The Good
The 2015 Sportage boasts a sleek, modern design that appeals to emotional buyers. Its available turbocharged engine provides zesty performance. Practical advantages include a comfortable ride, decent fuel efficiency for its class, and strong value for money. It offers a good balance of features and utility, making it a well-rounded choice for daily driving and family needs.
The Bad
Known weaknesses for the 2015 Sportage include a somewhat stiff ride, particularly with larger wheels, and limited cargo capacity compared to some rivals. Rear visibility can be challenging due to the design, and some owners report higher cabin noise. Certain engines have also been prone to oil consumption and potential rod bearing issues over time, requiring vigilance.
2015 KIA Sportage: Quick Overview
- Engine Options:
- 2.4-liter GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) four-cylinder engine
- 2.0-liter Turbocharged GDI four-cylinder engine (SX trim only)
- Horsepower:
- 2.4L: 182 hp @ 6,000 rpm
- 2.0L Turbo: 260 hp @ 6,000 rpm
- Torque:
- 2.4L: 177 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
- 2.0L Turbo: 269 lb-ft @ 1,850 – 3,000 rpm
- Transmission:
- 6-speed automatic transmission with Sportmatic® shifting
- Drivetrain:
- Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) standard
- All-Wheel Drive (AWD) optional for all trims
- Fuel Economy (EPA Estimated):
- 2.4L FWD: 21 MPG City / 28 MPG Highway / 24 MPG Combined
- 2.4L AWD: 20 MPG City / 26 MPG Highway / 22 MPG Combined
- 2.0L Turbo FWD: 20 MPG City / 27 MPG Highway / 23 MPG Combined
- 2.0L Turbo AWD: 20 MPG City / 25 MPG Highway / 22 MPG Combined
- 0-60 MPH Acceleration (Approximate):
- 2.4L: Around 8.0 – 8.5 seconds
- 2.0L Turbo: Around 6.5 – 7.0 seconds
- Towing Capacity:
- Up to 2,000 lbs (with trailer brakes)
- Trim-Level Features:
- LX (Base Model): Standard features include 17-inch alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights, air conditioning, full power accessories, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, a six-speaker sound system with CD player, satellite radio, and USB/auxiliary audio inputs.
- EX (Mid-Range): Adds 18-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, roof rails, keyless entry and ignition, a rearview camera, dual-zone automatic climate control, a power-adjustable driver's seat, upgraded cloth upholstery, and a UVO eServices infotainment system with a 4.3-inch touchscreen display.
- SX (Top-Tier Sporty): Includes the more powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, sport-tuned suspension, 18-inch polished alloy wheels, unique grille design, dual exhaust tips, heated and ventilated front seats, leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, a larger 7-inch touchscreen with navigation, and an upgraded Infinity® audio system.
2015 KIA Sportage Specifications
Vehicle Information
| Year | 2015 |
| Make | KIA |
| Model | Sportage |
| Trim | - |
| Style | - |
| Type | Wagon |
| Category | Minivan Medium Truck |
Manufacturing Details
| Made In | Korea |
| Manufacturing City | GWANGJU |
Dimensions
| Doors | 4-Door |
| Curb Weight | - |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating | - |
| Overall Height | - |
| Overall Length | - |
| Overall Width | - |
| Wheelbase Length | - |
| Standard Seating | - |
Engine & Performance
| Engine | DOHC GDI THETA II |
| Engine Size | 2.4L |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 |
| Transmission | - |
| Transmission Type | - |
| Transmission Speeds | - |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
Additional Features
| Anti-Brake System | - |
| Steering Type | - |
Pricing
| Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) | - |
| Invoice Price | - |
| Delivery Charges | - |
Vehicle History Report
Specifications
History
Events
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Listings
Recalls
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Analysis
What Problems Does the 2015 KIA Sportage Have?
Another common complaint relates to the catalytic converter, with some owners reporting premature failure. Electrical issues, while generally minor, can include problems with power windows, infotainment glitches, or sensor malfunctions. The steering can sometimes develop a clunking noise, often traced to a failing flexible coupling in the steering column. Brake-related issues, such as premature wear of pads and rotors, or sticky calipers, have also been noted.
