“My experience with Kia has been the best. I already own Kia Sportage 2010 and it been great vehicle, performed well without big issues. I wanted to buy same make and model. Different year. So far it's been great too. It's more modern style with a lot room for me. Drives great.”
2016 Kia Sportage: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2016 Kia Sportage is a light trim-content update, led by more standard comfort and convenience equipment on the EX. Its engines, structure and overall styling carry over from 2015.
About the 2016 Kia Sportage
3rd gen (2011-2016), final year before the all-new 4th-gen 2017 redesign
Kia positions the 2016 Sportage as a style-first compact SUV for active, everyday use. Its core appeal is a more distinctive look than many small SUVs, plus useful cargo flexibility, a compact footprint that is easy to live with, and a generous feature list for the class. The lineup also gives shoppers a clear choice between regular 2.4-liter models focused on daily driving and the SX turbo model aimed at stronger performance.
The LX is the straightforward version, with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, Bluetooth and a split-folding rear seat. The comfort-focused EX has leather, heated front seats and push-button start, while the SX pairs a turbocharged engine with ventilated front seats, navigation and a panoramic sunroof.
What changed, by category
Tech and trim equipment
EX made leather seats, proximity keyless entry, push-button start and the touchscreen standard, while fog lights and premium audio moved from standard to optional. SX made leather seats, ventilated front seats and its panoramic sunroof standard.
2016 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 H-Matic | Auto, 6-Spd H-Matic | Auto, 6-Spd H-Matic |
| 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 | 180 hp | 182 hp | 260 hp |
| Torque | 176 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 |
| Automatic Headlights | |||
| Rear Parking Sensors | |||
| Rear View Camera | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| Fog Lights | |||
| Heated Mirrors | |||
| LED Daytime Running Lights | |||
| LED Tail Lights | |||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | |||
| Rear Spoiler | |||
| Roof Rails | |||
| Bluetooth | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Premium Audio | |||
| Satellite Radio | |||
| Subwoofer | |||
| Touch Screen Monitor | |||
| USB Ports | |||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||
| Power Driver Seat | |||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||
| Remote Start | |||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2016 Kia Sportage a redesigned model?
No. The 2016 Sportage is the final year of the third-generation model, with the full redesign arriving for 2017.
What changed on the 2016 Kia Sportage compared with the 2015 model?
The main change is a reshuffling of standard equipment. EX gained standard leather seats, proximity keyless entry, push-button start and a touchscreen, while SX gained standard leather, ventilated front seats and a panoramic sunroof.
Did the 2016 Kia Sportage get new engines?
No. The 2016 Sportage kept its existing engine lineup and six-speed automatic transmission: a 2.4-liter four-cylinder in LX and EX, and a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder in SX.
Did any 2016 Kia Sportage EX features stop being standard?
Yes. Fog lights and premium audio changed from standard to optional on the 2016 Sportage EX, even as several other comfort and convenience features became standard.
2016 Kia Sportage Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2016 Kia Sportage.
4.1
2016 Kia Sportage
(121 reviews)
“Kia is a very reputable, dependable manufacturer of quality, price friendly vehicles and I highly recommend their products.”
“Kia decent brand but issues they are aware about have not corrected makes sense stronger brand is Hyundai.”
Sources
- kiamedia.com — Models / Sportage / 2016
- kiamedia.com — Sportage / 2016 / Whatsnew
- kiamedia.com — Sportage / 2016 / Features
- kiamedia.com — Sportage / 2016 / Specifications
- kiamedia.com — Sportage / 2016 / Pricing
- kiamedia.com — Sportage / 2015 / Whatsnew
- kiamedia.com — Sportage / 2015 / Features
- kiamedia.com — Models / Sportage / 2017
- kiamedia.com — Sportage / 2017 / Features