carivo.co
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $19,250–$24,480 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2014 Kia Sportage at 7.3/10 overall, which translates to a Good rating for this suv. Its strongest dimension is Value at 7.8/10, while Performance at 6.5/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional suv — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We score reliability at 7.5/10 — better than most direct rivals, if short of the segment's best. The safety score of 7.6/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance at 6.5/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Tech rates a reasonable 7.0/10: the essentials are covered and well executed, but rivals at the same price often include more as standard.
Priced from $19,250–$24,480, 17 MPG, seating 5, the Kia Sportage sits in the budget-friendly tier of the suv market. The 7.8/10 value score says the pricing is fair rather than generous; cross-shop the segment before signing anything. At 12 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Our take: The 2014 Kia Sportage is a passable suv but not a standout one. Weaknesses in performance hold it back from being a strong recommendation. It may suit buyers with specific needs it serves well, but we'd encourage comparing at least two or three higher-scored alternatives before deciding.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2014 Kia Sportage ranks #1384 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 44% of the segment. Its 7.3/10 overall score is 0.1 points below the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $19,250 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $36,079 by about 47%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking →
Across the Sportage model years we've scored, the 2014 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 8.1/10 | $31,919 | Read review → |
| 2025 | 8.1/10 | $31,919 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 8.0/10 | $30,990 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.9/10 | $30,060 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.8/10 | $29,130 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.8/10 | $28,200 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 7.8/10 | $27,271 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.8/10 | $26,341 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.7/10 | $25,411 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.6/10 | $24,482 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.6/10 | $23,552 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.5/10 | $22,622 | Read review → |
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
| Fuel system, gasoline / Delivery / Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings 19/12/2018 · 18V907000 | 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… |
|---|---|
| Service brakes, hydraulic / Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip / Control unit/module 02/02/2022 · 22V051000 | 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. |
| Equipment / Other / Labels 27/01/2014 · 14V023000 | Kia Motors Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2014 Kia Sportage vehicles manufactured September 30, 2013, through January 11, 2014. The certification label has incorrect tire pressure information printed on it, listing a specification that… |
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
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