DecodedCars2013 Kia Sportage
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2013 models.
- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- 4 Dr SUV LX AWD/EX AWD/EX Luxury, 4 Dr SUV LX/EX FWD, 4 Dr SUV Sx
- Engines
- 2.4L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 25 combined · 21 city / 30 hwy
- Length
- 174.8 in
- Curb weight
- 3,157–3,534 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 3 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
- Many owner complaints375 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 105 for similar models — most often about the engine.
- "Park outside" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 21 similar 2013 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2013 Kia Sportage is a small SUV offered with 2 engines (2.4L 4-cyl and 2.0L 4-cyl turbo) and front-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive.
It measures about 175 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 104-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,488 lb (4 Dr SUV LX AWD/EX AWD/EX Luxury).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 25 MPG combined (21 city / 30 highway), 9% better than the 2013 small SUV average of 23 MPG, for an estimated $2,700 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 375 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2013
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2012 Sportage — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2012; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2012 Sportage →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Built in: Gwangju, South Korea
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2013 Sportage configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 Dr SUV LX AWD/EX AWD/EX Luxury | 174.8 in | 73.2 in | 65 in | 103.9 in | 63.4 / 63.8 in | 3,488 lb | 58/42 |
| 4 Dr SUV LX/EX FWD | 174.8 in | 73.2 in | 65 in | 103.9 in | 63.4 / 63.8 in | 3,157 lb | 58/42 |
| 4 Dr SUV Sx | 174.8 in | 73.2 in | 65 in | 103.9 in | 63.4 / 63.8 in | 3,534 lb | 58/42 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sportage 2WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 30 / 25 | +9% | $2,700 | 371 |
| Sportage 2WD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 28 / 24 | +4% | $2,800 | 380 |
| Sportage 2WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 27 / 23 | 0% | $2,900 | 396 |
| Sportage 4WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 20 / 27 / 23 | +7% | $2,900 | 396 |
| Sportage 4WD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 20 / 25 / 22 | +3% | $3,050 | 406 |
| Sportage 4WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 19 / 25 / 21 | -2% | $3,200 | 425 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2013 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2013 Kia Sportage.
Similar 2013 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 Kia Sportage (this car) | 25 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2013 Toyota RAV4 | 26 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2013 Honda CR-V | 26 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2013 Hyundai Tucson | 25 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2013 Subaru Forester | 23 MPG | Not rated | 12 |
| 2013 Mazda CX-5 | 29 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan | 23 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
Recalls (3)
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module · Sep 25, 2023 Park outside
NHTSA campaign 23V652000 · 1,730,192 vehicles
- Problem
- Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
- Risk
- An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 14, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2024 through June 18, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC284.
Engine · Dec 19, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V907000 · 71,653 vehicles
- Problem
- Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.
- Risk
- A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine · Mar 31, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V224000 · 618,160 vehicles
- Problem
- Kia Motor Company (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Optima, 2012-2014 Sorento and 2011-2013 Sportage vehicles. Machining errors during the engine manufacturing process may cause premature bearing wear within the engine.
- Risk
- Bearing wear may result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine assembly, and replace the engine if necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 20, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC147.
Not every 2013 Kia Sportage is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2013 Kia Sportage buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Safety-critical recall. At least one recall carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Do not buy until the VIN shows it was repaired.
- Engine — 301 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Electrical System — 22 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic — 19 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 99,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2013 Kia Sportage. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Sportage years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Sportage | 41 | 184.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
| 2026 Sportage | 42 | 184.3 in | Not rated | 1 | 40 |
| 2025 Sportage | 43 | 183.5 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 75 |
| 2024 Sportage | 43 | 183.5 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 110 |
| 2023 Sportage | 43 | 183.5 in | ★★★★★ | 7 | 309 |
| 2022 Sportage | 26 | 176.4 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 46 |
| 2021 Sportage | 26 | 176.4 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 54 |
| 2020 Sportage | 26 | 176.4 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 164 |
| 2019 Sportage | 25 | 176.4 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 71 |
| 2018 Sportage | 26 | 176.4 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 165 |
| 2017 Sportage | 26 | 176.4 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 404 |
| 2016 Sportage | 23 | 174.8 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 134 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Kia. How we calculate this →