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Kia Sportage

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Expert Rating

Kia Sportage

(2022 - present)

    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 2023, the fifth-generation Kia Sportage holds an Expert Rating of 72% based on 22 UK reviews, which 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


    Media reviews


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

    Auto Express

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    Auto Trader

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    Autocar

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    Business Car

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    Car

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    Car Keys

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    Carbuyer

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    Carwow

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    Daily Mirror

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    Driving Electric

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    Electrifying.com

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    Green Car Guide

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    Heycar

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    Honest John

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    Parkers

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    The Sun

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    The Telegraph

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    What Car?

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    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

    MotorEasy logo 600x167

    Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

    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

    Clear Vehicle Data logo close crop

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

    Fuel consumptionAverageScoreVariationScore
    Petrol models42 mpgD40 – 44 mpgC – D
    Diesel models53 mpgB50 – 54 mpgB – B
    Hybrid models48 mpgC44 – 50 mpgB – C
    Plug-in hybrid models252 mpgA252 – 252 mpgA – A
    CO₂ outputAverageScoreVariationScore
    Petrol models151 g/kmB146 – 158 g/kmB – C
    Diesel models138 g/kmB135 – 148 g/kmA – B
    Hybrid models134 g/kmA129 – 146 g/kmA – B
    Plug-in hybrid models25 g/kmA25 – 25 g/kmA – A
    Battery rangeAverageScoreVariationScore
    Plug-in hybrid models43 milesD43 – 43 milesD – D
    Insurance groupAverageScoreVariationScore
    All models24B15 – 50A – F
    Service and maintenanceCostScore
    Year 1£216B
    Year 2£541B
    Year 3£876B
    Year 4£1,103B
    Year 5£1,469B
    Overall£4,205B

    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.

    Awards


    Trophies, prizes and awards that the Kia Sportage has received

    2023

    • Business Motoring Awards – Best Medium SUV
    • Fleet World Awards – Best Fleet Medium SUV
    • What Car? Awards – Best Family SUV

    2022

    • DrivingElectric Awards – Best Plug-In Hybrid Family Car
    • Fleet World Awards – Best Fleet Medium SUV
    • News UK Motor Awards – Readers’ Choice + Best Family Car
    • Scottish Car of the Year Awards – Best Family SUV + Best Full Hybrid

    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 | Nissan Qashqai | Peugeot 3008 | Renault Kadjar | SEAT Ateca | Skoda Karoq | SsangYong Korando | Subaru XV | Suzuki S-Cross | Toyota C-HR | Vauxhall Grandland | Volkswagen Tiguan


    More news, reviews and information about the Kia Sportage at The Car Expert

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    Kia Sportage test drive

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    New plug-in hybrid model joins the Kia Sportage range

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    The best-selling cars of 2021

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    UK pricing announced for new Kia Sportage

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    Britain’s best-selling cars, September 2021

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    Britain’s best-selling cars, August 2021

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    New Kia Sportage makes public debut at Munich show

    Britain’s best-selling new cars, July 2021

    Britain’s best-selling new cars, July 2021

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    Britain’s best-selling new cars, June 2021

    Kia Sportage to go Euro-specific for first time

    Kia Sportage to go Euro-specific for first time

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    The fifth-generation Kia Sportage is a practical and tech-filled family SUV, but alternatives offer a more comfortable driving experience.Kia Sportage