2024 Kia Sportage Base — Carivo review Representative photo — may show another model year
SUV

2024 Kia Sportage Base

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $30,990–$39,147
Fuel Economy 29 MPG
Seating 5 passengers
Category SUV
Est. Annual Fuel $1,810/yr
The 2024 Kia Sportage Base scores 8.0/10 at Carivo, ranking #180 of 2454 suvs and an estimated $1,810/year fuel cost.

Key Specifications — 2024 Kia Sportage Base

Seating Capacity5 passengers
Body StyleSUV
Base Price$30,990–$39,147

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.

About the 2024 Kia Sportage Base

With an overall Carivo score of 8.0/10, the 2024 Kia Sportage Base earns a Recommended rating among the suvs we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 8.6/10, while Technology at 7.1/10 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. We rate the Kia Sportage Base's reliability at 8.6/10 — among the strongest in our suv database, reflecting the nameplate's track record and recall history. On safety it earns 8.4/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.

The 8.2/10 performance score reflects a chassis and powertrain that punch above the segment norm — this is a suv you choose partly for the drive itself. Technology comes in at 7.1/10 — functional and modern, with wireless connectivity and core ADAS features, though some competitors pack more standard tech at this price point.

Priced from $30,990–$39,147, 29 MPG, seating 5, the Kia Sportage Base sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. Value lands at 7.7/10 — you get what you pay for, no more and no less, with a few rivals offering slightly better per-dollar returns. At 2 years old, it's recent enough that the core feature set holds up well against current competition.

Bottom line: Think of the 2024 Kia Sportage Base as the dependable pick rather than the exciting one. Shoppers who value predictability over headlines will be well served.

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 2024 Kia Sportage Base ranks #180 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 93% of the segment. Its 8.0/10 overall score is 0.6 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $30,990 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $36,079 by about 14%.

Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking → · Best SUVs under $35k →

5-Year Cost Snapshot — 2024 Kia Sportage Base

Fuel (75,000 miles)~$9,050 ($1,810/year at $3.50/gal)
InsuranceVaries 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 2021 Kia Sportage Base scores 7.8/10 — within striking distance of the 2024's 8.0 — 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.

YearScoreStarting price (MSRP when new)
2025 8.1/10$31,919 Read review →
2024 (this review) 8.0/10$30,990
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 →

Pros & Cons — 2024 Kia Sportage Base

✓ What it does well

  • Proven long-term reliability — lower unplanned repair costs than class average
  • Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
  • Good overall value; holds its own against pricier alternatives in the segment
  • Competent performance that satisfies most everyday driving demands
  • Versatile body style handles daily commuting and weekend adventures equally well

✗ Where it falls short

  • Tech suite is functional but lags behind segment-best options; some features cost extra
  • Brand resale values vary — check current market data before committing

Common Questions — 2024 Kia Sportage Base

Is the 2024 Kia Sportage Base reliable?

We rate the 2024 Kia Sportage Base's reliability 8.6/10 — one of the stronger records in its class.

Is the 2024 Kia Sportage Base worth buying?

It scores 8.0/10 overall, ranking #180 of 2454 suvs in our database (better than 93% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.

How much does the 2024 Kia Sportage Base cost?

The 2024 Kia Sportage Base starts at $30,990 and ranges up to $39,147 across trims (MSRP when new). At 29 MPG, expect roughly $1,810/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

Practical extras owners actually buy. These are Amazon search links — as an Amazon Associate, Carivo earns from qualifying purchases at no cost to you.

All-weather floor mats → Dash cam → OBD2 scanner → Phone mount →

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