Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2016 Kia Sportage Base
Our scoring places the 2016 Kia Sportage Base at 7.6/10 overall, which translates to a Recommended rating for this suv. Its strongest dimension is Technology at 8.8/10, while Reliability at 6.6/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability is the weak spot: 6.6/10, under the class average. Review the recall record on this page and price in extra maintenance headroom. The safety score of 7.0/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance scores 7.5/10 — competent for everyday use. Acceleration and handling are adequate for commuting and highway driving, though enthusiasts will want to look at higher-rated alternatives. The cabin tech earns 8.8/10 — infotainment, smartphone integration, and driver-assistance are all close to the best this class offers.
Priced from $23,552–$29,413, 21 MPG, seating 5, the Kia Sportage Base sits in the budget-friendly tier of the suv market. Value is where it presses its advantage — 8.2/10, meaning the feature set and quality outrun the asking price. At 10 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 2016 Kia Sportage Base is a solid, well-rounded suv that covers the essentials without obvious deal-breakers. The main caveat is reliability — worth checking if those dimensions are priorities for you. For most buyers in this segment, it's a safe, dependable choice.
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 →
How It Ranks Among SUVs
The 2016 Kia Sportage Base ranks #737 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 70% of the segment. Its 7.6/10 overall score is 0.2 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $23,552 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $36,079 by about 35%.
Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Which Sportage Base Year Should You Buy?
Across the Sportage Base model years we've scored, the 2016 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
Good overall value; holds its own against pricier alternatives in the segment
Competent performance that satisfies most everyday driving demands
Best-in-class infotainment, driver assistance, and connectivity features
Versatile body style handles daily commuting and weekend adventures equally well
✗ Where it falls short
Reliability scores are mid-pack; some owners report higher-than-expected maintenance needs
Fuel economy at 21 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly
Common Questions — 2016 Kia Sportage Base
Is the 2016 Kia Sportage Base reliable?
We rate the 2016 Kia Sportage Base's reliability 6.6/10 — below the segment average, so budget for higher maintenance.
Is the 2016 Kia Sportage Base worth buying?
It scores 7.6/10 overall, ranking #737 of 2454 suvs in our database (better than 70% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
How much does the 2016 Kia Sportage Base cost?
The 2016 Kia Sportage Base starts at $23,552 and ranges up to $29,413 across trims (MSRP when new). At 21 MPG, expect roughly $2,500/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Which Sportage Base years should you avoid?
Based on our year-by-year scoring, the weakest Sportage Base years we've rated are 2015 (7.5/10), 2017 (7.6/10), 2016 (7.6/10) — each at least half a point below the nameplate's best (8.1/10). See the full year table above before deciding.
Owner Essentials — Kia Sportage Base
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More Kia Reviews
Explore the full lineup of Kia models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
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