Kia Sportage
Aggregated reviews, user reviews, videos, photos and stats
- Handsome looks
- Well priced
- 7 year warranty
- Poor rear visibility
- Ford Kuga is better to drive
- Steering isn’t great
The new Kia Sportage gets impressive reviews. Critics are huge fans of it, with praise being given to the sleek styling, spacious cabin, its competitive pricing and the industry leading seven year warranty.
Interior
The reviews largely praise the Sportage's interior. Though some reckoned it wasn’t as stylish as the exterior, and there were some complaints regarding the quality of some materials, the general consensus is that it’s a well-made and thoughtfully laid out cabin.
Space is good for drivers and passengers, with enough room in the rear for three adults to sit comfortably, though some testers thought that occupants over 6 ft might find the head room restrictive. The boot, though not the biggest in its class, is quite large, and the shape allows you to make the most of the generous space.
Driving
It may have the word ‘Sport’ in its name, but the Sportage isn’t the car you’d want to tackle B-roads in – some critics reckon that the ride is a bit fidgety, especially with the larger (but very funky looking) 18 inch alloys, and there were a few complaints regarding the slightly numb steering.
That being said, the controls are nice and light, and most of the critics liked the slick-to-use manual transmission. Body roll was controlled as well, no doubt thanks to the UK specific suspension set-up us Brits get.
Visibility is fairly good all-round, though some said that rear visibility was compromised by the small back window and thick C-Pillars.
Engines
There are currently four engines on offer – a 1.6 petrol, a 1.7 diesel, a 2.0 petrol and a 2.0 diesel. The two larger engines get 4WD and the option of an automatic ‘box, whilst the lesser power plants make do with a six speed manual and front-wheel drive.
Some testers reckoned that the diesels were the ones to go for, as they’re the most efficient in the range and are more usable across the rev range - the 1.6 petrol, for instance, was seen as a bit lethargic.
Value for money
The Kia brand may be building up a more premium and desirable image, but the Sportage is still one of the more affordable and competitively priced SUV crossovers on the market. Compared to rivals it's well priced.
Standard kit is generous across the range, with even the most basic ‘1’ trim levels getting cruise control, Bluetooth and iPod connectivity and a hill start system as standard, though some testers reckoned that the flagship ‘3’ spec Sportage models were pricy by Kia standards.
However, depreciation shouldn’t be too much of an issue, and the seven year warranty is equally reassuring.
Conclusion
Kia has made huge gains in such a small amount of time, and the Sportage could be one of their best cars to date. It’s great to look at, enticingly good value for money and accommodating enough for the needs of most families.
Yes, it’s not the most refined or engaging car in its class, and the Kia badge may be off-putting to some buyers who want a ‘truly premium product’ such as a BMW or a Land Rover. However, anyone who disregards it for being a Kia is missing out on a terrific car, the Sportage is well worth considering if you’re looking for a plush and pleasant crossover that doesn't break the bank.
Key Details
- Price range:
- £17,110 - £26,550
- MPG:
- 34 - 54
- Safety rating (NCAP):
- Date released:
- 2010
- Replacement due:
- Not for a few years
- Model history:
- There haven't been any significant updates so far
- Engine to go for:
- The 1.7 CRDi gives a nice blend of power and economy
- Engine to avoid:
- There aren't any weak engines in the line-up
- Options to go for:
- The panoramic sunroof makes the interior nice and light
- Options to avoid:
- The 18" wheels. They give an uncomfortable ride and cause a lot of tyre noise.
- Engine naming:
- CRDi engines are diesels, GDi are petrol
Kia Sportage User Reviews
Initially we hadn't considered Kia when we started thinking about our new car. We knew we wanted a smallish 4x4 and started looking at Ford, Vauxhall etc.. and at used BMW X3s. Then a friend suggested we look at Kia as it had a 7 year warranty. I hadn't known they made a 4x4 but as soon as we saw a photo of it on the Kia site we knew it was worth going to look at it in the dealership.
