2010 Kia Sportage: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2010 Kia Sportage is a light equipment-update year, not a redesign. The main change is that illuminated vanity mirrors and an eight-way adjustable driver's seat became standard across the lineup.
About the 2010 Kia Sportage
2nd generation Sportage (2005-2010), final model year after the 2009 styling update
Kia positioned the Sportage as a value-focused compact SUV with a roomy cabin, flexible cargo space, available four-wheel drive, and a strong list of standard comfort and safety features. In this generation, it was aimed at shoppers who wanted everyday small-SUV usefulness and light foul-weather capability without moving up to a larger or more expensive vehicle. The appeal was practicality and equipment value, not luxury or performance.
The LX was the practical, value-focused trim, with a folding rear seat, separate flip-up rear glass, USB and auxiliary audio inputs, and core safety features such as stability control and six airbags. The more upscale EX paired a V6 and automatic transmission with a sunroof, heated mirrors, fog lights, and 17-inch alloy wheels.
What changed, by category
2010 Kia Sportage specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, 2.7 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter / V6, 2.7 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 4-Spd w/Overdrive & Sportmatic | Automatic, 4-Spd w/Overdrive & Sportmatic |
| Drivetrain | 4WD | 2WD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 18 mpg | 18–20 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 23 mpg | 23–25 mpg |
| Horsepower | 173 hp | 140–173 hp |
| Torque | 178 lb-ft | 136–178 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 2000 lb | 1500 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 66.6 cu-ft | 66.6 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 37.2 in | 37.2 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | ||
| Automatic Headlights | ||
| Rear Parking Sensors | ||
| Alloy Wheels | ||
| Fog Lights | ||
| Heated Mirrors | ||
| Heated Windshield | ||
| Power Moonroof | ||
| Rear Spoiler | ||
| Roof Rails | ||
| Navigation System | ||
| Satellite Radio | ||
| Subwoofer | ||
| USB Ports | ||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||
| Heated Front Seats | ||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||
| Leather Seats | ||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||
| Remote Start | ||
| Tilt Wheel | ||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2010 Kia Sportage redesigned?
No. The 2010 Sportage was the final model year of the second generation and carried over the styling introduced for 2009. A full redesign followed for 2011.
What became standard on the 2010 Kia Sportage?
Illuminated vanity mirrors and an eight-way adjustable driver's seat became standard across the 2010 Sportage lineup.
Does the 2010 Kia Sportage have an EcoMinder display?
Yes, 2010 Sportage models with an automatic transmission gained an EcoMinder display that helps the driver monitor fuel use. Manual-transmission models did not receive it.
Were rear parking sensors standard on the 2010 Kia Sportage?
No. Rear parking sensors were newly optional for 2010, not standard across the lineup.
Did every 2010 Kia Sportage trim receive the same updates?
Every trim gained illuminated vanity mirrors and an eight-way adjustable driver's seat. The EcoMinder display applied only to automatic-transmission models, while rear parking sensors were optional.