Name: Kia Sportage (2022 - present) | Expert Rating | The Car Expert
Item: Kia Sportage
Rating: 72

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 January 2024, the fifth-generation Kia Sportage holds an Expert Rating of A, with a score of 72%. This is a significant improvement on the score achieved by its predecessor.

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 £28,360 on-road

Launched: Winter 2021/22
Last updated: N/A
Replacement due: TBA

Image gallery

Media reviews

Reviews, road tests and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

Auto Express+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“Featuring plenty of space, the latest on-board technology and a comfortable ride, the Kia Sportage is a first-rate family SUV.”
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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.”
Read review

Business Car+

Model reviewed: PHEV (2023)
Score: 8 / 10
“In 3-spec PHEV form, the Kia Sportage is good to drive, with interesting styling inside and out and low running costs.” (Martyn Collins)
Read review

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.”
Read review

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.”
Read review

Carbuyer+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8.4 / 10
“The bold new Kia Sportage offers a high-tech interior and plenty of hybrid options”
Read review

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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Daily Mirror+

Model reviewed: 1.6-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid GT-Line
“The Kia Sportage PHEV is hugely attractive as a company car thanks to a seriously low BIK tax rate of 8%. Very few rivals can match that and although the Kia looks a bit dear compared to rivals, the actual outlay when it’s used as a company car will be considerably lower.”
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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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Electrifying.com+

Model reviewed: 1.6-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid
Score: 8 / 10
“Until Kia launches a pure-electric Sportage, this is as good as it gets. Well equipped with impressive credentials, company car drivers will love it.”
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Green Car Guide+

Model reviewed: 1.6-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid GT-Line S
Score: 8 / 10
“The Kia Sportage Plug-in Hybrid has certainly progressed compared to previous models. The new Sportage has more dynamic styling, the interior which is similar to the EV6 is well designed and it works really well, and the overall driving experience is very good.” (Paul Clarke)
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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.”
Read review

Honest John+

Model reviewed: Range overview
“Striking looks. Infotainment heavy cabin. Hybrid engines.”
Read review

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.”
Read review

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

Safety rating

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.

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

Model tested: 1.6-litre T-GDI 48V Petrol AWD Automatic

Overall score: 2 stars
Date tested: December 2022
Read the full Green NCAP review

Clean Air Index: 5 / 10
Energy Efficiency Index: 3.2 / 10
Greenhouse Gas Index: 1.5 / 10

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

Total claims: 23
Average repair cost: £771.96
Last updated: January 2023

Reliability score

All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims

The Kia Sportage has an average overall reliability rating of 61%, according to warranty data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our partner, MotorEasy. However, this score covers both the current model as well as previous (pre-2021) models, and is also taken from a relatively small number of vehicles to date. As a result, we may see significant shifts over time as more data is added.

To date, the average repair cost for the Sportage is quite high at just under £800. That’s obviously a lot more than a used car warranty, which is worth keeping in mind if you own a Sportage or are considering a used car.

Running cost rating

Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data

Fuel consumption	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	42 mpg	D	40 – 44 mpg	C – D
Diesel models	53 mpg	B	50 – 54 mpg	B – B
Hybrid models	48 mpg	C	44 – 50 mpg	B – C
Plug-in hybrid models	252 mpg	A	252 – 252 mpg	A – A

CO₂ output	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	151 g/km	B	146 – 158 g/km	B – C
Diesel models	138 g/km	B	135 – 148 g/km	A – B
Hybrid models	134 g/km	A	129 – 146 g/km	A – B
Plug-in hybrid models	25 g/km	A	25 – 25 g/km	A – A

Battery range	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Plug-in hybrid models	43 miles	D	43 – 43 miles	D – D

Insurance group	Average	Score	Variation	Score
All models	24	B	15 – 50	A – F

Service and maintenance	Cost	Score
Year 1	£216	B
Year 2	£541	B
Year 3	£876	B
Year 4	£1,103	B
Year 5	£1,469	B
Overall	£4,205	B

Running costs for the Kia Sportage would be quite good overall, but are let down by the biggest cost – fuel consumption.

Petrol models are poor, while the regular hybrids are only average. The diesel models were above average, but they’re no longer available. And while the plug-in hybrid models may look good on paper, that’s really just the result of the EU/UK government lab tests not being fit for purpose when it comes to measuring plug-in hybrids.

In terms of other costs, the Sportage rates very well. Servicing and insurance costs are above average, while road tax should be better than most cars as well.