2020 Kia Sportage Reviews, Pricing & Specs

$23,990 to $34,990

Overview

The Sportage sits in the middle of Kia's crossover lineup between the smaller Niro and Soul and the larger Sorento and Telluride. As a...

The Sportage sits in the middle of Kia's crossover lineup between the smaller Niro and Soul and the larger Sorento and Telluride. As a compact crossover, it faces stiff competition from the Chevrolet Equinox, Honda CR-V, and Toyota RAV4. The latest generation of the Sportage came to market for 2017, so 2020 brings a light refresh.

The alterations to its styling are subtle. They start with a new athletic front end, which features a refined version of Kia’s “Tiger Nose” grille design. The designers also tweaked the lighting elements in the front and rear and introduced modern 17-, 18-, and 19-inch wheel choices. Bold front and rear skid plates convey a sense of urban ruggedness. Finally, you can dress the Sportage in a new Steel Grey exterior color.

The only changes of note for the cabin include a new steering wheel and reshaped vent surrounds. Otherwise, it’s the same comfortable interior that seats five occupants and boasts a maximum 60.1 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded.

The Sportage carries its powertrains over from last year. A 2.4-liter inline 4-cylinder engine that makes 181 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque comes standard. If you like a bit more power, a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline 4-cylinder that makes 240 hp and 250 lb-ft is on offer. Both engines come paired with standard front-wheel drive (FWD) or optional all-wheel drive (AWD) and a 6-speed automatic. Fuel-economy estimates range from 23 mpg city, 30 highway, and 26 combined for the base engine with FWD and 20, 28, and 23 for the turbocharged engine with FWD. With AWD, the base engine returns 22, 26, 23, while the turbocharged engine returns 19, 24, and 21.

Kia now offers the 2020 Sportage in LX, S, EX, and SX Turbo trims. The LX trim comes standard with keyless entry, cloth seats, an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and three selectable drive modes. The S trim includes Sofino leatherette upholstery, heated outside mirrors, and LED turn indicators. The EX trim gets a smart power liftgate, dual-zone climate control, and a 10-way power adjustable driver's seat. Options include wireless charging, telematics, and navigation. The SX Turbo comes standard with metal-look skid plates, a panoramic sunroof, LED headlights, and 19-inch alloy wheels.

Kia took 2020 as an opportunity to tack on some additional safety options like a driver-attention warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control with start and stop, forward-collision assist, and automatic high beams.

The Kia Sportage is a handsome compact crossover with an excellent blend of functionality and features, and the 2020 refresh only enhances those qualities.

by Kyree Rollerson

Published June 1, 2022

What owners say

AI Summary · 4 reviews

"Overall, owners of the 2020 Kia Sportage appreciate its spacious and luxurious interior, making it a competitive option in the crossover market. Many drivers also mention it offers great features for the price. However, some feel it lacks certain amenities, like a sunroof, and find it too basic, especially for more experienced car buyers. Additionally, while the ride is generally pleasant, the gas mileage falls short compared to competitors like the Honda CRV."

4.5

4 reviews

Write a review

by Karen W

I think the Sportage is a great deal in the heavily populated crossover market. Generally, I think most of the cars look the same. However, inside, the Kia is so roomy it is quite luxurious. The only thing I would change on my car is a sunroof but it was not available on the model I was looking at.

July 9, 2020

by Michael V

Great small SUV. Lots of features for the price

July 11, 2021

by PAMELA P

Its a good vehicle for 1st time buyers, but I think its too basic for others.

April 30, 2024