2006 Kia Sportage Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Write a review
After its rebirth as a sportier compact SUV last year, the 2006 Kia Sportage only gets a few additions this year, including a standard tire monitor for the EX trim and a new antenna. With more cargo, head, and legroom, the 2006 Sportage is much more people-friendly, and its new carlike platform and four-wheel independent suspension make handling much easier.
The 2006 Sportage comes in two trims, LX and EX, both available in either two-wheel or four-wheel drive. The 4WD automatically adjusts power to the wheels that need it, or can be manually set to a 50/50 split. The LX can be had with either a 2.0-liter, 140-hp I4 engine or a 2.7-liter, 173-hp V6. The EX only comes with the V6, and all V6 models have a 4-speed auto tran. The I4 has a choice of standard 5-speed manual or the optional automatic. All of the Sportage trims comes with power features, rear wipers, a roof rack, cargo tie-downs, ABS brakes, stability and traction control, and six airbags front and back. The EX adds heated mirrors, keyless entry, a sunroof, foglights, and a cargo cover. The rear row of seats fold flat into the floor, offering up to 67 cubic feet of extra storage space.
Owners and experts alike seem happy with the new style of the Sportage. The fact that it comes standard with a full set of performance and safety features is a big draw, along with Kia's warranty. The extra room, folding seats, and gas mileage are all cited as highlights, though there are some who claim the gas mileage isn't as good as advertised. Other complaints mention uncomfortable seats and an underpowered engine for its class.
Published Aug 8, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 2006 Kia Sportage
Write a reviewUser rating:
by Marcie S
Aug 29, 2020
I bought mine new and had it til my son wrecked it in Jan 2017. Best purchase ever! Nothing went wrong in my Kia, just regular maintenance. Gas mileage not so great. I had the 6 cylinder 4 door automatic. Drove to Calif and Nevada (from Wa state) several times. Had some road noise, I wish the heater had more oomph in the foot area; air conditioner was A-1. I give the 2006 Kia Sportage 500 stars! I loved my Sportage so much I am looking for another one just like it!The optional netting for the cargo area is another fantastic idea, can be used many ways.I would add the little water guards that go over the tops of the windows if I ever get to buy another Sportage.Best car EVER!!!!!!Aug 29, 2020
by Lori J
Jun 17, 2013
I bought this car brand new in 2006. We have 90K miles on it, and have spent money only on routine maintenance items to keep it running. It has plenty of cargo room in the back for packing luggage for a long trip, groceries, and for our 90-lb. labrador retriever to lay down. This model is a five-speed 4-cylinder engine, so gas mileage is better than I expected for an SUV (close to 28 mpg HWY). Since this is a 5-speed manual transmission, acceleration is quite easy, even when running the air conditioner. For a base model and being a 5-speed, there are many unexpected options: cruise control, automatic windows and locks, front and side airbags. My favorite feature is the air bag weight sensor in the passenger's seat that will turn off the front passenger airbag if the individual sitting in the passenger's seat is under 100 lbs. This allowed for booster seats and smaller children to sit in the front at times. Handling and breaking are as expected.
If I could change anything, I would find a way to reduce the road noise and get a different colored interior. Black interiors are way to hot in this part of the country.Jun 17, 2013
by Ziad N
Nov 04, 2011
good car over all, powerful, looks good inside and outside compear with price and model, back view looks better than front but new models are amazing my adive to buy 2400cc or 2700 like mine which is very strong. but its good for spare parts.Nov 04, 2011
User rating:
by Marcie S
Aug 29, 2020
I bought mine new and had it til my son wrecked it in Jan 2017. Best purchase ever! Nothing went wrong in my Kia, just regular maintenance. Gas mileage not so great. I had the 6 cylinder 4 door automatic. Drove to Calif and Nevada (from Wa state) several times. Had some road noise, I wish the heater had more oomph in the foot area; air conditioner was A-1. I give the 2006 Kia Sportage 500 stars! I loved my Sportage so much I am looking for another one just like it!The optional netting for the cargo area is another fantastic idea, can be used many ways.I would add the little water guards that go over the tops of the windows if I ever get to buy another Sportage.Best car EVER!!!!!!Aug 29, 2020
by Lori J
Jun 17, 2013
I bought this car brand new in 2006. We have 90K miles on it, and have spent money only on routine maintenance items to keep it running. It has plenty of cargo room in the back for packing luggage for a long trip, groceries, and for our 90-lb. labrador retriever to lay down. This model is a five-speed 4-cylinder engine, so gas mileage is better than I expected for an SUV (close to 28 mpg HWY). Since this is a 5-speed manual transmission, acceleration is quite easy, even when running the air conditioner. For a base model and being a 5-speed, there are many unexpected options: cruise control, automatic windows and locks, front and side airbags. My favorite feature is the air bag weight sensor in the passenger's seat that will turn off the front passenger airbag if the individual sitting in the passenger's seat is under 100 lbs. This allowed for booster seats and smaller children to sit in the front at times. Handling and breaking are as expected.