We fell in love with the looks and the interior straight away. At the time they only had the top of the line First Edition model, but we were able to order the 1.7 diesel, which was better suited to our needs.
Options I'd recommend are the panoramic sunroof as it lets so much light in, the heated seats and handy bluetooth connection (which works well with my iPhone, but not my Nokia workphone, where it's a bit slow to pick-up).
We've been happy with the running costs so far. Insurance wasn't too bad compared to estate we had before, and our fuel bills have dropped.
- By Kevin N, who owns this car
Back in November we were essentially after a roomy vehicle which would accommodate both ample luggage as well as our substantial Great Dane puppy. We do a lot of road trips and our preferred way to travel anywhere is by car. Of course, comfort and affordability was also a key consideration!
I’m pleased to say the Kia Sportage fulfils our needs brilliantly. It’s a handsome, sporty looking car with a bit of attitude and a quality build. It’s very economical and handles effortlessly. Comfort is unsurpassed, the suspension is so good that you hardly feel anything even on very bumpy roads and the heated leather seats are divine.
My favourite aspect is the panoramic sunroof which makes the car feel so open and spacious. The rear camera is great and comes as standard and the 7 year warranty means I can breathe easy for a while at least…No problems so far, and in the foreseeable future I’m sure this car is not going to disappoint us as a great family car!
- By Debbie H, who owns this car
In March 2011 I purchased a new model Kia Sportage. In December 2011 I was unfortunate to be involved in a road accident, with the other driver 100% to blame. The Kia approved body shop where the car was taken to for repair is still unable to get one of the parts required to complete.
I contacted Kia Customer Care Services and was told because it is a new car not all parts are available. I suggested removing a part from the assemble factory only to be told “no we cannot do this”.
We are now well into February and have not a clue what month we will get this spare part.
The frustration this has and is causing has a resulted in a lot of unnessary stress.
I must admit it’s a total disaster and I would not touch another Kia with a barge pole.
- By T D Smith, who owns this car
Just purchased new Kia Sportage 1.7 crdi, superb ride, nice to drive handles well and gives excellent mpg, currently 56.7 mpg-true even better than my picasso c4. Lets be honest no new car is worth the money, however, Kia is competing with this model.To date I have no negatives with this car- more than happy.I can only hope the 7 year warranty works well if required.
- By vic, who owns this car
Purchased my 1.7crdi last June and have been disappointed with the fuel consumption in that the best mpg I can get is 45.5 and that was on 650 mile motorway trip. Incidentally I keep to the speed limit!! In town I get about 42/3mpg. Also, the bigger problem is in their phone system. Using the voice activation there is only one name that it recognises from my whole phone book and it never connects at the first attempt, I always have to re-request. Any other name e.g. saying Elaine brings up, ‘Shirley, Tuna!, Lily’, and a string of other names/words - some not even in my phonebook! To then try to connect by asking to dial a number ‘she’ adds numbers that have not even been spoken! . Extremely frustrating as the Bluetooth phone connection was an important factor when I purchased having had this facility in my previous vehicle - a Nissan Note and it worked fantastically.
Spoke with the local dealership where I purchased but they didn’t have an answer.
Apart from that and the fact that my ‘posh wheels’ like those on the vehicle illustrated, have all started to peel (Kia replacing f.o.c), I do like the vehicle.
Does anyone else have problems with the phone and consumption?
- By Liz J, who owns this car
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Sportage Promo Video
Video introducing the new Sportage. Shows the exterior and interior design, along with an overview of some of the features.
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Video: Sportage vs Rivals
Great video from AutoExpress comparing the Sportage against the BMW X1 and Land Rover Freelander.
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Kia Sportage Video Review
Brilliant video review showing the interior of the Sportage, how much space there is and sharing what it's like to drive. Video from carbuyer.