Name: Kia Sportage Review
Item: Kia Sportage
Author: Gumtree.com

Since its inception in 1993, the Kia Sportage has consistently moved up the ranks to become one of the most beloved family SUVs in the UK market. It all started with the third-generation model that was released in 2010, offering fresh new looks accompanied by feature-packed interiors. Since then, the Sportage has set itself up as a crossover to be reckoned with, performing well against its closest rivals the Peugeot 3008 and the SEAT Ateca. With a broad range of engines and trims, this Kia is all set to woo family car-owners who want long-term reliability.

Visit the Kia Sportage model page to explore available cars and learn more.

What we think about the Kia Sportage

Spacious interiors with lots of standard equipment packaged in a good-looking body are what makes the Kia Sportage a promising family car.

Pros

Practical interiors

Excellent value for money

Reliable engines

Cons

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Scores low on driver engagement

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Smaller boot space compared to rivals

The 2010 release of the Sportage has accounted for a major chunk of Kia’s sales in the UK. While the five-door hatchback is the only body style, you can pick up the car in both rear-wheel and four-wheel variants. All generations are available in manual and automatic variants. While the engine choice is limited to three options, six trim levels make it easy to find a good balance between price and performance.

Driving performance of the Kia Sportage

Our Driving Rating8 / 10

Kia has specifically ensured a very good driving position with the Sportage. There’s constant feedback from the road, which allows you to quickly handle corners, despite a fair amount of body roll. Long-distance driving is a breeze, given the impressive noise isolation. Most importantly, comfy seating and a lock-stock suspension mean that you go over road bumps with ease, which is no bad thing on both city and country roads. Gearshifts are smooth on the automatic and manual variants, although you may prefer the manual to the dual-clutch, just for the familiarity.

Safety and reliability of the Kia Sportage

Our Safety Rating7 / 10

Where this car scores all the brownie points is the 7-year warranty period. The Sportage’s reliability record is spotless, making this a machine that you can comfortably call a long-time companion of the family. From 2010 onwards, the car has scored very highly on the safety aspect as well. Trailer stability assist (TSA), which keeps trailers pointing the right way, and cruise control with speed limiters have both been standard features for two generations. All in all, the Sportage comes with plenty of standard safety equipment, even on base-line variants. With that, it’s no wonder it was awarded the full five-star safety rating by Euro NCAP in 2015.

Under the bonnet of the Kia Sportage

Our Engine Rating7 / 10

You get three engine choices with the Kia Sportage – 1.6-litre, 1.7-litre and 2.0-litre. The base-level diesel takes 11.4 seconds to go from 0-6 mpg. The 185 hp 2.0-litre CRDi takes 9.2 seconds to conquer 0-60 mph, making it nippy and punchy enough to keep things exciting. The 1.7-litre CRDi diesel, which is no longer in production, performed slightly better at 11.1 seconds. For petrol variants, the turbocharged G-TDi gives a stellar 0-60 performance at 8.8 seconds. Base variants are comparable to the diesel.

What you'll find in the Kia Sportage

Our Design Rating8 / 10

The Kia Sportage boasts design work from former Audi specialist Peter Schreyer. The 2010 generation’s facelift meant that the car really stood out in the looks department for the crossover segment. The 2016 generation takes the fashion statement to a whole new level with sharper edges and a more detailed frame. While the A-frame pillars knock off some points for visibility, a high driving position makes up for the loss. A 2018 facelift meant newer wheels, bumpers and lights – making for the ultimate makeover in terms of styling. All in all, the Kia Sportage fares considerably better than its boxier rivals.

Comfort and interiors in the Kia Sportage

Our Comfort Rating8 / 10

For driver comfort, a high riding position with rake-and-reach adjustable steering ensures that you find the perfect pose with ease. Even entry-level models take the comfort game very seriously, with sink-in seats and superb suspension that make way for easy-on-the-back, long rides. A reclining backrest on the rear seats (with enough room to stretch) makes the Sportage a handy family car for five. While this Kia is feature-packed, it doesn’t feel cluttered by any means.

What features you'll find in the Kia Sportage

Our Features Rating8 / 10

An eight-inch touchscreen satnav including Android Auto and Apple CarPlay is standard on the latest Sportage. Clear menu layouts and a split-screen homepage make the infotainment system one of the best in class. The base-level trim gets you plenty of features – 17-inch alloys, LED daytime running lights, dual-zone air conditioning, cruise control, heated seats and a reversing camera. The top-line GT-S adds on front electric seats and a heated steering wheel. The JBL sound system is also worth a mention. Finally, the mid-level ‘4’ trim really plays well to family comfort with the addition of leather seats, a panoramic sunroof, 19-inch alloy wheels and LED interior lights.

What fuel efficiency to expect from the Kia Sportage

Our Fuel Consumption Rating6 / 10

For petrol variants, the entry-level 1.6-litre GDi claims top spot in terms of frugality, managing a solid 35.7 mpg. The more powerful G-TDi version also fares comparably at 34.9 mpg. If you’re looking for more economical choices, you would have to ditch the all-wheel drives. Of course, the diesel variants outperform petrol variants by far. You get an admirable 53.3 mpg with the 1.6-litre CRDi. Top-line 2.0-litre CRDi models offer around 42 mpg with the manual transmission.

Running costs of the Kia Sportage

Our Cost Rating9 / 10

More or less similar to the rivals, the Kia Sportage occupies insurance groups 15-20. As a reliable machine, which has only ever had one recall, the Kia is definitely one that can go a long way without needing much TLC. In terms of CO2 emissions, the base-level petrol variant produces 177 g/km, while the equivalent diesel claims emissions of 141 g/km on the latest generation. Again, all-wheel drives are sure to take you down a couple of notches in terms of BiK savings. As a reliable car, diesel front-wheel drives bring the most value for money.

Our verdict of the Kia Sportage

4 / 5 Gumtree rating

Giving prime importance to safety, reliablity and comfort, there's very little doubt as to why the Sportage has been Kia's best-seller worldwide since 2016.

Kia Sportage Review