The 2021 Kia Sportage is a 5-seat SUV with zippy styling backed up by an available turbocharged engine.
Most Sportage models, including the LX, S, and EX trim levels, use a 2.4-liter inline-4 rated at 181 horsepower, which sends power to the front or, optionally, all four wheels via a 6-speed automatic transmission. The SX Turbo uses a 240-hp 2.0-liter turbo-4, which uses a similar transmission and a choice between front- or all-wheel drive.
Every Sportage comes with a backup camera, cruise control, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warnings, lane-keep assistance, and automatic high-beam headlights.
The 2021 Sportage is slightly smaller than many of its rivals, such as the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Subaru Forester. Accordingly, it’s also a little less expensive.
2021 Kia Sportage LX (Original price when new: $25,110)
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The base Sportage trim level uses the 2.4-liter inline-4. Seventeen-inch alloy wheels and halogen headlights paired with LED running lights dress the exterior.
Inside, look for power windows, locks and mirrors, cloth-upholstered seats with 6-way manual adjustment for the driver and 4-way adjustment for the passenger, air conditioning, a 6-speaker audio system, and an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay.
The extra-cost LX Popular Package adds power adjustment for the driver’s seat, different cloth upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate controls, heated exterior mirrors with power folding, blind-spot monitors, rear cross-traffic alerts, and tinted windows. When equipped with all-wheel drive, the package also adds heated front seats.
Who is this trim for? The base Sportage hits all the essentials for an inexpensive but practical commuter.
2021 Kia Sportage LX includes:
Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection — Sensors can detect the presence of a vehicle or a pedestrian and apply the brakes automatically to reduce the risk of a collision.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility — Smartphone mirroring on the infotainment display for select convenience, communication, and navigation applications.
Available blind-spot monitors — A warning system that can sound an alert if the driver begins to merge into an occupied lane.
2021 Kia Sportage S (Original starting price when new: $27,610)
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The S trim level primarily adds styling features, though two additional trim packages are available.
Look for 18-inch wheels, fog lights, and dark chrome accents outside. The cabin gains leatherette upholstery and a black headliner paired with a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Blind-spot monitors and rear cross-traffic alerts are standard.
The Nightfall Edition package adds a panoramic sunroof, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, blacked-out interior and exterior trim, and a flat-bottom steering wheel with paddle shifters to control the transmission. An additional Premium Package available with the Nightfall Edition goes farther, including heated front seats, an auto-dimming rearview mirror with a compass and a garage door opener, satellite radio, adaptive cruise control, keyless entry with push-button start, and a wireless charging pad.
Who is this trim for? The base Sportage S is mostly about looks, but its biggest appeal might be its expanded roster of optional equipment.
2021 Kia Sportage S includes:
Leatherette upholstery — Providing a leather-like feel, this synthetic upholstery is hard-wearing and low-maintenance.
Available Nightfall Edition — A combination of styling and convenience features.
Available adaptive cruise control — A system that keeps the vehicle a safe distance from the car in front at highway speeds to reduce driver fatigue.
2021 Kia Sportage EX (Original starting price when new: $28,410)
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The 2021 Kia Sportage EX starts at $28,410.
The Sportage EX builds on the S with a different wheel design and chrome rather than dark chrome exterior trim. Its cabin sticks with synthetic leather upholstery, though heated seats and a power-adjustable driver’s seat are standard equipment.
Tech-wise, the EX adds a power tailgate, a dual-zone automatic climate control system, keyless entry and ignition, and an extra USB charging point for rear-seat passengers.
The extra-cost Technology Package brings a host of features, including a built-in navigation system, Harman/Kardon speakers, cooled front seats upholstered in genuine leather, a power-adjustable passenger’s seat, adaptive cruise control, a panoramic sunroof, and a heated steering wheel.
Who is this trim for? The EX borders on luxury, especially with the available Technology Package.
2021 Kia Sportage EX includes:
Power tailgate — A convenience feature that opens or closes the tailgate at the tap of a button on the vehicle or the key fob.
Available navigation system — A significant advantage to a built-in navigation system is convenience compared to app-based systems.
Available Harman/Kardon audio system — Audiophiles may appreciate the high-fidelity Harman/Kardon system, which includes a subwoofer.
2021 Kia Sportage SX (Original starting price when new: $34,770)
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The 2021 Kia Sportage SX starts at $34,770.
The top-of-the-line 2021 Sportage SX is the only version with the more powerful turbocharged engine.
It comes equipped similarly to the EX with the optional Technology package, though it also adds 19-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, and unique metal-look exterior trim. Inside, look for a flat-bottom steering wheel with paddle shifters, a black headliner, and a stitched dashboard cover.
Kia offers no major options on the Sportage SX.
Who is this trim for? With its turbocharged engine, the Sportage SX can be a good choice for drivers who regularly drive in hilly or high-elevation areas.
2021 Kia Sportage SX includes:
2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder — This more powerful engine provides improved passing at highway speeds at the expense of fuel economy.
LED headlights — Brighter and with a whiter output than conventional halogen lights, LEDs can be helpful at night.
19-inch alloy wheels — These large wheels may look good, though smaller sidewalls mean a stiffer ride, and tires can be more expensive to replace.
