MSRP: $27,190
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Overview
The 2025 Kia Sportage is a compact SUV that competes in the most popular passenger-vehicle segment in America against rivals such as the Honda CR-V and top-selling Toyota RAV4. It comes with a choice of three powertrains. The regular Sportage has an 187-horsepower naturally aspirated 2.5-liter 4-cylinder with an 8-speed automatic and a choice of FWD or AWD. The two hybridized ones both employ a turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder and a 6-speed auto, but the regular hybrid has 227 hp and comes with FWD or AWD, while the plug-in hybrid has 261 hp and is AWD only, with an all-electric range of 34 miles.
There are seven trim spread across all three powertrains, and the roomy interior offers plenty of passenger space, with up to 39.6 cu-ft of cargo space behind the rear seat in gas guise, and capable of towing up to 2,500 pounds. All come with Kia’s industry-leading 10-year powertrain warranty.
What’s New for 2025?
The 2025 Sportage gains a newly available Premium package for the EX trim, comprising a panoramic sunroof and a smart power liftgate. The X-Line and X-Pro trims get a gloss-black finish for the bumper trim and side sills, along with black badging, while the X-Line also get gloss-black wheels.
Exterior
Kia’s Opposites United design gives the Sportage striking styling, with wraparound boomerang LED DRLs encapsulating the LED headlights being the most striking styling cue. Base and X-Pro trims run on 17-inch alloys, but other trims get 18s or 19s. X-Line and X-Pro trim feature dark exterior accents and the X-Pro comes with all-terrain tires. With a length of 183.5 inches and a 108.5-inch wheelbase, the Sportage falls firmly in the compact class. SX and X-Pro trims get a standard smart power liftgate.
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Interior
SX and X-Pro trims get a curved 12.3-inch gauge cluster. The LX has an 8-inch touchscreen with a USB port and a 6-speaker audio system, while all the others get a 12.3-inch display, more USB ports and a wireless charging pad. SX and X-Pro trims have a Harman Kardon audio system.
The LX has cloth seats, regular AC, and cruise control, while higher trims get leatherette upholstery, a power driver’s seat, heated front seats, and dual-zone climate control. Top trims get ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a power passenger seat, a heated steering wheel, and a panoramic roof.
The expansive cabin offers 41.3-41.4 inches of rear-seat legroom, and cargo volume on the low setting of the dual-level cargo floor (standard on EX and above) is 39.6 cu-ft behind the front seats (the PHEV has about 5 cu-ft less).
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Price Range
All prices exclude the $1,395 destination fee. AWD adds $1,800 to eligible trims.
| Trim | Gas | Hybrid | PHEV |
| LX | $27,390* | $28,790 (AWD) | N/A |
| EX | $29,490* | $32,590 (AWD) | N/A |
| SX | $32,990 | ||
| SX Prestige | $34,990* | $37,790 (AWD) | N/A |
| X-Pro Prestige (AWD) | $38,290 | N/A | N/A |
| X-Line (AWD) | N/A | N/A | $39,890 |
| X-Line Prestige (AWD) | N/A | N/A | $44,390 |
* eligible for AWD option
Key Specs
Powertrain
| Engine | HP | Torque | Drive | Transmission |
| 2.5L I4 (Gas) | 187 hp | 178 lb-f | FWD / AWD | 8-speed auto |
| 1.6L Turbo I4 Hybrid | 227 hp | 258 lb-ft | FWD / AWD | 6-speed auto |
| 1.6L Turbo I4 PHEV | 261 hp | 258 lb-ft | AWD | 6-speed auto |
Fuel Economy (MPG)
| Config | City | Highway | Combined | Combined Gas Only | Range | EV Range |
| PHEV (AWD) | – | – | 84 MPGe | 35 | 430 mi | 34 mi |
| Hybrid FWD | 42 | 44 | 43 | – | 589 mi | – |
| Hybrid AWD | 38 | 38 | 38 | – | 521 mi | – |
| Gas FWD | 25 | 32 | 28 | – | 400 mi | – |
| Gas AWD | 23 | 27-30 | 25-26 | – | 358-372 mi | – |
Cargo: 39.6-74.1 cu-ft (gas) / 39.5-73.7 cu-ft (HEV) / 34.5-65.5 cu-ft (PHEV)
Seating: 5
Towing: 2,500 lbs (gas) / 2,000 lbs (HEV & PHEV)
Warranty
| Coverage | Term |
| Basic Vehicle | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
| Powertrain | 10 years / 100,000 miles |
| Complimentary Maintenance | Not included |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Industry-leading 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty
- Hybrid at 43 mpg combined FWD is exceptional for a compact SUV
- Bold design with wraparound LED lighting stands out in the segment
- 39.6 cu-ft of cargo behind the rear seats beats most direct competitors
- Three powertrain options (gas, hybrid, PHEV) cover every buyer’s needs
Cons:
- 187-hp gas engine feels underpowered, especially with AWD
- Cabin noise noticeable at highway speeds
- X-Pro’s all-terrain tires compromise on-road ride quality
- PHEV pricing above $40,000 approaches premium-brand territory
- Some owner reports of reliability concerns with electrical systems
Verdict
The Sportage remains a very impressive package in its segment, with a high-value sub-$30K starting price, generous cabin and cargo space, stylish good looks, an impressive feature count, and a choice of three powertrains, including regular gas, hybrid, and PHEV variants. The Hybrid is the best in EX guise, with the big touchscreen and more features. Its powertrain fixes the base gas engine’s weak performance and adding excellent efficiency. The bold styling might not be to everybody’s taste, so if you’re undecided, wait for the facelifted 2026 model. Either way, the Sportage is an excellent option in this class, with an industry-leading powertrain warranty.
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About the author
Cobus F. Potgieter
Reviews and Features Editor