Kia Sportage review

The Kia Sportage is based on the Kia “Opposites United” design philosophy.

In practice, this means anything sleek is balanced with a muscular rugged look fit for the SUV world.

The big Tiger Nose grille and the arrowhead headlights against the hollowed-out boot door perfectly reflects this style mantra – and we’re here for it.

It's an SUV that’s youthful and fun but brings the dominating looks – if you want an SUV that says SUV, then you’ll likely love the Sportage.

The '2' spec is the entry-level option, and if you opt for the GT-Line S trim, you’ll also get a two-tone black roof, and there’s a choice of 17-, 18- and 19-inch alloy wheels.

We test drove on 19-inch wheels, and they gave the car a more possessing look for sure. 

You can choose between petrol, mild hybrid, full hybrid, and plug-in hybrid drivetrains.

We test-drove the self-charging hybrid GT-Line S model, and it seriously impressed with how smooth the ride was.

Manual and automatic gearboxes are available, but if you want to feel in touch with the Sportage and like that physical connection with driving, we recommend the six-speed manual.

If you want the easiest drive possible and just want to put your foot down and cruise, then the seven-speed automatic gearbox is very pleasant. 

It's pacey enough, with the GT-Line S managing 0-62 in around 7.7 seconds.

The electric motor also makes this car nice and nippy around town, and a dab hand to drive too.

But the selling point of the Sportage for families has got to be how smooth it is.

Compared to the Ford Kuga or Hyundai Tuscon, this car rounds off potholes and glazes over any road surface impressively.

You’ll be hard-pressed to find a better motorway cruiser for the price.

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We have to say, hats off to Kia for this interior.

It’s one of the talking points of the Sportage, especially on the GT-Line S, which has an added sporty feel with white trims and white stitching on the seats and upholstery.

The main eye draw is the dash – you get two 12.3-inch screens that look like one deliciously silky seamless experience.

But it’s not just the looks, because this infotainment system is probably one of the most intuitive and user-friendly of any car currently on the market.

Sounds like big claim, but it’s honestly so simple to use. Just two menus, with clear icons.

It looks good and it takes a glance and a tap to do what you need to do.

The rest of the interior features good-quality materials, if not the ultimate luxe, but this is a mid-price point SUV.

You aren’t, however, short of nice features such as the ventilated front seats and heated front and rear seats.

Naturally, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available, as are multiple USB ports and wireless charging (that works even with a case on!).

The Sportage is seriously practical considering it’s not the biggest SUV.

The 590-litre boot fits a couple of mid-sized suitcases, plus duffle bags and shopping.

The rear seats helpfully split 40:20:40 too.

Have a dog that hits the road with you? There’s plenty of space for them to stretch out and relax! 

The Sportage is very spacious throughout, with loads of front passenger space, plenty of room for three in the back, and headroom and legroom for six-footers and taller.

The seats are so comfortable too, and are so well padded that even with a full car you’ll feel relaxed. 

There’s lots of storage space too, with good-sized door bins front and back and extra storage cubbies.

One of the neatest features are the front cupholders that fold back into the centre console when you press a button.

If you need to pop your Starbucks latte down, just press the button and the cupholder will pop out.

If you need space to put your keys, wallet and bits and bobs, just retract them.

There is more room for a family's holiday luggage than the Nissan Qashqai offers but less than the Skoda Karoq.

The Sportage is seen as Mr Reliable. Unexpected bills are unlikely to trouble your bank balance - the same goes for everyday running costs.

With multiple hybrid engine choices available, the Sportage across the board comes in with good MPG figures.

The most fuel-efficient is, of course, the plug-in hybrid version, which has 43 miles of electric-only range (plenty for daily town driving) and comes in about 50mpg.

The MHEV and HEV engines manage high 40s and high 30s mpg respectively.  All new Sportage models come with a seven-year warranty too.

Kia has continued to deliver and innovate with one its most popular and longest-standing models.

For a family on their second or third SUV looking for a quality, good-looking and superbly practical next purchase, it’s hard to go far wrong with the Sportage.