“Safety and reliability. We had the Sportage 3 weeks when someone pulled out in front of us. That car saved us from major injuries and damage to the vehicle.”
2021 Kia Sportage: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2021 Kia Sportage is essentially a carryover from 2020. The only documented product change is that roof rails became optional rather than standard on the SX Turbo.
About the 2021 Kia Sportage
4th generation Sportage (2017-2022), second year after the 2020 styling and feature update; near the end of this generation before the all-new U.S. redesign arrived for 2023.
Kia positions the Sportage as a stylish compact SUV for shoppers who want easier city-friendly size and strong everyday value without giving up available AWD, modern phone integration, and a more athletic look than many rivals. The lineup ranges from a simple LX to a comfort-focused EX and a stronger SX Turbo, so the model's core identity is a practical daily SUV with a bolder design and a slightly sportier personality than the average compact crossover.
The LX is the straightforward everyday trim, with a 2.4-liter engine, an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and core driver-assistance features. The EX emphasizes comfort with heated front seats, navigation, dual-zone climate control, and a power liftgate, while the SX Turbo pairs a stronger turbo engine with sport-tuned suspension, leather-trimmed seats, premium audio, and adaptive cruise control.
What changed, by category
Styling
Roof rails changed from standard to optional equipment on the SX Turbo. The rest of the exterior styling carried over.
2021 Kia Sportage specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, GDI, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, GDI, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, GDI, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, GDI, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, 6-Spd |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 23 mpg | 23 mpg | 23 mpg | 20 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 30 mpg | 30 mpg | 30 mpg | 28 mpg |
| Horsepower | 181 hp | 181 hp | 181 hp | 237 hp |
| Torque | 175 lb-ft | 175 lb-ft | 175 lb-ft | 260 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 2000 lb | 2000 lb | 2000 lb | 2000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 60.1 cu-ft | 60.1 cu-ft | 60.1 cu-ft | 60.1 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 38.2 in | 38.2 in | 38.2 in | 38.2 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||
| Alarm System | ||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||
| Park Assist | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||
| LED Headlights | ||||
| LED Tail Lights | ||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||
| Roof Rails | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||
| Subwoofer | ||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||
| 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 | ||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||||
Frequently asked questions
What changed on the 2021 Kia Sportage compared with the 2020 model?
Very little changed for 2021. The Sportage kept the same four-trim lineup, two-engine setup, cabin layout, and core safety technology; the only documented equipment change was that SX Turbo roof rails became optional instead of standard.
Was the 2021 Kia Sportage redesigned?
No, the 2021 Kia Sportage was not redesigned. It remained part of the fourth generation introduced for 2017 and carried over the styling and feature update made for 2020.
Did the 2021 Kia Sportage get a new engine?
No, the engine lineup carried over for 2021. LX, S, and EX models used the 2.4-liter four-cylinder, while the SX Turbo retained its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder.
Did the 2021 Kia Sportage add new safety technology?
No, there was no lineup-wide safety upgrade for 2021. The existing features carried over, including forward collision avoidance and lane-keeping assistance on the LX, with additional systems on higher trims.
Is the 2021 Kia Sportage SX Turbo substantially different from the 2020 version?
No, the 2021 SX Turbo is largely the same as the 2020 version. Its turbo engine, sport-tuned suspension, LED lighting, leather-trimmed seats, premium audio, and adaptive cruise control remained, but roof rails changed from standard to optional.
2021 Kia Sportage Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2021 Kia Sportage.
4.0
2021 Kia Sportage
(152 reviews)
“It's an Excellent choice! Fantastic Safety Features and Latest Technology. Comfortable Seating. Is great for Road Trips and Fun to drive!”
“I have leased 3 Sportages. Design, quality, reliability, and safety make this vehicle the winner every time. Best bang for the buck.”
Sources
- kiamedia.com — Models / Sportage / 2021
- kiamedia.com — Sportage / 2021 / Whatsnew
- kiamedia.com — Sportage / 2021 / Features
- kiamedia.com — Models / Sportage / 2020
- kiamedia.com — Sportage / 2022 / Whatsnew
- kiamedia.com — Models / Sportage / 2017
- kiamedia.com — Pressreleases / 18069 / All New 2023 Sportage Undergoes Total Transformation Gets Bigger Gets Bolder