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2019 Kia Sportage: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2019 Kia Sportage is largely a carryover, with the top SX trim renamed SX Turbo. The engines, six-speed automatic transmission, styling, safety features, and cabin technology otherwise remain essentially unchanged.
About the 2019 Kia Sportage
4th generation (2017-2022), third model year before the 2020 refresh
Kia positioned the 2019 Sportage as a compact SUV with bolder styling than many rivals, everyday practicality, and a more upscale feel than its size suggests. The brand’s own materials stress smart technology, flexible cargo space, room for five, and available AWD for changing weather. For most shoppers, the Sportage is a city-friendly two-row SUV that aims to feel a little more distinctive and a little more premium than the usual compact-crossover choices.
The LX is the everyday model, with a 2.4-liter engine, a 5-inch touchscreen, and a split-folding rear seat. The EX adds comfort and convenience features such as heated leather seats, a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and blind-spot monitoring. The SX Turbo is the performance-focused top trim, pairing a stronger turbo engine with navigation, a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, and additional driver-assistance features.
What changed, by category
Trim lineup
The top SX trim was renamed SX Turbo. Its 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine carried over, so this was a name change rather than a new powertrain or a new trim.
2019 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, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive & Sportmatic | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive & Sportmatic | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive & Sportmatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 22 mpg | 22 mpg | 21 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 29 mpg | 29 mpg | 26 mpg |
| Horsepower | 181 hp | 181 hp | 237 hp |
| Torque | 175 lb-ft | 175 lb-ft | 260 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 2000 lb | 2000 lb | 2000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 60.1 cu-ft | 60.1 cu-ft | 60.1 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 38.2 in | 38.2 in | 38.2 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Automatic Headlights | |||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||
| Park Assist | |||
| Rear View Camera | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| Fog Lights | |||
| Heated Mirrors | |||
| LED Tail Lights | |||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | |||
| Rear Spoiler | |||
| Roof Rails | |||
| LCD Instrument Cluster | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Premium Audio | |||
| Satellite Radio | |||
| Smartphone Interface | |||
| Subwoofer | |||
| Touch Screen Monitor | |||
| USB Ports | |||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||
| Dual Power Front Seats | |||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||
| 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
Did the 2019 Kia Sportage receive any major changes?
No. The 2019 Sportage was largely unchanged from 2018, apart from the top SX trim being renamed SX Turbo. The larger styling, technology, and safety update followed for 2020.
Was the 2019 Kia Sportage SX Turbo a new model?
No. The SX Turbo was the renamed version of the previous SX trim, and it retained the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It remained the most powerful and most fully equipped Sportage trim.
What engines came in the 2019 Kia Sportage?
The 2019 Sportage LX and EX used a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, while the SX Turbo used a stronger 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. Every trim had a six-speed automatic transmission.
How does the 2019 Kia Sportage differ from the 2018 model?
There is little product difference between the 2019 and 2018 Sportage. The main confirmed change is that the top SX trim became the SX Turbo; the engines and core lineup otherwise carried over.
Was the 2019 Kia Sportage the refreshed model?
No. The 2019 Sportage came before the refresh. The more substantial exterior, cabin-technology, and driver-assistance updates arrived with the 2020 model.
2019 Kia Sportage Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2019 Kia Sportage.
4.1
2019 Kia Sportage
(163 reviews)
“Kia Sportage is a great value for the money. Extremely comfortable ride and plenty of versatile storage. Love the infotainment system and it gets excellent gas mileage!”
“Great style, versatility all in a well made vehicle. The Kia Sportage offers all this in an attractive, well-made SUV.”
Sources
- kiamedia.com — Models / Sportage / 2019
- kiamedia.com — Sportage / 2019 / Whatsnew
- kiamedia.com — Sportage / 2019 / Features
- kia.com — Us / Brochures / Brochure Sportage 2019
- kiamedia.com — Sportage / 2018 / Whatsnew
- kiamedia.com — Pressreleases / 14965 / 2020 Kia Sportage Debuts At Chicago Auto Show
- kiamedia.com — Sportage / 2020 / Features