Regarding recalls, the 2015 Sportage has been subject to a few. One notable recall involved the brake light switch, which could fail and prevent the brake lights from illuminating, as well as interfering with other systems like cruise control and push-button start. While less prevalent than in earlier years of the third generation, there have also been broader recalls affecting Kia and Hyundai models for potential engine fires due to fuel line issues or manufacturing debris in the engine – although the 2015 Sportage itself had fewer direct engine fire recalls compared to some related models, the underlying engine problems contribute to general reliability concerns. Owners should always check if their specific VIN has any open recalls.
How long will the 2015 KIA Sportage last?
What Technology & Safety Features are Included?
Moving up the trims, the EX and SX models include KIA's UVO eServices infotainment system, featuring a 4.3-inch color touchscreen display for the EX, which expands to a 7-inch touchscreen with integrated navigation and an upgraded Infinity® audio system in the SX trim. Optional tech packages could add a rearview camera (standard on EX and SX), rear parking sensors, and a panoramic sunroof, enhancing convenience and comfort. The SX also offered heated and ventilated front seats, contributing to its premium feel.
In terms of safety, the 2015 Sportage comes standard with antilock disc brakes (ABS), traction and stability control, hill-start assist, downhill brake control, active front headrests, and a comprehensive suite of airbags including front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. Driver-assistance features were less extensive than in contemporary luxury vehicles, but optional rear parking sensors aided maneuvering.
Crash-test ratings for the 2015 Sportage were generally good. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the Sportage an overall four-star rating out of five, with four stars for frontal crash protection and rollover protection, and five stars for side-impact protection. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the Sportage its top "Good" rating in the moderate-overlap frontal-offset, side-impact, roof strength, and head restraint/seat tests. However, it received an "Acceptable" rating in the more challenging small-overlap frontal-offset crash test.
What Colors Options are Available?
2015 KIA Sportage Prices and Market Value
2015 KIA Sportage Cost of Ownership
2015 KIA Sportage Fuel Efficiency
2015 KIA Sportage Safety Rating
NHTSA
2015 KIA Sportage Insurance
reasonable repair costs.
How Does the 2015 KIA Sportage Compare to Other Wagon?
Performance: The Sportage stood out with its available 260-hp turbocharged engine (SX trim), offering significantly more zest than the naturally aspirated engines in the CR-V, RAV4, and even the base Ford Escape. The Mazda CX-5 offered comparable spirited driving dynamics, especially with its 2.5L engine, but without a turbo option. For buyers prioritizing acceleration, the Sportage SX was a clear winner.
Features: Feature-for-feature, the Sportage often provided more standard equipment and appealing options (like ventilated seats, panoramic sunroof) at a lower price point than the CR-V or RAV4. Its UVO infotainment system was competitive, though not as refined as some Ford Sync versions. Design-wise, the Sportage had a more distinctive, sporty aesthetic compared to the more conservative CR-V and RAV4.
Reliability: This is where the Sportage faced its biggest challenge. While generally robust, the known GDI engine issues (oil consumption, rod bearing failure) presented a notable long-term reliability concern that was less prevalent in the supremely reliable CR-V and RAV4. The CX-5 and Tucson generally offered good reliability, while the Ford Escape had its own set of known issues, particularly with its earlier EcoBoost engines. The Sportage's reliability reputation was certainly more checkered than its Japanese rivals.
Price: The Sportage typically offered strong value, often undercutting similarly equipped rivals when new and continuing to do so in the used market, primarily due to higher depreciation and the engine reliability concerns.
Recommended Alternatives:
- Mazda CX-5: A strong alternative if you value driving dynamics and style, with generally better reliability than the Sportage and competitive features.
- Honda CR-V: For buyers prioritizing maximum cargo space, excellent reliability, and strong resale value, the CR-V is a more practical choice, though less exciting to drive.
- Toyota RAV4: Similar to the CR-V, the RAV4 offers bulletproof reliability, strong resale, and practicality, making it a safe, dependable option.
- Hyundai Tucson: Being a platform mate, the 2015 Tucson shares many mechanicals with the Sportage, offering a slightly more conservative design but similar pros and cons, often at a slightly lower price point.