Used 2021 Kia Sportage for SaleNationwide

How much does the 2021 Kia Sportage cost?

Prices have softened 6.82% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,887 listings available, which suggests a healthy amount of inventory 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 call out the AWD capability as a plus for everyday use. That lines up well with the Sportage’s practical, city-friendly size and its appeal as a daily driver with more personality than the average small SUV.

The trade-offs are clear: performance is fairly pedestrian, the technology is outdated, and cargo space is limited. Even so, it still makes sense if you value comfort, features, and an approachable driving experience over maximum space or the newest tech.

With 30.0% of listings marked as good or great deals, you have room to shop selectively.

Is the 2021 Kia Sportage reliable?

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

The owner feedback points to a dependable, trouble-free ownership experience, with drivers repeatedly describing it as a vehicle they can count on for everyday use. That kind of praise matters because it suggests the Sportage has earned trust over time, not just initial appeal.

The expert review also emphasizes a smooth ride and a well-sorted driving experience, which supports the impression of a crossover built for steady, low-drama use. Kia’s great warranty adds another layer of confidence for used buyers, though you should still expect normal wear-and-tear risk as mileage climbs.

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

At 69.5% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle history report and confirm whether any prior damage was repaired properly. After that, prioritize a pre-purchase inspection so you can check for signs of bodywork, uneven panel gaps, tire wear, and any lingering issues from past accidents.

Focus closely on the condition of the cabin and the electronics, since the Sportage’s appeal depends heavily on comfort and convenience features. It’s also worth paying attention to road noise and overall refinement, because those are areas where some owners want improvement.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The cabin uses an 8-inch touchscreen as a centerpiece, and the interior is described as pleasant rather than cutting-edge. Base-trim equipment is strong for safety, but the overall look and feel are more functional than flashy.
• 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. The turbo model is the one to seek if you want the most energetic driving experience.
• 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: The Sportage uses an 8-inch touchscreen, and Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and USB ports are standard. Most trims also get UVO Link connected services, while the SX Turbo adds wireless charging and an eight-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.
• Fuel efficiency: FWD models with the 2.4-liter engine are rated at 23 mpg city, 30 highway, and 26 combined. AWD versions with that engine return 21/25/23, while turbo models are rated at 20/28/23 in FWD form and 19/24/21 with AWD.

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 entry point, but it still brings a strong safety suite and the core infotainment setup. It makes sense if you want the lowest-cost way into the Sportage without giving up the essentials.
• EX: This is the best-value choice for most shoppers because it keeps the same basic powertrain as the LX while adding more comfort and convenience content. If you want a balanced mix of features and price, this is the trim to target.
• SX Turbo: This is the one to buy if you want the strongest performance, with the turbocharged engine and extra equipment like wireless charging, premium audio, and adaptive cruise control. It suits you best if you care more about features and driving feel than budget.

The SX Turbo also gets the upgraded headlights that help it earn Top Safety Pick status from IIHS.

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

The market looks moderate and selective, so you can shop carefully without feeling rushed.

• Deal availability: 30.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,887 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 6.82% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 69.5% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $16,187, 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 $16,401 sits slightly below last year's $17,602.

That decline suggests the Sportage has moved into a more buyer-friendly pricing zone, which can help you if you’re shopping now. For a future seller, though, it means you should expect resale values to reflect the softer market unless demand strengthens.

The good news is that the Sportage still has broad appeal thanks to its comfort, safety content, and practical size. 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 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.

The standard driver-assistance suite includes forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, automatic high beams, and a driver-monitoring system. If you move up to the SX Turbo, you also get adaptive cruise control.

That strong standard safety content is one of the Sportage’s biggest strengths, especially on a base trim. If you’re comparing used examples, it’s worth checking whether the specific trim you’re considering includes the extra adaptive cruise feature and the upgraded headlights tied to the IIHS recognition.

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:

• 30.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 69.5% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 6.82% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.8/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2021 stands out for its strong safety content and available turbocharged performance.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $18,011, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $16,401 average.
• It adds a new Nightfall Edition and a standard panoramic sunroof on the EX.

The bottom line: If you want the better value, the 2021 is the smarter buy because it offers strong safety, solid owner satisfaction, and lower pricing. If you’re willing to spend more for a slightly newer model with added trim variety and equipment, the 2022 is the better path.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 11, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.