Kia Sportage Car Camping: Complete Guide to Sleeping in Your Sportage

Introduction: The Sportage as a Compact Camping Platform

The Kia Sportage has evolved from a basic compact SUV into a feature-rich, well-designed vehicle that competes directly with the best in its class. The current generation (2023+) represents a significant leap in design, technology, and capability. For car campers, the Sportage offers a compelling package: adequate sleeping dimensions, available hybrid powertrains, and the excellent Kia warranty—all at a competitive price**. What makes the current Sportage particularly appealing is that it shares its platform with the Hyundai Tucson, benefiting from shared engineering while offering distinctive styling and features. The X-Pro trim adds genuine off-road enhancements for accessing remote camping locations. Available hybrid and plug-in hybrid options provide excellent efficiency for road trips to distant campsites.

The Sportage occupies the compact SUV segment, meaning it's best suited for solo campers or shorter couples rather than family camping operations. But within that use case, it delivers strong value: modern features, excellent warranty coverage, efficient powertrains, and competitive cargo dimensions. For campers who want a practical daily driver that converts to a weekend camping vehicle, the Sportage makes compelling sense.

This guide covers everything you need to know about camping in your Kia Sportage, from cargo dimensions and mattress options to X-Pro capability and hybrid considerations.

If you're considering a larger option for camping, explore our guide on the Kia Sorento for more space and features for car camping.

Kia Sportage Cargo Dimensions for Sleeping

Understanding your Sportage's dimensions helps you choose the right mattress.

Current Generation (2023-Present)

The fifth-generation Sportage offers competitive dimensions:

Cargo length (seats folded): 72-75 inches**
Cargo width (between wheel wells): 42-44 inches**
Cargo width (above wheel wells): 49-51 inches**
Cargo height: 36-38 inches**
Total cargo volume: 74.1 cubic feet with seats folded

Previous Generation (2017-2022)

Fourth-generation dimensions:

Cargo length (seats folded): 69-72 inches**
Cargo width: 41-43 inches**
Cargo height: 35-37 inches**
Cargo volume: 60.1 cubic feet with seats folded

Powertrain Impact

Gasoline and Hybrid: - Full cargo dimensions available - Battery under floor doesn't impact camping space

Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV): - Slightly reduced under-floor storage - Main cargo dimensions unchanged - Still adequate for camping

Who Fits Comfortably

Current generation (2023+): - Under 5'10": Very comfortable sleeping straight - 5'10" to 6': Comfortable with minor positioning - 6' to 6'2": Workable with diagonal positioning - Over 6'2": Challenging; consider larger SUV

Previous generation (2017-2022):** - Under 5'8": Comfortable - 5'8" to 5'10": Workable with adjustments - Over 5'10": Challenging

The current generation represents a significant improvement in camping utility.

For those considering larger options, the Kia Telluride offers ample space for a comfortable camping experience in its own camping guide.

Best Mattress Options for Sportage Camping

The Sportage accommodates standard compact SUV mattress options.

Air Mattresses

Air mattresses work well in the Sportage:

Recommended size: Twin (38" x 75") fits well. Compact SUV-specific options provide optimized fit.

Thickness: 4-6 inches** is practical.

Top picks: - Luno Air Mattress 2.0 (compact SUV sizing) - Rightline Gear SUV Air Mattress (budget-friendly) - SAYGOGO SUV Air Mattress

Pros: Pack small, adjustable firmness Cons: Puncture risk, requires inflation

Foam Mattresses

Foam provides consistent comfort:

Recommended size: Twin (38" x 75") or cot-size (25" x 75") for gear storage alongside.

Thickness: 4 inches practical; headroom allows up to 6 inches in current gen.

Top picks: - Milliard Tri-Fold Twin (4-inch) - LINENSPA Tri-Fold Memory Foam - Better Habitat CertiPUR-US Camping Mattress

Pros: No inflation needed, consistent comfort, cold-weather insulation Cons: Bulkier to transport

Self-Inflating Pads

Practical middle ground:

Recommended: Full-length pads (25-30" wide).

Top picks: - REI Co-op Camp Dreamer - Therm-a-Rest BaseCamp - Exped SIM Comfort

Best for:** Solo campers wanting foam comfort with better packability.

If you're considering other SUV options, the Ford Bronco Sport also offers great features for car camping in its own camping guide.

Setting Up Your Sportage for Sleeping

Proper setup transforms your Sportage into a comfortable sleeping space.

