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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $34,243–$44,125 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
The 2019 Kia Sportage SL is a suv that earns a Carivo score of 7.7/10 — rated Recommended. Its strongest dimension is Technology at 7.6/10. 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. The reliability picture is solid rather than spectacular: 7.4/10, which puts it comfortably above the class median. Safety is a notable gap at 6.9/10 in our scoring — below what the best in segment deliver. Check the official NHTSA ratings for the trim you're considering before deciding.
Performance at 6.7/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. At 7.6/10 for technology, the infotainment and driver-assist package does its job without setting benchmarks — check which features cost extra on lower trims.
Priced from $34,243–$44,125, 24 MPG, seating 5, the Kia Sportage SL sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. The value score of 6.7/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 7 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Verdict: Nothing about the 2019 Kia Sportage SL will scare a sensible buyer off. Keep an eye on safety and value and performance if those matter to you; otherwise it does what a good suv should — quietly and competently.
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 2019 Kia Sportage SL ranks #564 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 77% of the segment. Its 7.7/10 overall score is 0.3 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $34,243 starting price sits close to the segment's median of $36,079.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking → · Best SUVs under $35k →
Smart-money pick: the 2016 Kia Sportage SL scores 7.5/10 — within striking distance of the 2019's 7.7 — 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 (this review) | 7.7/10 | $34,243 | |
| 2018 | 7.6/10 | $33,034 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.6/10 | $31,826 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.5/10 | $30,617 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.5/10 | $29,408 | Read review → |
We rate the 2019 Kia Sportage SL's reliability 7.4/10 — above the middle of the pack for this class.
It scores 7.7/10 overall, ranking #564 of 2454 suvs in our database (better than 77% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
The 2019 Kia Sportage SL starts at $34,243 and ranges up to $44,125 across trims (MSRP when new). At 24 MPG, expect roughly $2,188/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Explore the full lineup of Kia models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.