Kia_Look_After_UK]

@@PRNTestDrive Thanks for the reply. Interesting you mention other manufacturers. Here in the UK, I don't see that problem with any other make of car - only the Kia, and mainly specifically the Sportage. This says to me that Sportage drivers must be less attentive than other drivers, which seems correct as they do seem to be worse drivers than others here in the UK. (!!)

[@PRNTestDrive]

I’m not sure how you can generalize an entire group of people based solely on their vehicle choice, but ok.

[@805NAVE]

I would expect the Toyota RAV4 to be a better long term choice for reliability.

[@PRNTestDrive]

Probably would be, we do have a family member who just bought a 2018 Rav4 LE a few months back, we didn't have a chance to film it while they were here but it's something we might be able to cover!

[@JustMe-gs9xi]

that car is So uncomfortable i had to go to a chiropractor after i test drove it.

[@chasl3645]

@@PRNTestDrive save your money by the Kia it'll hold up just fine I'm at 211000 the only thing I've replaced brake pads at around a hundred and sixty thousand miles. My buddies RAV4 hasn't held up as good. And it's about 30,000 less miles he also drives it easier.

[@omegabeta3305]

Kias always give the consumers what they want. Because of resale value, it is not meant to be bought and resold. It's a keeper that's why they give out the best warranties. What I don't like is that this one doesn't look too good in the front. If they just keep their mixture of Dodge/Honda for the front, and VW/Chrysler at the back, they should have steady sales.

[@PRNTestDrive]

The front really is the problem. The back looks good, fits inline with their new design language from the Cadenza and 2019 Forte, but the front just looks awkward. The previous design was a lot easier on the eyes.

[@2009polostar]

The AWD model, like this one, lack's a front lower valance which makes it look weird and not good looking.

[@SamanthaLilac]

What it's the gas mileage?

[@PRNTestDrive]

On our 100km test loop we did 8.4L/100km and during the 21,000km we had the car we averaged 9L/100km.

[@peternilsen4218]

I test a sportage with 185 hp, drive in " sport" mode, he consume lot, is that normal????? Anyone who know?

[@PRNTestDrive]

How much is a lot? In sport mode the transmission usually shifts later, meaning the engine is running a little faster using more gas.

[@peternilsen4218]

@@PRNTestDrive 1.5 liter 10 km!

[@MartinSage]

I’ve owned about 40+ cars and in most cases except my 350Z I’ve had to tweak my suspension Ha ha even my old 85 Toyota pu I put Monroe gas shocks and Pirelli tires. Wow man I can lean her into a tight curve and she will hold. Of course my 67 Ferrari Dino had zero handling issues which you’d expect. Again Pirrelli comes to the rescue!!

[@PRNTestDrive]

Fair enough, thanks for sharing!

[@Composurezen]

Say what you want about Mazda but.. They are just on another level with overall car design, this looks so boring compared to the CX-5. Like that feeling when you get out of your car after you parked to get your grocery store items, this isn't that car that you would look back at when you get out just to admire it. I do that daily on my CX-5.

[@PRNTestDrive]

Well said! There are still a lot of people out there who hate on Mazda for their past issues, rather than looking at what they have to offer today. They’ve seriously improved their quality and design, which is why they continue being so popular!

[@lgsprings5623]

The start/stop technology was a deal breaker for me. Having to disable it every time I take a trip would become too annoying

[@PRNTestDrive]

We're very disappointed that some manufacturers like BMW who've historically allowed for a one-time deactivation of the stop/start systems are now changing them to be on at start up. Almost all vehicles are like this now.

[@lgsprings5623]

@@PRNTestDrive I'll hold on to my car as long as I can until they change that.

[@MartinSage]

8.4 liter = 28 mpg Ave city/highway

[@dendrus1949]

Can anyone understand what this guy is saying?

[@PRNTestDrive]

If I speak to fast for you, you can always slow down KZbin’s playback speed to something like 0.75.

[@minabobina420]

I really like this car! Great review points but you may want to slow down a bit when talking, some words get a bit garbled.

[@7anthillmob]

Good video, very much agree with the talking slower comment. Checking the exact same model and colour out this weekend.

[@cityboy9301]

Shame he doesn't run as fast as he talks...

[@makker0082]

This is the old 2017 model, not the 2019 model....

[@PRNTestDrive]

That's because nothing has changed since 2017.

[@makker0082]

No, they released the 2019 model just 1 week ago in Germany and rolling out globally, with new engines, new front and back. Check it at www.Kia.de It was announced already before the summer, pictures were published on or around May 15 2018..... The model you are showing will never be sold in 2019.....Production of that model ended during the summer holidays.

[@PRNTestDrive]

You know that manufacturers often have different models and designs for different markets. We talk about it on this weeks episode with the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, where Europe already has a new vehicle, while we still get the old one. It’s very possible the 2019 Sportage in Germany is a facelift, while the 2019 in North America remains the same. I can assure you though, that the vehicle we have is a 2019, as the registration says so, and so does the VIN.

[@dickyknees3877]

Slow down so i can understand what your saying.

[@PRNTestDrive]

You can always slow down the playback speed through KZbin to your liking.

[@orion5813]

The ride on these sucks. Feel every bump in the road if the road is bad. On a good road its nice tho

[@davemcguigan218]

No spare tire, that sucks!!!

[@PRNTestDrive]

I can’t remember the last car we’ve featured with a proper spare tire. Some have a donut, but very few.

