Summary
One of Kia’s best-selling models since it first launched in 1993, the mid-sized Sportage SUV has reached its fifth generation with this model, which arrived in the UK in early 2022.
With a comprehensive model range consisting of petrol, diesel, hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions, the Sportage is closely related to the Hyundai Tucson. Both mid-sized SUVs have received plenty of praise from the UK media for their well-equipped and high-quality interior trims and their boot space. The Telegraph is also impressed by the generous seven-year warranty standard on all new Kia models, while Driving Electric admires the Sportage bold exterior styling.
Where the Sportage begins to slightly falter is when analysing the price list, which reviewers generally agree could be more competitive. Car explains: “You can get a Toyota RAV4 Hybrid for less than a Sportage HEV, and the PHEV makes the Ford Kuga and Volkswagen Tiguan equivalents look cheap.”
While entry-level models of the Kia Sportage are praised for their value-for-money, the top-spec plug-in hybrid models are much more expensive, and many reviews conclude that, while it has less overall polish than the Sportage, the very similar Hyundai Tucson is the more affordable route into hybrid SUV ownership.
As of July 2022, the fifth generation Kia Sportage holds an Expert Rating of 73% based on 17 UK reviews, which is a significant improvement on the score achieved by its predecessor.
This is a brand new model, and therefore, we expect to see a large number of UK-based reviews being published in coming months, which could push the rating up or down by a few points.
Sportage highlights
- Value-for-money entry-level models
- Spacious cabin and boot
- Economical plug-in hybrid variants
- Impressive interior trim and tech
- Seven-year new car warranty
Sportage lowlights
- Expensive top-end models
- Pricier than a Hyundai Tucson
- Lack of ride comfort compared to rivals
- Petrol engines are not very economical
- Not as fun to drive as some alternatives
Key specifications
Body style: Medium SUV/crossover
Engines: petrol, diesel, hybrid, plug-in hybrid
Price: From ÂŁ26,745 on-road
Launched: Winter 2021/22
Last updated: N/A
Replacement due: TBA
Image gallery
Media reviews
Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
Auto Express
Model reviewed: 1.6-litre petrol/electric hybrid GT-Line S AWD
Score: 8 / 10
“This is the best Kia Sportage yet. It looks sensational inside and out and does the family-friendly stuff really well. But can it beat the all-conquering Tucson? There are some areas where it’s better, others where it’s not. But Kia needs to sharpen its pencil on prices and deals.”
Read review
Auto Trader
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Kia Sportage combines bold eye-catching looks with plenty of engine options, trim levels and technology. Closely related to the Hyundai Tucson, the Sportage is a little more affordable to get into with a broader engine range and Kia’s signature seven-year warranty.”
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Autocar
Model reviewed: 1.6-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid
“The Kia Sportage PHEV promises to be one of the better choices in the segment, thanks to its very competitive EV range, strong value and generally pleasant demeanour.”
Read review
Model reviewed: 1.6-litre petrol manual
Score: 8 / 10
“All told, the entry-level Kia Sportage is a convincing act. It’s spacious enough and well mannered; and while it was never going to be some great entertainer, its manual gearbox and neat handling offer a degree of driving pleasure that you normally struggle to unearth in this class.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“Fifth-generation compact SUV does refinement, handling precision, technology, space and alternative style well (if you like the new look). Hybrid powertrain lacks a little versatility and has pretty average economy, though.”
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Business Car
Model reviewed: 1.6-litre petrol/electric hybrid GT-Line
Score: 8 / 10
“The Mk5 Kia Sportage offers impressive refinement, is a decent drive and looks interesting.”
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Car
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“There’s no mistaking that the Kia Sportage is now appealingly upmarket in its appearance, powertrain, tech and perceived quality. The problem is that its price has gone up, too. You can get a Toyota RAV4 Hybrid for less than a Sportage HEV, and the PHEV makes the Ford Kuga and VW Tiguan equivalents look cheap.”
Read review
Car Keys
Model reviewed: 1.6-litre perol/electric hybrid
Score: 9 / 10
“As a family SUV, the Kia Sportage ticks all the right boxes. It’s roomy, well-made, impressively equipped, and efficient in the case of the hybrids. Avoid the really expensive versions and you’ll be left with a seriously appealing crossover.”
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Carbuyer
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8.4 / 10
“The bold new Kia Sportage offers a high-tech interior and plenty of hybrid options”
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Carwow
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Kia Sportage is a practical family SUV with plenty of tech and bold styling – however the ride is slightly firmer than on some alternatives.”
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Driving Electric
Model reviewed: 1.6-litre petrol/electric hybrid
Score: 8 / 10
“The fifth generation of Kia’s mid-size family SUV is a refined cruiser with an impressive infotainment setup, although the ride may be on the firm side for some.”
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Heycar
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“You’ll love or hate the way the new Kia Sportage looks, but there’s very little else to dislike about it. It’s comfortable, practical and extremely well-equipped, while there’s an extensive engine line-up to suit every buyer.”
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Honest John
Model reviewed: Range overview
“Striking looks. Infotainment heavy cabin. Hybrid engines.”
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Parkers
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Now one of the classiest and comfiest options, but not the cheapest”
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The Sun
Model reviewed: 1.6-litre petrol/electric hybrid GT-Line S
“The new Kia Sportage SUV could be the Nissan Qashqai’s worst nightmare.”
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The Telegraph
Model reviewed: 1.6-litre petrol/electric hybrid GT-Line
Score: 8 / 10
“Rather than bringers of joy, family SUVs are carriers of joy and in that respect the Kia Sportage will do very nicely. While its fuel consumption might not be the best, the long warranty is and that’s reflected in the PCP leasing rates.”
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What Car?
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Kia Sportage is a great all-round family SUV that offers a generous amount of space for four and in the boot, with one of best interiors in its class. Despite the Hyundai Tucson being a slightly cheaper route into a hybrid family SUV, we reckon the Sportage is the slightly more polished alternative.”
Read review
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: July 2022
Read the full Euro NCAP review
Adult protection: 87%
Child protection: 86%
Vulnerable road users: 66%
Safety assist: 72%
The Kia Sportage shares its foundations and safety tech with the Hyundai Tucson, tested last year. Where necessary, Euro NCAP has carried out tests on the Sportage but, for others, the results of the Tucson are used.
Therefore, the Sportage acheived a full five-star rating after its crash tests like the Tucson, with both SUVs being awarded the exact same adult and child occupant crash safety scores. That said, the Sportage received a slightly better safety assistance technology score, indicating that it is slightly better at preventing an accident in the first place.
No eco rating
As of July 2022, the Kia Sportage has not been lab tested by Green NCAP.
Awards
Trophies, prizes and awards that the Kia Sportage has received
2022
- Fleet World Awards – Best Fleet Medium SUV
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the Kia Sportage, you might also be interested in these alternatives
Citroën C5 Aircross | Ford Kuga | Honda CR-V | Hyundai Tucson | Jeep Compass | Mazda CX-5 | MG HS | Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross | Nissan Qashqai | Peugeot 3008 | Renault Kadjar | SEAT Ateca | Skoda Karoq | SsangYong Korando | Subaru XV | Suzuki S-Cross | Toyota C-HR | Vauxhall Grandland X | Volkswagen Tiguan
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