Step 1: Fold the Rear Seats

The Sportage's 60/40 split-folding seats:

Move front seats forward to comfortable position
Pull release levers to fold rear seatbacks forward
Push seatbacks flat against cushions
Remove headrests for flatter surface
Current generation folds quite flat

Step 2: Level the Sleeping Surface

The Sportage has a relatively flat cargo floor:

Check for step between folded seats and cargo floor
Place folded blankets or thin foam over any transitions
Current generation has improved floor continuity
Ensure cargo cover is properly positioned
Remove items from under-floor storage if they create bumps

Step 3: Position Your Mattress

Place mattress with head toward hatch (more headroom) or front (privacy)
Twin mattress leaves room for gear alongside
Add fitted sheet for sleeping bag stability
Position pillow at preferred end
Keep front seats accessible

Step 4: Organize Your Gear

Front seats: Shoes, next-day clothes
Door pockets: Headlamp, phone, water bottle
Alongside mattress: Small gear bags (if using narrow mattress)
Under-floor storage: Emergency items, tools
Front footwells: Cooler, larger gear

Step 5: Ventilation Setup

Crack windows 1-2 inches** on opposite sides
Use window screens for bug protection
Battery-powered fan helps circulation
The Sportage's compact size means ventilation is important

For those considering other vehicles for car camping, the Hyundai Santa Fe offers its own unique advantages, detailed in our Santa Fe camping guide.

X-Pro Trim and Camping Capability

The X-Pro trim adds off-road-focused features for camping access.

X-Pro Specific Features

The X-Pro package includes:

Ground clearance: Increased over standard
Suspension: Revised for off-road use
Tires: All-terrain specification
Underbody protection: Skid plates
Styling: Rugged exterior elements
AWD: Standard

What X-Pro Handles

Confidently manages: - Gravel and dirt roads - Forest service roads - Light mud and wet conditions - Sandy surfaces - Typical dispersed camping access - Snow-covered roads

Limitations

Understand the boundaries: - Still a unibody crossover, not body-on-frame - Approach/departure angles limit rock crawling - Deep mud or sand can challenge it - Not Wrangler/Bronco capability - Better than standard but not extreme off-roader

Standard AWD Capability

Non-X-Pro Sportage AWD offers: - Competent gravel road handling - Adequate for most camping access - Drive mode selection (Sport, Eco, Smart) - Handles wet conditions well

For most car campers, standard AWD provides sufficient access. X-Pro makes sense for regularly accessing rougher roads.

For those considering other compact SUVs for camping, the Hyundai Tucson also offers great features.

Sportage vs. Competitors for Camping

How does the Kia Sportage compare to other compact SUVs for camping?

Sportage vs. Hyundai Tucson

Corporate cousins:

Platform: Same architecture
Cargo volume: Nearly identical (74.1 vs 74.8 cu ft)
Sleeping dimensions: Essentially the same
Powertrain options: Same hybrid/PHEV options
Warranty: Same excellent coverage

Choose based on: Styling preference, dealer experience, available deals

Sportage vs. Toyota RAV4

Mainstream compact SUV comparison:

Cargo volume: Sportage slightly larger (74.1 vs 69.8 cu ft)
Hybrid efficiency: RAV4 Hybrid slightly better
Reliability: RAV4 stronger reputation
Warranty: Sportage significantly better (5/10 vs 3/5)
Features: Sportage typically more features per dollar

Choose Sportage for: Value, warranty, features Choose RAV4 for: Toyota reliability, resale value

Sportage vs. Honda CR-V

Popular competitor:

Cargo volume: CR-V slightly larger (76.5 cu ft)
Sleeping length: Similar dimensions
Hybrid option: Both offer hybrids
Reliability: CR-V stronger reputation
Warranty: Sportage much better

Choose Sportage for: Warranty, value, styling Choose CR-V for: Honda reliability, slightly more cargo

Sportage vs. Ford Bronco Sport

Adventure-focused comparison:

Cargo volume: Sportage larger (74.1 vs 65.2 cu ft)
Off-road capability: Bronco Sport Badlands more capable
On-road comfort: Sportage more refined
Adventure features: Bronco Sport more purpose-built

Choose Sportage for: More space, on-road refinement Choose Bronco Sport for: Off-road capability, adventure focus

For those considering other compact SUVs, the Subaru Crosstrek offers its own unique advantages for camping; explore our guide to car camping mattresses for it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you sleep in a Kia Sportage?

Yes, the current Sportage (2023+) works well for car camping. With seats folded, you get 72-75 inches** of sleeping length. Best suited for solo campers and shorter couples. Previous generations have less space.

What size mattress fits in a Sportage?

A twin mattress (38" x 75") fits well. The 42-44 inch width between wheel wells limits larger sizes. Compact SUV-specific air mattresses provide optimized fit.

