10 Kia Sportage Competitors to Consider for 2019

2019 Kia Sportage ・ Photo by Kia

The 2019 Kia Sportage is an attractive contender in the compact crossover market. Starting at $24,745, the Sportage delivers fun, functionality, and economy. Buyers value Kia’s reputation for quality and the affordable price tag on the Sportage. Kia has earned the top position in JD Power’s Initial Quality Study for both 2016 and 2017.

For 2019, the Sportage comes in three trim levels: the basic LX, the mid-range EX, and the luxury SX Turbo. The Sportage is available with a standard engine at 181 hp, or a performance engine with 240 hp. Available features include a panoramic sunroof, HID headlights, a Harman Kardon surround-sound audio system, power liftgate, and an 8-inch touchscreen navigation system. The Sportage offers 30.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, and up to 60.1 cubic feet when the second row is folded flat.

If you’re shopping for a compact crossover this year, the Sportage is a strong choice. But before you buy, here are 10 competitors to cross-shop.

2019 Volkswagen Tiguan

Buyers looking for a more premium SUV at an attractive price should consider the 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan. The Tiguan offers an upscale European experience without the luxury brand price premium. Tiguan starts at $25,590 with front-wheel-drive or $26,590 with VW’s 4Motion AWD system.

You can purchase the Tiguan with three rows of seats if you need to take up to seven passengers, making it an excellent choice for larger families. Cargo space also is generous, with up to 65.7 cubic feet available for your use, or 33 cubic feet behind the second row. With all three rows in use, you still get 12 cubic feet behind the third row, or about the same as the trunk in a compact sedan.

Photo by Volkswagen

2019 Nissan Rogue

The 2019 Nissan Rogue is one of America’s most popular crossover choices, and for good reason. The Rogue comes equipped with a 2.5-liter engine offering 170 hp, plus Nissan’s Xtronic continuously variable transmission. The basic Rogue uses front-wheel drive, but all-wheel drive is optional.

Rogue is popular with eco-conscious buyers because there is a hybrid version available starting at $28,595. Tech enthusiasts also will appreciate Nissan’s ProPILOT Assist, which uses a combination of cameras and radar to add steering assistance to adaptive cruise control. It’s not a self-driving SUV yet, but it’s as advanced as anything in its class. All four Rogue trim levels come with standard automatic emergency braking, blind spot warning, and rear cross traffic alert.

Photo by Nissan

2019 Buick Envision

If you’re looking to find a near-luxury experience at a near-economy price, the 2019 Buick Envision could be the right choice for you. The Envision costs more than some competitors at $32,990, but you get many features for your money. Luxury items like heated front seats are standard on all trims, and heated rear seats are standard on higher trims.

Active noise cancelation helps Buick make the Envision one of the quietest compact SUVs on the road. Buick’s 4G/LTE data support, wi-fi capability, and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment interface are standard on all trims. Buyers can choose between two four-cylinder engines, and also can select front- or all-wheel drive. The Envision offers 26.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity in the back, or 57.3 cubic feet with the second row folded. 

Photo by Buick

2019 Jeep Cherokee

The 2019 Jeep Cherokee has been updated this year and offers a compelling package of performance, luxury, and off-road capability. A new turbocharged engine has improved fuel economy and power, while a lightweight power liftgate makes day-to-day living easier. Like the related Jeep Compass, the Cherokee offers single-range all-wheel drive, or a selection of dual-range 4X4 systems with ultra-low gears for the toughest off-road conditions.

However, the Cherokee is much more than an off-road warrior. It’s also a comfortable and fully modern crossover, and with its new suspension system, the Cherokee will do just as well on the freeway or hauling your family around in comfort. Jeep offers the Cherokee in a wide range of trim levels including the Trailhawk trim, which is specialized for off-road performance.

Photo by Fiat Chrylser Automobiles

2019 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

The 2019 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is a new crossover that was introduced last year. The Eclipse Cross is unusual among compact crossovers with its sporty, coupe-like design. This design limits cargo capacity a bit, with 22.6 cubic feet of cargo area in the back, or up to 48.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. All Eclipse Cross models include reclining second-row seats, making the back seat more comfortable for adults.

