1997 Kia Sportage vs. 1997 Jeep Wrangler
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 1997 Kia Sportage and 1997 Jeep Wrangler contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the 1997 Kia Sportage and the 1997 Jeep Wrangler.
When we compare the 1997 Kia Sportage's and the 1997 Jeep Wrangler's specifications and ratings, the 1997 Kia Sportage has the advantage in the area of base engine power. The 1997 Jeep Wrangler has the advantage in the areas of reliability, resale value and overall quality score. The 1997 Kia Sportage and 1997 Jeep Wrangler have the same fuel efficiency. Based on this comparison of the 1997 Kia Sportage's and the 1997 Jeep Wrangler's specifications and ratings, the 1997 Jeep Wrangler is a better car than the 1997 Kia Sportage.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 1997 Kia Sportage loses 47.1 percent of its value and the 1997 Jeep Wrangler loses 35.6 percent of its value. This means the 1997 Jeep Wrangler retains 11.5 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 1997 Kia Sportage.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Kia Sportage is 8.2 out of 10 while the Jeep Wrangler's quality rating is 8.5 out of 10. This results in the Kia Sportage being ranked 7 out of 19 Best Small SUVs and the Jeep Wrangler being ranked 2 out of 31 Best Midsize SUVs.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Kia Sportage is 7.5 out of 10. For the Jeep Wrangler the reliability rating is 8.2 out of 10. This gives the Jeep Wrangler a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Kia Sportage.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the 1997 Kia Sportage’s base engine makes 130 horsepower, and the 1997 Jeep Wrangler base engine makes 120 horsepower. Both the Sportage and the Wrangler are rated to deliver an average of 18 miles per gallon, with highway ranges of 300 and 285 miles respectively. Both models use gasoline.
Safety Ratings: The 1997 Kia Sportage has an average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
14920
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
16520
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
14920 - 19795
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
13995
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
21050
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
13995 - 26070
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
Price Range:
-
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
7998
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
4635 - 13305
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
0
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
0
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
9538
Price Range:
4000 - 17500
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
6506
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
3680 - 10602
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
31
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
156008
# Good or Great Deals:
11
Kia Sportage Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.2 / 10
Reliability:
7.5 / 10
Retained Value:
8.0 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
Jeep Wrangler Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.5 / 10
Reliability:
8.2 / 10
Retained Value:
8.8 / 10
Safety:
Not available
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 1997 Kia Sportage
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 1997 Jeep Wrangler
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
3.0786664703558495
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
3.3
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
1.1 - 3.6
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.064313999658293
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
2.1
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.8 - 5.7
Kia Sportage Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 18Ranking
4 out of / 4Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 12Ranking
5 out of / 6Ranking
6 out of / 20Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
7 out of / 12Ranking
8 out of / 66Ranking
9 out of / 19Ranking
9 out of / 18Ranking
10 out of / 20Ranking
10 out of / 19Ranking
11 out of / 66Ranking
11 out of / 19Ranking
12 out of / 66Ranking
12 out of / 19Ranking
12 out of / 19Ranking
13 out of / 19Ranking
14 out of / 54Ranking
15 out of / 66Ranking
15 out of / 54Ranking
16 out of / 66Ranking
20 out of / 66Ranking
25 out of / 66Ranking
28 out of / 66Ranking
28 out of / 66Ranking
33 out of / 66Ranking
45 out of / 66Ranking
45 out of / 66Ranking
48 out of / 66Jeep Wrangler Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 26Ranking
1 out of / 15Ranking
1 out of / 15Ranking
1 out of / 3Ranking
2 out of / 31Ranking
2 out of / 31Ranking
2 out of / 31Ranking
3 out of / 31Ranking
3 out of / 31Ranking
3 out of / 31Ranking
4 out of / 26Ranking
9 out of / 31Ranking
10 out of / 31Ranking
19 out of / 31Ranking
23 out of / 31Ranking
25 out of / 31Summary Review
The Kia Sportage is a compact sport utility vehicle and a mainstay of Kia’s model line, going through several generations prior to the current Sportage, which debuted in 2017. The Sportage is known for its sharp looks, feature-packed interior, and low cost of entry, with new models costing an average of $28,105 and 3-year-old models averaging $20,380.
Summary Review
The Jeep Wrangler is a compact SUV with off-road prowess few vehicles can match. The current Wrangler was redesigned for the 2018 model year, with new models costing an average of $41,959 and 3-year-old models averaging $34,489.
Pros and Cons
- Smooth ride quality with a quiet interior
- Spacious seating front and rear
- Smart instrumentation and control layout
- Smaller cargo capacity than many rivals
- Acceleration can be sluggish
- Fuel economy adequate at best
Pros and Cons
- Exceptional off-road capability
- Intuitive infotainment system
- Powerful engine options
- Pricing climbs quickly with higher trims and options
- Fuel economy isn’t great
- Lots of road and wind noise
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
1997 Kia Sportage Trim Levels
Base, EX
1997 Jeep Wrangler Trim Levels
Sahara, SE, Sport
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
130 hp
Torque:
Not yet available
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.039 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
120 hp @ 5400 rpm
Torque:
140 foot-lbs @ 3500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.039 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
2000 lbs
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Manual
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD / 4WD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
17 / 20 / 18
Range (city/hwy):
255 / 300 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Gasoline
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Manual
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
4WD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
17 / 19 / 18
Range (city/hwy):
255 / 285 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Gasoline
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Bench Seats:
N/A
Bluetooth:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Seats
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Keyless Entry:
N/A
Keyless Ignition:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Navigation System:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Parking Sensors:
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Power outlet:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Satellite radio:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Voice Recognition:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Bench Seats:
Available
Bluetooth:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Seats
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Keyless Entry:
N/A
Keyless Ignition:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Navigation System:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Parking Sensors:
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Power outlet:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Satellite radio:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Voice Recognition:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Safety Features
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Backup camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Backup camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
Not yet available
Front Leg Room:
Not yet available
Front Shoulder Room:
Not yet available
Rear Head Room:
Not yet available
Rear Leg Room:
Not yet available
Rear Shoulder Room:
Not yet available
Cargo Space:
Not yet available
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
Not yet available
Overall Interior Volume:
Not yet available
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.9 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.1 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
51.9 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.4 inches
Rear Leg Room:
34.9 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
57.3 inches
Cargo Space:
Not yet available
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
Not yet available
Overall Interior Volume:
Not yet available
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3366 lbs
Width:
68.1 inches
Height:
65 inches
Length:
159.3 inches
Wheelbase:
104.3 inches
Ground Clearance:
Not yet available
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3092 lbs
Width:
66.7 inches
Height:
68.9 inches
Length:
151.8 inches
Wheelbase:
93.4 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.9 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
Not yet available
Wheel Type:
Not yet available
Tire Size:
Not yet available
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
Not yet available
Wheel Type:
Not yet available
Tire Size:
Not yet available
Exterior Colors
Black
Not available
Blue
Not available
Gray
Not available
Green
Not available
Red
Not available
White
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Black
Blue
Bright Jade Satin Glow / Dark Blue Pearlcoat / Lapis Blue
Gray
Gunmetal Pearlcoat
Green
Citron Pearlcoat / Emerald Green Pearlcoat / Moss Green Pearlcoat
Red
Flame Red
White
Stone White
