“I drive for work, about 2800 miles a month, the fuel economy, interior comfort, and overall performance are excellent for me.”
2015 Kia Sportage: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2015 Kia Sportage is mostly a carryover, with more standard technology on the SX as the headline change. The body, engines, and LX/EX/SX lineup remain unchanged.
About the 2015 Kia Sportage
3rd gen (2011-2016), late-cycle year after the 2014 refresh
Kia pitched the 2015 Sportage as an athletic-looking compact crossover that mixes bold styling with everyday usefulness. The main appeal was a five-seat cabin, useful cargo room, a strong standard feature list, and available AWD, with the SX adding real turbo power for drivers who wanted more punch. Compared with more conservative small SUVs, the Sportage was sold on personality first—sharper looks and a more energetic feel—while still handling commuting, family errands, and road trips.
The LX is the straightforward version, with a 2.4-liter engine, six-speed automatic, Bluetooth, and alloy wheels. The EX adds comfort-focused equipment such as heated front seats, a touchscreen with a rearview camera, premium audio, and dual-zone climate control. The SX is the performance-focused trim, pairing a 2.0-liter turbo engine with navigation, push-button start, power-folding mirrors, and distinctive lighting.
What changed, by category
Tech
Navigation, proximity keyless entry, and push-button start became standard on the SX instead of optional.
2015 Kia Sportage specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, GDI, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, GDI, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, GDI, 2.0L |
| Transmission | Auto, 6-Spd Sportmatic | Auto, 6-Spd Sportmatic | Auto, 6-Spd Sportmatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 21 mpg | 21 mpg | 20 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 28 mpg | 28 mpg | 26 mpg |
| Horsepower | 182 hp | 182 hp | 260 hp |
| Torque | 177 lb-ft | 177 lb-ft | 269 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 2000 lb | 2000 lb | 2000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 54.6 cu-ft | 54.6 cu-ft | 54.6 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 37.9 in | 37.9 in | 37.9 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | |||
| Automatic Headlights | |||
| Automatic Leveling Headlights | |||
| Rear Parking Sensors | |||
| Rear View Camera | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| Fog Lights | |||
| HID Headlights | |||
| Heated Mirrors | |||
| Heated Windshield | |||
| LED Daytime Running Lights | |||
| LED Tail Lights | |||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | |||
| Rear Spoiler | |||
| Roof Rails | |||
| Trailer Hitch Receiver | |||
| Bluetooth | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Premium Audio | |||
| Satellite Radio | |||
| Subwoofer | |||
| USB Ports | |||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||
| Power Driver Seat | |||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||
| Remote Start | |||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2015 Kia Sportage redesigned?
No. The 2015 Sportage kept the same third-generation body and basic design used for 2014, with no major structural or styling update.
What became standard on the 2015 Kia Sportage SX?
Navigation, proximity keyless entry, and push-button start became standard on the 2015 Sportage SX. These features had been optional for 2014.
Did the 2015 Kia Sportage get new engines?
No. The LX and EX retained the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, while the SX retained its 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Both used a six-speed automatic transmission.
Which 2015 Kia Sportage trim has the turbo engine?
The SX is the 2015 Sportage trim with the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. The LX and EX use the non-turbo 2.4-liter engine.
Is the 2015 Kia Sportage much different from the 2014 model?
No. The 2015 Sportage is largely the same as the 2014 model, but the SX has more standard technology, including navigation, proximity keyless entry, and push-button start.
2015 Kia Sportage Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2015 Kia Sportage.
4.1
2015 Kia Sportage
(143 reviews)
“The road noise on the car is horrible. Steering is way too sloppy. Love the visibility. Very loud ride. Not quiet at all. Have not decided yet if I will keep it long-term.”
“I love the Kia brand, however I wish the entire vehicle line up had the same features. For example my Optima SX did not come with the same features as my Sorento SX. It is a frustrating issue between all of the cars in your line.”