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The Kia Sportage is a very popular mid-size SUV, which means there are plenty to choose from. Its popularity is well-deserved, because it’s one of the most well-rounded, practical family cars you can get. An all-new version was introduced in 2021, which means you’ll find lots of previous-generation models, many still covered by Kia’s seven-year manufacturer warranty.
We’re focusing here on two Kia Sportage models – the one that was on sale new from 2016 to 2021 and the latest model, which was introduced in 2021. They’re a similar size and shape overall but the newer version is a few millimetres longer, taller and wider and it has a more futuristic look inside and out.
The 2016-2021 Sportage had a lot of changes to its trim levels. From 2016 to 2017, the trim names started with ‘KX’, followed by a number from one to five (KX-1, KX-2, etc.). From 2017 to 2021, the ‘KX’ bit was dropped, leaving just a number from one to four (the higher the number, the more features included as standard).
The sporty-looking GT-Line and GT-Line S trims were also introduced in 2017. There are several special edition trims, including the JBL Black Edition, named for its premium JBL audio system. A 2019 refresh of the range tweaked the styling and upgraded some of the tech.
The newer 2021-onwards Sportage has five trim levels to choose from – in ascending order of equipment and cost when new these are: 2, GT-Line, 3, 4 and GT-Line S.
The 2016-2021 Sportage has a more premium feel than earlier models. While not to the level of Audi or Mercedes-Benz, the Kia’s interior materials are of a good quality and it’s very comfortable. The main features and infotainment system are controlled mainly by buttons and dials, which means they’re very easy to use and to understand. Some models feature Apple CarPlay and Android Auto so that you can connect your smartphone. Other available features include adaptive cruise control, parking sensors and a 360-degree camera system, depending on which model you go for.
The 2021-onwards Sportage has a much more hi-tech feel with large display screens and it has hardly any physical buttons. Once you understand the setup it’s fairly user-friendly, and it has sat nav, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto across the whole range. Higher-spec models have a digital driver’s display in place of traditional dials, as well as heated, electrically adjustable front seats and a Harman/Kardon sound system.
A range of diesel or petrol engines powered the 2016-2021 Sportage, and they’re reasonably efficient for a car of this type and size. The petrol models promise fuel economy of between 37mpg and 42mpg. The larger 2.0-litre diesels will give you between 44mpg and 48mpg, but the smaller, more-efficient diesels promise between 57mpg and 68mpg.
The newer model has a wider choice of power, with petrol, diesel, mild-hybrid, full-hybrid and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) options. Once again, the fuel economy for each is good, if not best-in-class. Non-hybrid petrol Sportages will give around 42mpg, while non-hybrid diesels offer 54mpg. Cars equipped with mild-hybrid systems boost those figures slightly, unless they have four-wheel drive, in which case the fuel economy drops.
Full-hybrid models will give up to 49mpg with front-wheel drive or 44mpg with four-wheel drive, according to official figures, while the PHEV model can, in theory, deliver up to 252mpg. However, as with all PHEVs, the real-world figure will depend on the length of your journeys and whether you keep the battery charged. The Sportage PHEV can manage up to 43 electric-only miles on a full charge.
The Sportage is one of many mid-size SUVs, and the best all bring slightly different advantages. The Sportage is one of the best all-rounders – solid in all areas and with a seven-year warranty. Others to consider include the Hyundai Tucson, which has a bigger boot, and the Ford Kuga, which feels particularly engaging to drive. The Seat Ateca is also fun to drive, as is the Mazda CX-5.
If you want maximum boot space, go for the newer Sportage, which has a big 591-litre capacity, or 562 litres in the hybrid models. That’s a full 100 litres bigger than the earlier Sportage. Both versions have very spacious interiors, however, with easily enough room for four adults or five at a squeeze. There are lots of storage spaces for odds and ends in both cars.
The Kia Sportage sits in the middle of the Kia SUV range. It’s larger than the Stonic, XCeed or Niro but quite a bit smaller than the seven-seat Sorento. The Sportage is fairly close in size to the Kia Ceed hatchbacks, although it’s larger and significantly higher. Kia’s electric-only range of cars compromises the Soul EV, the EV6, and the EV9.
The earlier Sportage was tested by safety organisation Euro NCAP in 2015. It scored the maximum five-star rating, although the testing criteria are stiffer now and that rating has expired.
The latest Sportage was tested in 2022 and also scored the maximum five stars. It features most of the latest advanced driver assistance systems, including automatic emergency braking and lane assistance. The earlier Sportage had these systems available on higher-spec models, but you’ll need to check to see if they’re fitted on any specific car you’re considering.
There are no hybrid or electric versions of the earlier Sportage, but the latest model has mild-hybrid options with either diesel or petrol power, as well as a full-hybrid petrol model and a petrol PHEV, with an electric-only range of up to 43 miles.