This SUV's interior is dated and cheap-looking. It uses hard black plastic and looks cheap, which is disappointing for a vehicle priced in the $40K range. It also uses low-resolution graphics and dated icons. Despite these shortcomings, the Sportage's controls are easy to access and work well.
Recommendation
The 2021 Kia Sportage is now on sale and it's a good choice for a midsize family vehicle. It's a nice blend of refinement and solidity and comes with an excellent reversing camera. Its price range is wide, with models starting from $24,090. You can also choose between two and four-wheel drive.
Despite a slightly smaller cargo capacity than its compact SUV rivals, the Sportage still offers ample room for cargo and passengers. It has 30.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 60.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. It also has a power liftgate and offers seating for five passengers.
Its ride quality is quite good, with its 55-series tyres adding a good amount of pliancy. The suspension is also disciplined, and doesn't present conspicuous ride comfort flaws. Nonetheless, there's a slight lack of driver-communication. The steering isn't particularly direct and could use an alignment.
Strengths
The new 2021 Kia Sportage is a well-appointed midsize SUV, but it has some shortcomings. The standard engine is adequate, but only available in three trim levels, and it's placed in the dash, which detracts from the driver's view. Still, it offers a smooth ride and a high quality interior.
The interior of the Sportage has plenty of storage space, and the center console is well-designed. It also has hard buttons and a touchscreen interface that is easy to use and intuitive to operate. It's also equipped with features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the optional wireless charging pad. The SX model also has an upgraded Harman Kardon sound system that boasts eight speakers. Similarly, the base model's sound system is a decent size.
The cargo space is adequate for a midsize SUV, although it's smaller than many competitors. The cargo area is just over 30 cubic feet, but this is still sufficient for a car of this class. The vehicle also comes with a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Weaknesses
The 2021 Kia Sportage has some safety flaws. Its cargo space is lower than most competitors. It also lacks a rear roof pillar and a rear corner window. As such, visibility is less than optimal. But it has a few advantages, including fold-flat seats and a power liftgate.
The interior is surprisingly comfortable, thanks to a well-balanced chassis tune and responsive steering. The cabin feels quiet but not cloying, which is good considering its large size and large number of controls. Its interior also boasts a lock button, good proportions and bug-eyed styling. It's easy to drive, and it's not difficult to get used to.
The Sportage is a good choice for a two-row compact SUV. Its 2.4-liter engine produces plenty of power and comes with optional all-wheel drive. However, the small cargo area and low fuel economy make it unsuitable for long road trips. The Sportage hasn't been updated in three years, so it's probably due for a redesign.
Price
The price of the 2021 Kia Sportage starts at $25,110. That includes a $1,120 destination fee. The base model comes with standard features including heated/cooled front and rear seats, a sunroof, and a navigation system. It also comes with three 12-volt outlets. The LX trim has standard features like a 6-speaker audio system, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and power-folding side mirrors.
The Sportage is one of the best SUVs on the market. It's a good choice if you're looking for a budget-friendly compact SUV with a roomy backseat. But if you're looking for a more capable vehicle with more cargo space, you might want to look at other options.
The price of the 2021 Kia Sportage varies from model to model. The base LX trim has 17-inch wheels. On higher trims, there are additional features, including leather-wrapped steering wheel, wireless charging pad, and Harman Kardon sound system. Other features include raised roof rails and front and rear parking sensors.
