The 2020 Kia Sportage was named Best Compact SUV for the Money by U.S. News. It also ranked number two overall in the compact SUV category. This sporty vehicle has a long-standing reputation for quality and is perfect for consumers that desire a dependable car for commuting.

Older Kia Sportage vehicles seem to be holding value fairly well. The 2017 Kia Sportage, in particular, is a solid option for those looking for a reliable used car. The features are generous by today’s standards, and the fuel economy is consistent with other vehicles in its class.

What Consumer Reports had to say about the 2017 Kia Sportage

The fourth-generation redesign impressed Consumer Reports test drivers with its roomy interior. There is adequate headroom, and the cabin is easily accessible with chair-height-step-in and large wide-opening rear doors.

Seating is comfortable with a power driver’s seat and heated options available on higher trims. The rear seatbacks recline and fold easily via a well-placed lever.

Compared to other small SUVs in its class, the Sportage interior feels a little dated with simplistic knobs and buttons and a lackluster appearance. Visibility is better than previous models, but it still has a bothersome third slide window that creates a blind spot. Fortunately, the standard rearview camera helps make up for this design flaw.

The 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine puts out 181 hp and is paired with a conventional six-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy is average at 24 mpg overall (per Consumer Reports). The trustworthy vehicle did improve its crash test ratings in 2017, receiving the a score of ‘Good’ from the IIHS.

Consumer Reports ranked the 2017 Kia Sportage 3 out of 5 for reliability and only 2 out of 5 for owner satisfaction because of indicated problems with acceleration and handling.

The overall opinion was that: “With an improved ride, better noise isolation and visibility, straightforward controls, and a refined powertrain, the Sportage is a compelling choice that adds a dash of youthful style.”

Consumers on Cars.com love the 2017 Kia Sportage

Consumers on Cars.com love the 2017 Kia Sportage. The compact SUV earned an impressive 4.9 out of 5-star rating. Exterior styling, performance, interior design, comfort, reliability, and value for the money all received stellar ratings.

The few consumers that didn’t like the Kia Sportage complained, saying it was the worst car they ever bought. There was a broad range of issues relating to engine problems, noise when shifting gears, oil leaking, and poor customer service.

The negative reviews were far outweighed the positive ones, as reflected by the almost perfect ratings. Cars.com reported that 96 percent of drivers recommended this car. 

How much will this used SUV set you back?

When the Kia Sportage was released in 2017, the MSRP was $24,000 for the base model. The fully-loaded SX Turbo AWD with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with an output of 240 hp had a starting price close to $35,000.

According to Consumer Reports, the 2017 Kia Sportage now has a varying price range between $14,250 to $20,275. Cars.com states that a used 2017 Sportage should cost between $12,618 and $23,022 dependent upon the trim and included options.

Optional upgrades for the 2017 model included a moonroof, power liftgate, climate control, and leather seating. Forward-collision warning, blind spot detection, and the automatic emergency braking system was considered to be add-on options and only available in a loaded EX or top-trim SX Turbo model.

If you’re lucky and look hard enough, according to Kelley Blue Book, you can find a fully loaded 2017 Kia Sport SX Turbo with a price tag averaging $21,000. That’s almost $15,000 less than what a brand-new 2020 Sportage retails for, making the used Kia a deal worth considering.