Kia Sportage review
By Motor Match • 19/05/2023
Let’s take a look to see if the new Sportage is worth considering.
What is it?
The Kia Sportage has established itself as a major player in the crossover market, and is now regularly on the list of the UK’s most popular new cars.
It found huge success with its predecessor, and now Kia is back with a bold new generation that aims to try and replicate and better that success. Let’s take a look to see if the new Sportage is worth considering.
What’s new?
Kia has made some significant strides in recent years and the Sportage is a great example of that. This is a car that’s bold to look at while adopting a new tech-laden, premium interior that really helps to stand it out.
There’s an especially broad range of powertrains on offer too, which we’ll get onto shortly.
What’s under the bonnet?
Choice is key to the appeal of the latest Sportage, with customers able to choose petrol, diesel, hybrid and plug-in hybrids.
While more buyers are choosing the electrified versions, a special mention has to go to the standard 148bhp 1.6-litre petrol, which remains the best-seller in the line-up.
But the hybrid models grab the attention, each revolving around a turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol unit. The regular ‘self-charging’ setup is a great option, delivering a punchy 226bhp, and is available with either two- or four-wheel-drive. It’s able to accelerate to 60mph in under eight seconds, while Kia claims around 50mpg.
A 261bhp plug-in hybrid is also well-suited to company car drivers, and can travel up to 43 miles on electricity at a time.
What’s it like to drive?
First impressions are good with the Sportage, as this Kia is quiet and refined, while offering good visibility around town. On versions with larger alloy wheels fitted, the ride can be a bit firm around town, though.
The steering is well-judged, feeling secure on the open road, but being light for when driving around town and in stop-start traffic. The hybrids provide plenty of power too, though the six-speed automatic gearbox can be jerky at times.
How does it look?
Kia has been getting progressively bolder with its cars’ styling, and the Sportage really shows that. This latest model is certainly eye-catching, with its big boomerang-shaped LED running lights most certainly grabbing attention. It’s quite fussy and won’t suit everyone, but we applaud Kia for being bold with it.
You’re best off choosing a higher-spec GT-Line model if looks are important too, as these bring bigger wheels and a more attractive bodykit.
What’s it like inside?
The interior of the latest Sportage is quite a change too – especially on higher-spec models, which get a stunning curved display that merges a large touchscreen with the digital dials. We also love the strip of buttons which have dual purposes, altering between multimedia controls and then climate. It’s a neat touch that helps to save space, while still retaining useful physical controls.
This latest Sportage is also roomier than its predecessor, which makes this even more useful as a family car. There’s a boot measuring up to 591 litres, while there’s plenty of room for adults to sit comfortably in the rear. USB chargers in the front seatbacks are a neat touch as well.
What’s the spec like?
Standard equipment on the Sportage ‘2’ includes LED headlights, an eight-inch touchscreen and parking sensors, with the GT-Line model bringing a big 12.3-inch touchscreen, keyless entry and leather and suede seats.
A ‘3’ grade then adds a large 12.3-inch digital dial display, while heated seats and adaptive cruise control are useful to have. At the top of the range, the GT-Line S boasts a Harman Kardon sound system, electric boot and ventilated seats.
Verdict
The latest Sportage is a real improvement compared to its predecessor. Bringing a far more modern design and higher-quality interior, it still retains this Kia’s usability, practicality and generous seven-year warranty.
It would make a great family car, and should definitely be worth considering if you’re looking for a new, practical crossover.
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