DecodedCars2015 Kia Sportage
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2015 models.
- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV LX AWD/EX AWD/EX Luxury, 4dr SUV LX/EX FWD, 4dr SUV Sx
- Engines
- 2.4L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 23 combined · 21 city / 28 hwy
- Length
- 174.8 in
- Curb weight
- 3,243–3,664 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
Watch out for
- "Park outside" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 21 similar 2015 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2015 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 all-wheel drive.
It measures about 175 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 104-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,426 lb (4dr SUV LX AWD/EX AWD/EX Luxury).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 23 MPG combined (21 city / 28 highway), 4% worse than the 2015 small SUV average of 24 MPG, for an estimated $2,900 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 146 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2015
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2014 Sportage — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2014; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2014 Sportage →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Built in: Gwangju, South Korea
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2015 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV LX AWD/EX AWD/EX Luxury | 174.8 in | 73.2 in | 65 in | 103.9 in | 63.4 / 63.8 in | 3,426 lb | 58/42 |
| 4dr SUV LX/EX FWD | 174.8 in | 73.2 in | 65 in | 103.9 in | 63.4 / 63.8 in | 3,243 lb | 58/42 |
| 4dr SUV Sx | 174.8 in | 73.2 in | 65 in | 103.9 in | 63.4 / 63.8 in | 3,664 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 FWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 28 / 23 | -4% | $2,900 | 376 |
| Sportage FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 26 / 23 | -4% | $2,900 | 394 |
| Sportage AWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 22 | -3% | $3,050 | 402 |
| Sportage SX FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 26 / 22 | -8% | $3,050 | 407 |
| Sportage AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 24 / 21 | -7% | $3,200 | 422 |
| Sportage SX AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 25 / 21 | -7% | $3,200 | 420 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2015 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 Kia Sportage SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 17.4% |
| 2015 Kia Sportage SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 15.5% |
Similar 2015 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 Kia Sportage (this car) | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2015 Toyota RAV4 | 26 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2015 Honda CR-V | 29 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2015 Hyundai Tucson | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2015 Subaru Forester | 27 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2015 Mazda CX-5 | 29 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
Recalls (2)
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module · Feb 2, 2022 Park outside
NHTSA campaign 22V051000 · 126,747 vehicles
- Problem
- Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2018 K900 and 2014-2016 Sportage vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) module could malfunction and cause an electrical short, which could result in an engine compartment fire.
- 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 install a new fuse for the HECU circuit board, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 22, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC227.
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.
Not every 2015 Kia Sportage is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2015 Kia Sportage buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 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 — 84 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic — 27 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Electrical System — 17 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 75,000 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 2015 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 →