carivo.co
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $29,222–$39,325 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2018 Kia Sportage S at 7.6/10 overall, which translates to a Recommended rating for this suv. Its strongest dimension is Technology at 8.8/10, while Value at 7.3/10 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 8.7/10, reliability is one of this suv's best cards — few vehicles in our database score higher on this dimension. The 8.7/10 safety score puts it near the top of the class on this dimension; the official trim-level results at nhtsa.gov are worth a final check.
Performance is a genuine highlight at 8.0/10. The Kia Sportage S delivers engaging driving dynamics — responsive handling, meaningful power delivery, and a drivetrain that rewards spirited driving without sacrificing daily usability. The cabin tech earns 8.8/10 — infotainment, smartphone integration, and driver-assistance are all close to the best this class offers.
Priced from $29,222–$39,325, 23 MPG, seating 5, the Kia Sportage S sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. The 7.3/10 value score says the pricing is fair rather than generous; cross-shop the segment before signing anything. At 8 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 2018 Kia Sportage S is a solid, well-rounded suv that covers the essentials without obvious deal-breakers. 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 →
The 2018 Kia Sportage S 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 $29,222 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $36,079 by about 19%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2015 Kia Sportage S scores 7.5/10 — within striking distance of the 2018's 7.6 — 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.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 8.1/10 | $36,706 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 8.0/10 | $35,638 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.9/10 | $34,569 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.8/10 | $33,499 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.8/10 | $32,429 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 7.7/10 | $31,361 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.7/10 | $30,292 | Read review → |
| 2018 (this review) | 7.6/10 | $29,222 | |
| 2017 | 7.6/10 | $28,154 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.6/10 | $27,084 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.5/10 | $26,015 | Read review → |
Explore the full lineup of Kia models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.