2010 Kia Sportage III Dimensions, Size & Specs

The curb weight of the Kia Sportage III ranges from 1350 kg to 1601 kg (2976 to 3530 lbs), depending on the engine and trim level. The maximum allowable weight, which includes the vehicle itself plus passengers, cargo, and accessories, ranges between 1830 kg and 2140 kg (4034 to 4717 lbs). This weight range balances the vehicle's SUV capability with efficiency and performance considerations, supporting its use as both a family car and a utility vehicle.

The cargo space in the Kia Sportage III is practical and adaptable. With rear seats up, the luggage capacity ranges between 564 liters and 740 liters (approximately 19.9 to 26.1 cubic feet), providing ample room for daily needs and small loads. When the rear seats are folded down, the capacity significantly increases to a range of 1353 liters to 1547 liters (47.7 to 54.6 cubic feet), allowing for much larger items or bulk transport. This flexibility makes the Sportage III very suitable for family outings, shopping, or even light moving tasks.

The Kia Sportage III offers a ground clearance of 172 mm (6.8 inches). This ride height is moderately high for a compact SUV, which helps the vehicle deal with uneven terrains, speed bumps, and light off-road conditions without scraping the undercarriage. It also provides the driver with a commanding view of the road in city driving. However, while sufficient for mild off-roading, it is less than some larger SUVs with higher clearance designed specifically for rugged off-road use.

The Kia Sportage III has a length of 4440 mm (174.8 inches), a width of 1855 mm (73 inches), and a maximum height of 1685 mm (66.3 inches). Standard residential garages typically accommodate vehicles up to about 6000 mm (236 inches) long and 2440 mm (96 inches) wide, with ceiling heights around 2130 mm (84 inches). Given these typical dimensions, the Sportage III fits comfortably into a standard garage, with enough clearance on all sides for easy parking and door opening. This makes it a practical choice for people with standard home garages.

Compared to the Sportage II generation, the Sportage III is larger and more refined. The Sportage II measured approximately 4420 mm in length and 1840 mm in width, so the Sportage III's length of 4440 mm and width of 1855 mm represent modest increases offering more interior space and improved comfort. Height was also slightly increased, enhancing headroom and ride comfort. Overall, the third generation focuses more on urban usability and interior space without significantly increasing the footprint, reflecting market shifts towards more spacious and comfortable SUVs.

The Kia Sportage III competes in the compact SUV segment against vehicles like the Hyundai Tucson, Toyota RAV4, and Honda CR-V from the same era. Dimensionally, at 4440 mm (174.8 inches) long and 1855 mm (73 inches) wide, it is very competitive: for example, the Toyota RAV4 of that time was slightly longer at around 4570 mm (180 inches), while the Hyundai Tucson was similar in size at approximately 4410 mm (173.6 inches) long and 1835 mm (72.2 inches) wide. The Sportage III’s modest ground clearance of 172 mm (6.8 inches) fits well within the segment norm, balancing urban and light off-road capabilities. Its interior and cargo space are also competitive, offering flexible luggage capacity and adequate passenger room.

The Kia Sportage III comes with several rim sizes ranging from 16 to 18 inches, specifically 6.5J x 16, 6.5J x 17, 7J x 17, and 7J x 18. Corresponding tire sizes include 215/70 R16, 225/60 R17, and 235/55 R18. Larger rims and wider tires generally improve handling and visual appeal but may reduce ride comfort slightly due to stiffer sidewalls. Smaller rims with taller sidewall tires provide a smoother ride and better absorption of road irregularities. The variety in sizes allows buyers to choose a setup that prioritizes either sporty handling or comfort and efficiency.

The Kia Sportage III is well-suited for families thanks to its spacious interior and flexible luggage capacity. With rear seats up, it offers 564 to 740 liters (19.9 to 26.1 cubic feet) of cargo space, sufficient for groceries, strollers, or sports equipment. Folding the rear seats increases luggage space to between 1353 and 1547 liters (47.7 to 54.6 cubic feet), accommodating larger items like bicycles or luggage for trips. The roomy cabin comfortably fits five passengers, and its SUV height provides easier entry and exit, making it very practical for family use.

Produced between 2010 and 2014, the Kia Sportage III reflects automotive design and technology trends of the early 2010s. It represented a leap forward from previous models with a more modern, aerodynamic exterior and improved interior quality. The 2010-2014 period saw increasing demand for SUVs that combine city-friendly dimensions with versatility and efficiency, which the Sportage III met with enhanced fuel economy, safety features, and infotainment options compared to older models. Additionally, the production period corresponds with Kia’s growing reputation for offering well-equipped vehicles at competitive prices.