Used 2021 Kia Sportage for Sale nearChicago, IL

How much does the 2021 Kia Sportage cost?

Prices have softened 8.40% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,887 listings available, which gives you a solid pool of options to compare.

Is the 2021 Kia Sportage a good car?

Yes — the 2021 Kia Sportage earns a 4.8/5 user rating and a 7.5/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Safety at 9/10.

Owners consistently praise its power, smooth ride, and feature content, and many also like the AWD capability for everyday use. The overview also points to a compact crossover that fits city driving well, with stylish design and easy-to-use technology. On the trade-off side, expert feedback calls out fairly pedestrian performance, outdated technology, and limited cargo space.

That mix makes it a good fit if you want comfort, style, and peace of mind more than the latest cabin tech or maximum utility. With 34.6% of listings marked as good or great deals, the market still offers some attractive opportunities.

Is the 2021 Kia Sportage reliable?

Owners rate it 4.8/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

The owner summary points to a vehicle many drivers feel good about living with, especially because of its dependable power delivery, smooth ride, and everyday comfort. It also highlights the Sportage as a reliable choice for regular use, with owners describing it as a vehicle they can count on over time. The expert review reinforces that impression by describing the ride as smooth and the overall package as competent and rewarding to drive.

Kia’s great warranty also adds reassurance for used buyers who want extra protection against long-term ownership risk.

What should I look for when buying a used 2021 Kia Sportage?

At 69.2% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle history report and then prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially if the listing price looks unusually strong. Focus on body condition, signs of prior repair, and whether the cabin and electronics still feel consistent with the mileage and asking price. If you’re comparing multiple examples, the cleanest history and best-maintained condition should carry extra weight.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The LX, EX, and SX Turbo each bring a different mix of equipment, and the base trim already includes a strong set of driver-assistance features. The higher trims add more comfort and convenience, while the SX Turbo stands out for its upgraded equipment and more premium feel.
• Powertrain: The LX and EX use a 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder with 181 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque, while the SX Turbo uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged GDI four-cylinder with 240 hp and 260 lb-ft. All versions use a six-speed automatic transmission, and the turbo model is the one to target if you want the strongest performance.
• Safety package: Standard equipment includes forward-collision warning and pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, automatic high beams, and a driver-monitoring system. Adaptive cruise control is added on the SX Turbo.
• Infotainment: An 8-inch touchscreen is standard, along with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and USB ports. Most trims also get UVO Link connected services, while the SX Turbo adds wireless charging and an eight-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system.
• Fuel efficiency: FWD models with the 2.4-liter engine return 23 mpg city, 30 highway, and 26 combined. AWD versions with that engine are rated at 21/25/23, while the turbo FWD and AWD models are rated at 20/28/23 and 19/24/21, respectively.

Which 2021 Kia Sportage trim should I buy?

The 2021 Kia Sportage is offered in 3 trim levels: LX, EX, SX Turbo.

Here's the short version:

• LX: This is the value play if you want the Sportage’s core strengths without stretching your budget. It already includes a strong safety suite, the 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and the smooth-riding base powertrain.
• EX: This is the best-value trim for many shoppers because it keeps the same basic mechanical setup but adds a more upscale feel and broader equipment coverage. If you want a nicer daily driver without jumping to the most expensive model, this is the one to focus on.
• SX Turbo: This is the trim to choose if you want the strongest performance, with the turbocharged engine making 240 hp and 260 lb-ft. It also adds adaptive cruise control, wireless charging, and the Harman Kardon audio system, making it the most complete version.

The SX Turbo also benefits from Top Safety Pick status from the IIHS thanks to its upgraded headlights.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2021 Kia Sportage?

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop patiently but still move quickly on the right listing.

• Deal availability: 34.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,887 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 8.40% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 69.2% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $16,092, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2021 Kia Sportage's resale value?

The current average of $16,092 sits slightly below last year's $17,568.

That softer pricing suggests the model has already absorbed some depreciation, which can help future sellers if they buy at the right number today. If you shop carefully now, you may have less downside left than a buyer who paid closer to last year’s average. The current market also suggests that clean, well-equipped examples should remain easier to move than rougher ones.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.8/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2021 Kia Sportage safe?

The 2021 Kia Sportage earns Top Safety Pick status from the IIHS on SX Turbo trims, and all trim levels do well in crash tests administered by NHTSA.

It earns a 9/10 safety score from our experts.

Standard safety equipment includes forward-collision warning and pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, automatic high beams, and a driver-monitoring system. Adaptive cruise control is reserved for the SX Turbo, so if that feature matters to you, trim choice matters here. The strong safety package is one of the Sportage’s clearest advantages, especially on the base trim where so much driver assistance is already included.

Should I buy a 2021 Kia Sportage or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2021 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2021 if:

• 34.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 69.2% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 8.40% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.8/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It offers a strong safety package and a user-friendly cabin with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $17,705, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $16,092 average.
• It adds a new Nightfall Edition and more updated trim and package choices.

The bottom line: If you want the better value today, the 2021 is the smarter buy because pricing has eased and the safety and feature set remain strong. If you’re willing to spend more for a newer model-year setup and slightly fresher trim choices, the 2022 is the secondary path to consider.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 6, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.