The 2025 Kia Sportage continues to shine as a standout in the compact SUV market, blending bold styling, advanced technology, and a versatile range of powertrains. With its spacious interior, generous standard features, and a class-leading warranty, the Sportage appeals to families, commuters, and adventure-seekers alike. This comprehensive review dives into the pricing, trim levels, features, and performance of the 2025 Kia Sportage, including comparisons across its models to help you choose the right one. We’ll also explore its strengths, weaknesses, and how it stacks up against rivals like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Hyundai Tucson.
Overview of the 2025 Kia Sportage
The Kia Sportage has evolved into a sophisticated and competitive compact SUV since its debut in the 1990s. The 2025 model, part of the fifth generation introduced in 2022, offers a refreshed design and a range of powertrains: gas, mild-hybrid, full-hybrid, and plug-in hybrid (PHEV). Its striking exterior, upscale interior, and extensive safety features make it a compelling choice in a crowded segment. With a starting price of around $27,390 and a seven-year/100,000-mile warranty, the Sportage delivers excellent value.
Pricing and Trim Levels
The 2025 Kia Sportage offers a variety of trims to suit different budgets and preferences. Prices start at $27,390 for the base LX model and climb to approximately $39,465 for the top-tier X-Pro Prestige. Below is a breakdown of the key trims and their starting Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices (MSRPs), excluding destination and handling charges ($1,375).
|
Trim |
Starting MSRP |
Key Features |
|---|---|---|
|
LX |
$27,390 |
8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, lane-keep assist, 17-inch wheels |
|
EX |
$29,290 |
12.3-inch touchscreen, synthetic leather, blind-spot monitoring, heated seats |
|
X-Line |
$32,090 |
AWD, roof rails, 19-inch wheels, panoramic sunroof |
|
SX |
$32,790 |
Harman Kardon audio, navigation-based adaptive cruise, wireless charging |
|
SX Prestige |
$34,790 |
Ventilated seats, surround-view camera, Highway Driving Assist |
|
X-Pro Prestige |
$39,465 |
AWD, terrain modes, LED fog lights, 8.3-inch ground clearance |
Note: Prices exclude destination, taxes, and dealer fees. Hybrid and PHEV models have different pricing, starting at $28,590 for the Sportage Hybrid LX and around $40,000 for the PHEV.
The EX trim is often recommended for its balance of features and value, adding a larger touchscreen, synthetic leather upholstery, and advanced safety tech for just $1,900 more than the LX. The X-Line and X-Pro trims cater to those seeking a rugged look and all-wheel drive (AWD), while the SX Prestige offers near-luxury amenities.
Powertrains and Performance
The 2025 Kia Sportage offers four powertrain options, catering to diverse driving needs. The standard gas engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 187 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While adequate for daily driving, it’s not particularly peppy, with 0-60 mph times around 9.3 seconds. Fuel economy is estimated at 25/33 mpg city/highway for front-wheel-drive (FWD) models and 23/30 mpg for AWD.
For better efficiency, the Sportage Hybrid combines a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder with an electric motor, delivering 227 horsepower and up to 43 mpg combined. The plug-in hybrid (PHEV) boosts power to 248 horsepower and offers around 34 miles of electric-only range, making it ideal for company car drivers due to low CO2 emissions. The mild-hybrid (MHEV) petrol and diesel options, available in some markets, enhance efficiency slightly but are less common in the U.S.
The Sportage’s ride is comfortable, with a soft suspension that absorbs bumps well, though it can feel floaty on undulating roads. Steering is accurate but lacks the sporty feel of rivals like the Mazda CX-5. AWD models with terrain modes (snow, mud, sand) add versatility for light off-road use.
Interior and Technology
The Sportage’s interior is a highlight, offering a modern, upscale design with high-quality materials. Entry-level models feature an 8-inch touchscreen and a smaller driver display, while mid- and high-spec trims boast dual 12.3-inch panoramic screens for infotainment and gauges. The infotainment system is responsive, with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and over-the-air updates. However, the touch-sensitive climate controls can be fiddly.
