carivo.co
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $33,034–$44,454 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2018 Kia Sportage SL at 7.6/10 overall, which translates to a Recommended rating for this suv. Its strongest dimension is Performance at 8.5/10, while Safety at 6.5/10 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 score reliability at 7.5/10 — better than most direct rivals, if short of the segment's best. Safety is a notable gap at 6.5/10 in our scoring — below what the best in segment deliver. Check the official NHTSA ratings for the trim you're considering before deciding.
Performance is a genuine highlight at 8.5/10. The Kia Sportage SL delivers engaging driving dynamics — responsive handling, meaningful power delivery, and a drivetrain that rewards spirited driving without sacrificing daily usability. Tech rates a reasonable 7.5/10: the essentials are covered and well executed, but rivals at the same price often include more as standard.
Priced from $33,034–$44,454, 23 MPG, seating 5, the Kia Sportage SL sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. The 7.8/10 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 SL 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 →
The 2018 Kia Sportage SL 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 $33,034 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $36,079 by about 8%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2015 Kia Sportage SL scores 7.5/10 — within striking distance of the 2018's 7.6 — and starts roughly $3,500 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 | $41,494 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 8.0/10 | $40,287 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.9/10 | $39,078 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.8/10 | $37,869 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.8/10 | $36,660 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 7.7/10 | $35,452 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.7/10 | $34,243 | Read review → |
| 2018 (this review) | 7.6/10 | $33,034 | |
| 2017 | 7.6/10 | $31,826 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.5/10 | $30,617 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.5/10 | $29,408 | Read review → |
Explore the full lineup of Kia models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.