Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2022 Kia Sportage Base
Our scoring places the 2022 Kia Sportage Base at 7.8/10 overall, which translates to a Recommended rating for this suv. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 8.9/10, while Safety at 6.8/10 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. At 8.9/10, reliability is one of this suv's best cards — few vehicles in our database score higher on this dimension. Safety is a notable gap at 6.8/10 in our scoring — below what the best in segment deliver. Check the official NHTSA ratings for the trim you're considering before deciding.
Performance scores 7.4/10 — competent for everyday use. Acceleration and handling are adequate for commuting and highway driving, though enthusiasts will want to look at higher-rated alternatives. 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 $29,130–$36,802, 27 MPG, seating 5, the Kia Sportage Base sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. Value is where it presses its advantage — 8.4/10, meaning the feature set and quality outrun the asking price. At 4 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Our take: The 2022 Kia Sportage Base is a solid, well-rounded suv that covers the essentials without obvious deal-breakers. The main caveat is safety — 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 2022 Kia Sportage Base ranks #428 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 83% of the segment. Its 7.8/10 overall score is 0.4 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $29,130 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $36,079 by about 19%.
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?
Smart-money pick: the 2019 Kia Sportage Base scores 7.8/10 — within striking distance of the 2022's 7.8 — and starts roughly $3,000 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
Proven long-term reliability — lower unplanned repair costs than class average
Good overall value; holds its own against pricier alternatives in the segment
Versatile body style handles daily commuting and weekend adventures equally well
✗ Where it falls short
Driving dynamics are adequate but uninspiring; not the choice for enthusiast drivers
Tech suite is functional but lags behind segment-best options; some features cost extra
Common Questions — 2022 Kia Sportage Base
Is the 2022 Kia Sportage Base reliable?
We rate the 2022 Kia Sportage Base's reliability 8.9/10 — one of the stronger records in its class.
Is the 2022 Kia Sportage Base worth buying?
It scores 7.8/10 overall, ranking #428 of 2454 suvs in our database (better than 83% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
How much does the 2022 Kia Sportage Base cost?
The 2022 Kia Sportage Base starts at $29,130 and ranges up to $36,802 across trims (MSRP when new). At 27 MPG, expect roughly $1,944/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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Similar SUV to Consider
Other suvs at a similar price point, ranked by Carivo score.
Representative photo — may show another model year