Sportage vs. Tucson for camping?

Nearly identical—they share the same platform. Cargo dimensions, sleeping space, and capability are essentially the same. Choose based on styling preference and dealer experience.

Is the Sportage Hybrid good for camping?

Excellent for road trips to camp. The 39-42 MPG significantly reduces fuel costs. Cargo space is identical to gasoline models. No impact on sleeping setup.

What is X-Pro on the Sportage?

X-Pro is Kia's off-road-focused trim: increased ground clearance, all-terrain tires, revised suspension, and underbody protection. Better capability for rough camping access roads.

Does the Sportage have good ground clearance?

Standard: 7.1-7.5 inches**. X-Pro: increased clearance. Adequate for typical camping access. Not a dedicated off-roader but handles gravel and dirt roads well.

Can two people sleep in a Sportage?

Tight. The 42-44 inch width is narrow for two adults. Possible but cozy. Consider the larger Sorento or Telluride for regular two-person camping.

Sportage Hybrid vs. PHEV for camping?

Hybrid offers same cargo at 39-42 MPG. PHEV has slightly reduced under-floor storage but 34-mile electric range. Hybrid usually better value for camping focus.

How do the Sportage seats fold?

The 60/40 split-folding rear seats fold using release levers. They fold quite flat in the current generation, creating a good sleeping surface with minimal leveling needed.

What's the Sportage warranty?

5-year/60,000-mile basic, 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain. Better than most competitors. Provides confidence for camping adventures.

Is the new Sportage bigger than the old one?

Yes, significantly. The 2023+ generation has substantially more cargo volume (74.1 vs 60.1 cu ft) and sleeping length compared to 2017-2022 models.

Sportage vs. Sorento for camping?

Sorento offers more space and optional third row. Sportage is smaller, more maneuverable, with similar efficiency. Choose Sorento for more space; Sportage if compact size is preferred.

What power options does the Sportage have for camping?

The Sportage has 12V outlets, USB ports, and some trims offer a 115V household outlet. For extended camping, add a portable power station (500-1000Wh). The Sportage doesn't have a dedicated camp mode.

How do I ventilate the Sportage while sleeping?

Crack windows on opposite sides for cross-ventilation. Use magnetic window screens to keep bugs out. A small battery fan improves circulation. The compact interior heats from body heat quickly.

Can I use a rooftop tent on a Sportage?

Yes, with proper roof rails and crossbars rated for the weight. The Sportage's roof supports most rooftop tents (120-180 lbs). This solves interior space limitations for couples.

How do I handle condensation in my Sportage overnight?

Condensation forms when warm breath hits cold windows. Solutions: crack windows on opposite sides, use a small battery fan, wipe windows before sleeping, and use moisture-wicking bedding.

Can I camp with my dog in a Sportage?

Workable for small to medium dogs. The compact space means human and dog share closely. Position your dog's bed alongside your sleeping pad. Large dogs require different arrangements.

What's the cargo height in the Sportage for sitting up?

Approximately 34-36 inches** of cargo height allows sitting. You can sit up to change clothes and organize gear. More restrictive than larger SUVs.

How do I keep my Sportage warm while winter camping?

The compact interior is easier to warm with body heat. Use insulated window covers, a sleeping bag rated well below expected temps, high R-value sleeping pad (5+), and layer blankets.

What accessories improve Sportage camping?

Prioritize: quality twin mattress, window covers for privacy and insulation, small battery fan, portable power station, and cargo organizers. A roof box increases gear capacity.

Can I build a sleeping platform in my Sportage?

Yes, but the compact space limits platform benefits. A low platform (4-6 inches**) creates under-bed storage without sacrificing too much headroom. Keep designs simple and removable.

How do I handle the seat-to-cargo gap in my Sportage?

The current-generation Sportage seats fold relatively flat. Fill any gap with folded blankets or a foam piece. A thick mattress (4"+) often bridges gaps comfortably.

Is the Sportage reliable for camping road trips?

The current generation has good reliability ratings. Kia's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty provides excellent protection. Standard maintenance applies for road trips.

How do I maximize sleeping length in my Sportage?

Fold rear seats completely. Position diagonally for extra room. Recline the front passenger seat and extend sleeping surface forward if needed. For campers over 6', creative positioning is essential.

What year Sportage is best for camping?

The 2023+ generation is significantly larger and better for camping. The 2017-2022 generation is smaller and more challenging for sleeping. Buy the current generation if camping is a priority.

If you're considering other compact SUVs for camping, the Mazda CX-5 also offers great sleeping arrangements in its spacious interior; learn more in our guide to car camping.