[@davemcguigan218]

At least a donut should be included, not a pump and fix a flat, what it the tire has a large hole in its sidewall? Then your screwed! My 18 Crosstrek has a full height spare, but temporary since it is narrower, but you can get on your way! Some companies want to be cheap and not give you a spare and f you want charge you a few hundred for a spare tire kit!

[@olson3394]

Just bought a 2019 mine came with a spare tire

[@JustMe-gs9xi]

@@olson3394 Yep,, the 2019's have a Real Spare Tire, (i couldn't change one myself,,, lol,, but i saw it)

[@JustMe-gs9xi]

@@davemcguigan218 agree

[@theresamauser]

Just bought..ugh

[@Thinkaboutit.amanda]

Anyone on here want to help me find a car 😂

[@JenniferStewart27]

Same 🤣

[@sharleecharles]

Dude, slow down a lil' bit.... C'mon!!! 🤦🏾‍♀️

[@PRNTestDrive]

KZbin allows you to slow down/speed up videos in 0.25 increments if my regular speech is too fast for you.

[@subninja8069]

Canadians sound like Americans. When he said km then I knew for sure.

[@PRNTestDrive]

We’ll try not to take that as a negative thing.

[@subninja8069]

@@PRNTestDrive Sorry if it was rude. My train of thought was "He has a North America Engish Accent" He also saild km, uhh Must be from Canadian.

[@PRNTestDrive]

Good to know, thanks for clarifying! We don’t often get hate towards our nationality, glad we still don’t!

[@briancorcoran9888]

wtf is sportij ?

[@PRNTestDrive]

Wtf is different dialects.

[@javieraltamar8403]

The question is rude,that's for sure but the answer wasn't very professional, you guys are exposed to that kind of comments but it is up to you how to take it....by the way ,good review...

[@PRNTestDrive]

Huh? There’s no rules on what we are ‘supposed’ to do when people comment. Dumb comments usually get a reply from us. In fact we actually try to reply to everyone who comments on our channel, whether the comment is constructive or not.

[@steveshirley9853]

Nobody wants keyless entry, far to easy to steal your car

[@PRNTestDrive]

We did do a video about that actually!

[@theresamauser]

I hate this tablet!

[@johnnytampocao7671]

It looks ugly in the picture specially the front facia and grill..CX5 is much beautiful than the Sportage, the interior and steering wheel is cheap.

[@PRNTestDrive]

Kia calls their design 'rebellious', I think it just looks bubbly to be honest. The CX-5 is hard to beat in this segment for looks, it's the right amount of aggressiveness that appeals to most consumers.

[@omegabeta3305]

I know, this one looks like a frog, the CX5 looks like a shark.

[@JustMe-gs9xi]

@Boho Chic Well thank you,, very much, that's what i've heard also

[@ThomasBeenAnderson]

I test drove a CX-5 back in 2016, and then right after the CX-5 I test drove a 2017 Sportage, and I found that the Sportage was better in every aspect -the looks, how it drove, comfort (very comfortable driver seat in comparison to the the CX-5's) and what you get for your money, and the Sportage was a few thousand bucks cheaper.... So, I bought the 2017 EX FWD version in bronze colour. Now it has almost 102,000 kms on it. I am very happy with it, no major complaints, reliable, nice ride, roomy enough. I get around 7.5 L per 100 km driving mostly on highway (quite often in heavy traffic on Hwy 401 and QEW/403 in GTA). Without traffic I can get 6.9-7.2 L per 100 km...

[@reserva120]

the design is brilliant..less women like ,as in the CX 5.. great build quality an thousands less..

[@colinstu]

what a bland looking car.

[@PRNTestDrive]

It certainly blends in with the crowd. But it is one of the most popular trims for this vehicle here in Canada, so it does represent what most Sportage buyers are getting.

[@cityboy9301]

Compared to what..?

[@LouiA1]

Snob

[@PRNTestDrive]

Uh ok

[@cityboy9301]

I think you mean slob

[@JustMe-gs9xi]

it is getting a reputation as a 'ladies car',,, alot of men don't like them. I can't see this as a man's car,, it's just too lady-like,, and the inside isn't huge (the seats),,, i like the car in black it is just more appealing to women,,,imo

[@PRNTestDrive]

We can certainly see that being the case for some. It would be interesting to take a survey to see who drives the Sportage the most!

[@CmanCorporations]

I completely agree. My wife is going to get this car... lol I'm glad she likes it because for the price and the leasing options.. it's unreal.

[@derbersdiscoveries5938]

Sooo superficial....

[@r0bmc745]

Strange! I recently bought a 2019 LX in pacific blue and I love it! I feel like I'm driving in a european car. It's great in snow and has a remote start which is plenty good for me. I personally think its a masculine car if it's a masculine color and there's a handsome, powerful man inside. :)

[@radlink14]

When we'll we get out of this ancient mindset of women vs men stuff - this isn't a damn bra that's being showcases. Please don't raise kids with this mentality.

[@limpunsing224]

So-so not stunning

[@PRNTestDrive]

It doesn't stand out, that's for sure. Some vehicles are designed to get you from point A to point B, this is one of those.

[@fahren299]

Overpriced. You can get a 2 y/o Volvo for same 💰 and I’ll take Volvo over Kia all day everyday.

[@PRNTestDrive]

You could say that about any new car vs any pre-owned car really. We even talk about that in the 2018 Cadillac CT6 vs 2017 BMW 750Li Showdown we did.