The main reason to consider the Eclipse Cross is that it’s fun to drive, with a peppy 1.5-liter turbocharged engine rated at 152 hp mated to a continuously variable transmission. The 2019 Eclipse Cross also is affordable, starting at $25,320.

Photo by Mitsubishi

2019 Ford Escape

Ford has been building the Escape since the beginning of the compact SUV market, and the 2019 Ford Escape is one of the best-developed five-seat compact crossovers you can buy. Ford offers a choice of three different engines ranging from 168 to 245 hp, all mated to a modern 6-speed automatic transmission.

Reasons to consider the 2019 Escape include standard Active Park Assist, which will expertly back the Escape into a parallel parking space for you. Other tech options include the advanced SYNC 3 touchscreen infotainment and smartphone integration system, and a standard hands-free power liftgate. The Escape offers 34.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, or 67.8 cubic feet with the rear seats down.

Photo by Ford

2019 Subaru Forester

Subaru is a leader in crossover suvs, in large part because of the company’s commitment to all-wheel drive. Unlike other crossovers, all-wheel drive is standard equipment on all Forester models. The 2019 Subaru Forester comes with a standard 170-hp engine, or an optional turbocharged engine with 250 hp. Another exciting feature for some buyers is that the Forester is available with either a 6-speed manual transmission or Subaru’s LinearTronic continuously variable transmission.

Subaru’s EyeSight safety system is another key benefit. It provides adaptive cruise control, forward emergency braking, and automatic reverse braking. Depending on the model, the Forester offers up to 34.4 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats, and up to 74.7 cubic feet with the back seats folded.

Photo by Subaru

2019 Jeep Compass

Serious outdoor enthusiasts will want to consider the 2019 Jeep Compass. Every Compass has a 2.4-liter engine rated at 180 hp, but transmission options are generous. If you choose front-wheel drive, Compass comes with a 6-speed manual or automatic. If you prefer standard all-wheel drive, you can select from the manual or a 9-speed automatic. Finally, serious off-roaders can choose the 9-speed automatic with Jeep Active Drive dual-range all-wheel drive.

If you want to pinpoint your luxury level, the 2019 Compass comes in seven different trims. At the top end, the Compass Limited includes heated seats, full-time AWD, and touchscreen infotainment. The off-road capable Trailhawk trim includes Jeep Active Drive, skid plates, and tow hooks. For even more off-road capability, consider the 2019 Jeep Cherokee. Cargo area space in the Compass is 27.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats, or 59.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.

Photo by Jeep

2019 Chevrolet Equinox

The 2019 Chevrolet Equinox offers a choice between two turbocharged gasoline engines at 170 or 252 hp. The Equinox is unique on our list because it also offers a 1.6-liter turbo-diesel option at 137 hp. A 6-speed or 9-speed automatic transmission is standard, depending on your engine choice.

Equinox has a long list of family-friendly features, such as a surround-view camera, 8-inch touchscreen infotainment, as well as heated and ventilated front seats. Equinox provides 29.9 cubic feet for cargo in the back, or up to 63.9 cubic feet with all rear seats down. Another reason to consider Equinox is that it has towing capacity up to 3,500 pounds when equipped with the more powerful gasoline engine.

Photo by General Motors

2019 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

The 2019 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport and the larger 2019 Mitsubishi Outlander are often overlooked, but they’ve got some great features to offer. The Outlander Sport has received a lot of new safety tech this year, such as blind spot warning, rear cross traffic alert, and lane change assistance on the SE trim models. The GT trim has the same list, plus forward collision mitigation, lane departure warning, and automatic high beams.

The Outlander Sport is somewhat smaller than the Outlander, and presents a sporty and attractive exterior. Interior tech features include a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with support for both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay phone integration. If you want a larger vehicle, the traditional Outlander offers three-row seating for seven, an optional V6 engine, and greater cargo capacity.

Photo by Mitsubishi Motors North America