With so many family SUVs to choose from, it can be hard knowing where to begin—but the KIA Sportage is as good a starting point as any.
There’s plenty of substance behind those boomerang-shaped headlights, and dramatic styling in line with KIA’s flagship electric car, the award-winning EV6. Then there’s the excellent range of engines: one petrol and two diesels, as well as both manual and automatic gearboxes. The automatics benefit from mild-hybrid technology to improve efficiency and cut emissions. There’s also a self-charging hybrid and a plug-in hybrid. The latter can do over 40 miles on electricity alone. Meanwhile, if you’re looking to maximise traction then you’d best opt for the four-wheel–drive on one of the top-spec models—more on those in a moment.
The Sportage comes with a generous amount of interior space, not to mention a competitive starting price. The entry-level model undercuts its competitors the Mazda CX-5, Peugeot 3008 and Hyundai Tucson, and is pretty much in line with the SEAT Ateca, Škoda Karoq and Nissan Qashqai, all superb family SUVs in their own right. But before we get into the Sportage’s details, let’s check out its key stats.
| Brand-new price range | £28,000–£46,000 |
| Car Planet price range | £7,000–£11,000 / £141–£212 a month |
| Trims | 4 |
| Engines | 3 |
| Available fuels | Petrol, hybrid |
| mpg range across all versions | 50–252 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Warranty | 7 years / 100,000 miles |
| Company car tax at 20% (min/max) | £565 / £2,757 |
| Company car tax at 40% (min/max) | £1,130 / £5,514 |
Equipment, options and extras
The KIA Sportage certainly isn’t the cheapest family SUV for its size, but all its models are equipped with what most drivers need. The entry-level 2 model comes with cruise control, climate control, 17in alloy wheels and an electronic parking brake. Next up in the range is the sportier GT-Line, then the 3 model and GT-Line S. You can maximise value by sticking with one of the lower-spec models, although you might be tempted by the trim on the 3 model: keyless ignition, automatic gearbox, adaptive cruise control, twin digital screens, and heated and electrically adjustable front seats. We’re less convinced by the GT-Line S, though: it may combine a sporty aesthetic with all the kit, but it pushes the price beyond the point where we’d recommend it. It’s also worth noting that the GT-Line S comes with a panoramic roof—so if you are considering it, just make sure to sit in it first to check the rear headroom is adequate.
Costs, insurance groups, mpg and CO2
The starting price for the KIA Sportage just about undercuts the Peugeot 3008 and Hyundai Tucson, but the Škoda Karoq and SEAT Ateca are a little more affordable, with smaller 1L petrol engines as their entry points. The hybrid versions are costlier but still competitive, priced just above the Tucson but below an equivalent 3008. Better still, the Sportage is predicted to hold its value almost as well as the premium Volvo XC40, and should have stronger residuals than the Tucson. The plug-in hybrid is placed between the slightly cheaper Ford Kuga and pricier Tucson plug-in hybrid.
Company car drivers will be most interested in the plug-in hybrid version of the Sportage. Its CO2 output of 25g/km and 43-mile electric-only range places it in the 8% BIK tax band, lower than the 12% rating of the Kuga and Tucson plug-in hybrids. Even when driven in hybrid mode you can expect to see around 50mpg if you keep the battery charged. Meanwhile, the 1.6 T-GDi 230 hybrid electric is fairly frugal, clocking in at 49mpg. That’s not as efficient as some diesels in the family SUV category, but still compares favourably to many of the petrols. The mild-hybrid electric version is a tad thirstier, but even with that you can comfortably achieve an mpg of mid- to high 30s if the trip computer’s to be believed.
Safety and security
Euro NCAP awarded the KIA Sportage a full five stars, and it scored well in all areas. Its competitor the Hyundai Tucson scored almost identically in all safety categories, but comparing the two cars directly is tough because they were tested in different years, and the tests have got progressively more stringent.
Every model of the Sportage is abundant in safety equipment, including six airbags, lane-keeping assistance, trailer stability assist and automatic emergency braking. If you want more, you could consider the top-spec GT-Line S trim, which includes blind spot monitoring and parking collision avoidance.
Reliability
You have peace of mind with the KIA Sportage, as every model comes with a 7-year warranty. You won’t find that with any of its rivals—the closest you’ll get is the 5-year warranty on the Hyundai Tucson.
The Car Planet verdict
The KIA Sportage is a fantastic all-rounder in the family SUV category, offering generous space in both front and rear, as well as a large boot and one of the finest interiors in its class. Our favourite trim is that of the 3 model, but every model brings lots of equipment. Even the entry-level trims make more sense compared to the mostly pricier competitors. Sure, the Hyundai Tucson is just a touch cheaper, but the Sportage is a far more polished choice.
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