Front seats are supportive, with available heating, ventilation, and power adjustments. Rear legroom and headroom are class-leading, accommodating tall adults comfortably. Cargo space is generous at 591 liters (20.8 cubic feet) behind the second row, though hybrids lose some capacity due to battery placement. Practical touches include USB-C ports, coat hangers, and configurable cupholders.
|
Feature |
LX |
EX |
X-Line |
SX |
SX Prestige |
X-Pro Prestige |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Touchscreen Size |
8-inch |
12.3-inch |
12.3-inch |
12.3-inch |
12.3-inch |
12.3-inch |
|
Digital Gauge Cluster |
4.2-inch |
12.3-inch |
12.3-inch |
12.3-inch |
12.3-inch |
12.3-inch |
|
Heated Front Seats |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Ventilated Seats |
No |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Harman Kardon Audio |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Surround-View Camera |
No |
No |
Optional |
Optional |
Yes |
Yes |
Safety and Reliability
The Sportage earns high safety marks, with a five-star Euro NCAP rating from 2022 and a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS. Standard safety features include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and rear parking sensors. Higher trims add blind-spot monitoring, a surround-view camera, and Highway Driving Assist, which combines adaptive cruise control with lane-centering.
Kia’s seven-year/100,000-mile warranty is unmatched in the segment, providing peace of mind. The brand ranked 11th out of 31 in the 2024 What Car? Reliability Survey, and the Sportage placed 11th out of 50 models in the Driver Power customer satisfaction survey.
Comparing the Sportage to Rivals
The compact SUV segment is fiercely competitive, with rivals like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, and Hyundai Tucson vying for attention. Here’s how the Sportage compares:
-
Honda CR-V: The CR-V offers a spacious cabin and excellent hybrid efficiency (up to 45 mpg combined) but lacks the Sportage’s bold styling and long warranty. Its base price is slightly higher at around $30,000.
-
Toyota RAV4: Known for reliability, the RAV4 hybrid achieves 41 mpg combined but has a noisier engine and less premium interior than the Sportage. Pricing starts at $28,675.
-
Mazda CX-5: The CX-5 delivers a sportier drive and upscale cabin but has less rear legroom and cargo space. Its base price is $28,570, and fuel economy trails the Sportage Hybrid.
-
Hyundai Tucson: Sharing a platform with the Sportage, the Tucson offers similar features and slightly more space but lacks the Kia’s distinctive design. Pricing starts at $27,500.
The Sportage stands out for its value, warranty, and tech, but its gas engine’s sluggish performance and average fuel economy are drawbacks compared to hybrid-focused rivals.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
-
Spacious, upscale interior with class-leading rear legroom
-
Extensive standard safety and tech features
-
Seven-year/100,000-mile warranty
-
Hybrid and PHEV options offer excellent efficiency
-
Bold, distinctive styling
Cons:
-
Gas engine lacks power and refinement
-
Suspension can feel floaty on uneven roads
-
Touch-sensitive climate controls are distracting
-
Higher trims and hybrids push prices close to premium brands
What’s New for 2026?
Kia has announced a refreshed Sportage for 2026, featuring updated styling with a broader grille, vertical headlights, and “star map” lighting. Inside, all models will get a 12.3-inch touchscreen as standard, along with a new steering wheel and enhanced driver-assist features like remote parking assist. A third interior screen may be added for higher trims, further elevating the tech appeal. Pricing is expected to start around $30,000, with hybrid and PHEV models continuing to offer superior efficiency.
Is the 2025 Kia Sportage Right for You?
The 2025 Kia Sportage is an excellent choice for buyers seeking a stylish, well-equipped compact SUV with a long warranty and versatile powertrain options. The EX and Hybrid EX trims offer the best value, balancing affordability with desirable features. Families will appreciate the spacious cabin and safety tech, while eco-conscious drivers can opt for the hybrid or PHEV for superior fuel economy. However, those prioritizing driving dynamics may prefer the Mazda CX-5, and budget-conscious buyers might consider the base Tucson.
With its competitive pricing, modern tech, and bold design, the Sportage remains a top contender in its class. Whether you’re navigating city streets or embarking on a road trip, the 2025 Kia Sportage delivers a practical, comfortable, and feature-rich experience.
In Summary
The 2025 Kia Sportage combines style, space, and technology to compete in the compact SUV arena. Its range of trims and powertrains ensures there’s a model for every buyer, from the budget-friendly LX to the near-luxury SX Prestige. While the gas engine could use more refinement, the hybrid and PHEV options shine for efficiency, and the seven-year warranty adds unmatched peace of mind. For those seeking a versatile, value-packed SUV, the Sportage is a must-test-drive option.