• 2013 Kia Sportage

• 2012 Kia Sportage
• Used Kia Sportage
• Repairs Kia Sportage

Scorecard

Overall:	2013 Kia Sportage U.S. News Best Cars 7.7
Critics' Rating:	7.8
Performance:	7.6
Interior:	6.9
Safety:	9.8
Reliability:

How we calculate scores

Research analyzed for this review

Notable for 2013

• Available power-folding side mirrors

Pros & Cons

• Stylish exterior
• High-tech standard features
• Powerful turbocharged engine option
• Car-like handling
• Excellent safety score

• Uncomfortable seats
• Poor outward visibility
• Cheap interior materials
• Rough ride

Research Other Years

• 2012 Kia Sportage
• 2011 Kia Sportage
• 2010 Kia Sportage
• 2009 Kia Sportage
• 2008 Kia Sportage
• 2007 Kia Sportage

The 2013 Kia Sportage ranks 8 out of 21 Affordable Compact SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 23 published reviews and test drives of the Kia Sportage, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

Though not as comfortable or spacious as other SUVs in the class, the 2013 Kia Sportage stands out with a strong safety score, nimble handling, attractive styling and plenty of standard features. 

Test drivers say that the 2013 Kia Sportage’s base four-cylinder engine provides enough power for just about any driving situation. However, most reviewers prefer the available turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which they say makes the 2013 Sportage one of the quickest SUVs in the segment. A six-speed manual transmission is standard and a six-speed automatic is optional. Reviewers haven’t said much about either transmission, though one critic comments that the automatic offered smooth, responsive shifts. While test drivers say that the Sportage’s firm suspension means that it isn’t the smoothest-riding compact SUV in the class, they also note that the 2013 Sportage offers composed handling that rivals like the Jeep Patriot can’t match.

Inside, the Sportage offers less cargo and passenger space than a number of SUVs in the class. Some reviewers say that the Sportage’s seats are uncomfortable, and that rivals like the Subaru Forester and Honda CR-V have more back-seat passenger space. Additionally, a few test drivers note that the Sportage’s stylish exterior design and thick roof pillars take a toll on outward visibility, and that the cabin, while stylish, could use higher-quality materials. Despite these complaints, the Sportage comes with more standard features than many SUVs in the class, and reviewers point out that its electronic features are easy to use. The 2013 Kia Sportage comes standard with USB and Bluetooth connectivity, while options include heated front seats, push-button start, navigation, dual-zone automatic climate control and a panoramic moonroof.    

• "Sportage's racy styling sacrifices some outward visibility, and fuel economy falls a bit below par for the class. Otherwise, Sportage delivers a host of standard features, an impressive list of luxury options, and the bonus of Kia's strong warranty." -- Consumer Guide 
• "If maximum interior space, a smooth ride and good 360-degree visibility are important factors in your car-buying decision, the 2013 Kia Sportage probably won't float your boat. Best look to a Subaru Forester or Honda CR-V." -- Kelley Blue Book
• "This time around, the third-generation Sportage offers a near-ideal balance of style and substance, with an eye-catching look and a lively driving character that many of its competitors can't match." -- Edmunds (2012) 
• "Everyone also loved the Sportage's lowest as-tested price, lofty level of equipment, and standout styling." -- Motor Trend (2012)

Other Cars to Consider

If you like the Sportage’s car-like ride, but want a compact SUV with a spacious back seat, consider the Subaru XV Crosstrek. It’s not as powerful as the Sportage, but the XV Crosstrek gets great fuel economy and comes with all-wheel drive as standard equipment.

The Ford Escape offers a comfortable back seat, good fuel economy and more cargo space than you’ll find in the Sportage. Additionally, reviewers say that the Escape’s nimble handling and car-like ride make it one of the most fun-to-drive SUVs in the class.

Compare the Sportage, XV Crosstrek and Escape »

Details: 2013 Kia Sportage

The 2013 Kia Sportage seats five and has standard front-wheel drive. A 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and a six-speed manual come standard, while a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive are optional. The 2013 Sportage is available in base, LX, EX and SX trims. Each trim adds to the Sportage’s list of standard features. The SX trim also includes a more powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Aside from the addition of optional power-folding side mirrors, the Sportage sees few changes for 2013. As a result, this overview uses applicable research and reviews from 2011 and 2012, as well as the current model year.

See the full 2013 Kia Sportage specs »