If I could change anything, I would find a way to reduce the road noise and get a different colored interior. Black interiors are way to hot in this part of the country.Jun 17, 2013
by Ziad N
Nov 04, 2011
good car over all, powerful, looks good inside and outside compear with price and model, back view looks better than front but new models are amazing my adive to buy 2400cc or 2700 like mine which is very strong. but its good for spare parts.Nov 04, 2011
by Anonymous
Dec 15, 2010
This is a fun and dependable suv along with easily maintainable! I use it to commute to work during the week and have safely made it there during various weather conditions with my children as passengers. My family has expanded and I needed to get a larger suv to accomadate our expansion.Dec 15, 2010
by Katie A
Jun 03, 2009
I love the four wheel drive :) Gas mileage is kind of sucky, but no major problems...just regular maintenance so far! Needed tires and oil changes so far. And we need to charge air conditioner but that is all! Yay!Jun 03, 2009
by Genie B
Sep 09, 2008
I was born to drive an SUV! Its smooth and fascinating. My kia performs amazingly just not on broadway. The brakes are in great shape and I love the fact I can get into the back by opening the window. There is lots of space and my Kia helped me move. I love my Kia!Sep 09, 2008
by Troya M
Jun 17, 2008
for the size it is reasonable on fuel and it goes anywhere.Jun 17, 2008
by Anonymous
May 11, 2008
Love the interior and exterior of the car. Handles like a dream. I get many compliments on the car.May 11, 2008
What users have asked
Starting problems with my Kia
06 kia sportage. This has happened to my car several times but most of the time I can wait a few mins and then it will start. But it's been out for a week now. When you turn the key the lights and radio come on but it clicks in the fuse box under the hood when you try to crank it... I dont have enough money to take it to a dealer and I need to fixed asap!
3886 views
I have found a car that I want to BY
I have found a car that I want to BY
18 views
Check engine light???
I am due for an oil change. My check engine light just came on and I checked the engine everything seems to be fine. The car is running just fine. Could the check engine light be on because of the oil needing to be changed? why didn't the oil light come on then?
1990 views
Top Comparisons
Have you driven a 2006 Kia Sportage?Compare this car
2006 Kia Sportage Pricing
Original MSRP
$16,495 to $23,340Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: disc
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Storage: storage organizer
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 4.62
Exterior Features
Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Roof rack color: black
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside
Suspension
Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Liftgate window: manual flip-up
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: disc
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
4WD Type: on demand · Axle ratio: 4.53 · Locking differential: center · Transfer Case: electronic
Exterior Features
Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Roof rack color: black
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside
Suspension
Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Liftgate window: manual flip-up
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 4.04
Exterior Features
Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Locks
Power door locks: remote
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Roof rack color: black
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside
Suspension
Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Liftgate window: manual flip-up
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Storage: storage organizer
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
4WD Type: on demand · Axle ratio: 4.04 · Locking differential: center · Transfer Case: electronic
Exterior Features
Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Locks
Power door locks: remote
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Roof rack color: black
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside
Suspension
Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Liftgate window: manual flip-up
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Door trim: leather · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 4.04
Exterior Features
Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Moonroof: power glass · Roof rack color: black
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside
Suspension
Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Liftgate window: manual flip-up
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Door trim: leather · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
4WD Type: on demand · Axle ratio: 4.04 · Locking differential: center · Transfer Case: electronic
Exterior Features
Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Moonroof: power glass · Roof rack color: black
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside
Suspension
Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Liftgate window: manual flip-up