Kia Sportage
Used Car Review

Overview

Looking for a family SUV that ticks all the boxes without breaking the bank? The Kia Sportage could be exactly what you need. This popular mid-size crossover has been completely redesigned for the latest generation, offering striking looks, impressive practicality, and a generous equipment list that puts many premium rivals to shame. It’s built for families who want space, comfort, and reliability without paying luxury car prices.

The Sportage stands out in the crowded SUV market with its bold, angular styling and distinctive LED lighting. Inside, you’ll find a modern, tech-heavy interior that feels surprisingly upmarket for the money. The build quality has improved dramatically over previous generations, with solid materials and a well-thought-out layout. Rivals like the Nissan Qashqai and Volkswagen Tiguan offer similar space and practicality, but few match the Sportage’s generous standard equipment levels.

What really sets the Sportage apart is its value proposition and comprehensive warranty coverage. You get a lot of car for your money, plus the reassurance of Kia’s impressive seven-year warranty. The driving experience is refined and comfortable, making it perfect for family duties and longer journeys. While it may not be the most exciting SUV to drive, it excels in the areas that matter most to real-world buyers: space, comfort, reliability, and running costs.

What's the Kia Sportage Like to Drive?

The Kia Sportage offers a well-rounded range of engines that prioritise efficiency and refinement over outright performance. The entry-level 1.6-liter petrol engine produces 150 horsepower, which feels adequate for most driving situations. For better performance and economy, the hybrid variants are the standout choices. The 1.6-liter hybrid system combines petrol and electric power for 230 horsepower total, delivering smooth acceleration and impressive fuel economy. The plug-in hybrid takes this further with 265 horsepower and the ability to run on electric power alone for short trips.

On the road, the Sportage feels composed and predictable rather than sporty. The steering is light and easy at parking speeds, becoming more weighted and precise at higher speeds. The suspension does a good job of smoothing out bumps and road imperfections, though it can feel a bit bouncy over larger imperfections compared to some rivals. This comfortable SUV setup makes it ideal for family use and long-distance cruising. While it won’t thrill keen drivers like a Mazda CX-5 might, it delivers the relaxed, refined driving experience most buyers in this class actually want.

How Comfortable Is the Kia Sportage?

Step inside the latest Sportage and you’ll immediately notice how much the interior has improved. The dashboard features a curved dual-screen setup that looks modern and expensive. The materials used throughout feel solid and well-assembled, with soft-touch surfaces in key areas and attractive trim details. The seats are supportive and comfortable, with good adjustment range for finding the perfect driving position. Even the entry-level models come well-equipped with features like wireless phone charging and dual-zone climate control.

The cabin is impressively quiet at motorway speeds, with good sound insulation keeping road and wind noise to a minimum. The infotainment system is responsive and intuitive, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. Rear-seat passengers get plenty of space for adults, with good headroom and legroom. The large windows create an airy, light feeling inside. Higher specification models add features like heated and ventilated seats, a premium sound system, and ambient lighting that further enhance the upmarket feel.

The Kia Sportage is an excellent all-round family SUV that successfully combines style, practicality, and value. The interior quality has improved dramatically, the hybrid powertrains offer excellent efficiency, and the generous equipment levels make it feel like a premium product at a mainstream price. The seven-year warranty adds significant peace of mind that few rivals can match.

Nicholas Zapolski Car Expert

How Much Does It Cost to Run a Kia Sportage?

The Sportage offers competitive running costs, especially if you choose one of the hybrid variants. The standard hybrid returns around 50 mpg in real-world driving, while the plug-in hybrid can achieve over 100 mpg if you regularly charge it and use electric mode for short trips. Even the petrol-only model manages a respectable 40 mpg in mixed driving. Insurance groups are reasonable for the class, typically ranging from group 15 to 20 depending on the specification.

Purchase prices are competitive, with the Sportage often undercutting premium rivals while offering similar or better equipment levels. Kia’s seven-year warranty is a major advantage, providing peace of mind and potentially reducing maintenance costs. Depreciation has improved significantly with this generation, helped by Kia’s enhanced brand reputation and the car’s desirable styling. For those considering car finance, the Sportage’s strong residual values and competitive pricing make it an attractive option with manageable monthly payments.

Kia Sportage Practicality & Boot Space

The Sportage excels in practical everyday use, which is exactly what family SUV buyers want. The 591-litre boot is generous for the class, easily accommodating the weekly shop, holiday luggage, or sports equipment. The rear seats fold flat to create an even larger load area when needed. Throughout the cabin, you’ll find plenty of useful storage spaces including large door pockets, a big glovebox, and multiple cup holders.

The high driving position gives excellent visibility in all directions, making parking and manoeuvring easier. The wide-opening doors provide easy access to both front and rear seats, which is particularly helpful when dealing with child seats. For families, the Sportage hits the sweet spot between being compact enough for city driving while offering the space and versatility you need for family life. Compared to other used Kia cars, the Sportage represents the brand’s move upmarket while maintaining the practical focus that has always been a Kia strength.

The Kia Sportage represents excellent value in the competitive family SUV market. It combines attractive styling, a high-quality interior, impressive practicality, and efficient hybrid powertrains in a package that undercuts many premium rivals. The generous standard equipment and seven-year warranty add further appeal for cost-conscious buyers who don’t want to compromise on quality or features.

This latest generation Sportage shows how far Kia has come as a brand, offering a genuinely desirable alternative to established European rivals. While it may not be the most exciting SUV to drive, it excels in all the areas that matter most to real-world family buyers. Whether you’re considering Bad Credit Car Finance Guide options or looking for great value in the Best Used Car Under £3,000 market, the Sportage deserves serious consideration.