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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $41,494–$52,945 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
The 2025 Kia Sportage SL is a suv that earns a Carivo score of 8.1/10 — rated Recommended. Its strongest dimension is Technology at 8.8/10, while Safety at 6.6/10 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. The reliability picture is solid rather than spectacular: 8.4/10, which puts it comfortably above the class median. Safety is a notable gap at 6.6/10 in our scoring — below what the best in segment deliver. Check the official NHTSA ratings for the trim you're considering before deciding.
Few rivals match it for performance: 8.4/10. Expect handling and power delivery that make this one of the more entertaining suvs to actually drive. On technology it rates 8.8/10: a modern, well-integrated suite that compares favorably with anything at this price point.
Priced from $41,494–$52,945, 30 MPG, seating 5, the Kia Sportage SL sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. The value score of 6.9/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 1 year old, it's recent enough that the core feature set holds up well against current competition.
Verdict: Nothing about the 2025 Kia Sportage SL will scare a sensible buyer off. Keep an eye on value and safety 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 2025 Kia Sportage SL ranks #84 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 97% of the segment. Its 8.1/10 overall score is 0.7 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $41,494 starting price is about 15% above 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 $50k →
Smart-money pick: the 2022 Kia Sportage SL scores 7.8/10 — within striking distance of the 2025's 8.1 — 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 (this review) | 8.1/10 | $41,494 | |
| 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 | 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 2025 Kia Sportage SL's reliability 8.4/10 — one of the stronger records in its class.
It scores 8.1/10 overall, ranking #84 of 2454 suvs in our database (better than 97% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
The 2025 Kia Sportage SL starts at $41,494 and ranges up to $52,945 across trims (MSRP when new). At 30 MPG, expect roughly $1,750/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.