The Kia Sportage SUV was first introduced in 1993 and was originally engineered with a Mazda Bongo engineering base platform. The fifth generation model was revealed in 2021 and was then given a facelift in 2024.
It continues to perform against rival models in the ever-crowded SUV segment such as the Nissan Qashqai and the Hyundai Tucson (although it's worth noting that Hyundai Motor Group owns Kia UK) and stands out with its bold design, impressive technology, and high safety rating.
The Kia Sportage was the UK's best selling SUV of 2024 according to Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders and most recently, was named the Best Family SUV for the third year running at the WhatCar? Car of the Year Awards 2025.
The Kia Sportage's exterior design makes a bold statement. Its dynamic SUV profile and powerful, sleek contours, inspired by natural organic forms, give it a commanding presence on the road.
The current European-spec fifth generation Sportage has a shorter wheelbase than international versions by 75mm and a shorter overall length of 135mm, and is based on the Hyundai-Kia N3 platform that is also used by models such as the Hyundai Santa Fe and Hyundai Tucson.
The Sportage was given a facelift in 2024 for the 2026 model year which shows the new Kia Sportage front fascia with new LED headlights, daytime running lights, and front fog lights with new LED graphics for the taillights for a striking lighting display in the dark. As well as this, the facelift includes an updated front bumper design, new exterior colours, and new alloy wheel designs.
The signature tiger nose grille is a hallmark of Kia design and enhances the assertive front fascia whilst the rear is equally as striking with the distinctive taillight design and integrated spoiler which overall gives the Sportage a cohesive and sporty aesthetic.
Kia explains that the interior of the Sportage "is designed with an unmistakeable driver focus" which places focus on the digital driver display. This 12.3 inch curved display screen (in higher spec Kia Sportage models) integrates the infotainment, climate controls, and suit of intelligent features that Kia Connect offers.
As a driver you'll see high definition satellite navigation and unique driving information alongside the infotainment for a seamless "near-cinematic" display that allows you to see the most important information at a glance.
There are rear USB charging ports and a front wireless charging area so that everyone can stay entertained and connected on longer journeys whilst the Harmon Kardon premium sound system gives you high performance speakers that are designed to match the acoustics of the Sportage's design.
Using Apple Carplay, Android Auto, or Bluetooth connection you can take advantage of advanced Clari-FiTM music restoration technology which improves the quality of MP3s and gives high definition sound whilst QLS technology provides a more immersive experience to your journey.
As a practical family SUV, the latest Kia Sportage doesn't cut back on luxurious extras that enhance your journey.
Across the range you'll find heated front seats and outer rear seats, suede or artificial leather upholstery, heated steering wheel, and front ventilated seats, all features which are designed to make your journey incredibly comfortable whilst not losing any of the practicality of the SUV.
For passengers, Kia claims larger dimensions "in all directions" which equates to more space in the cabin. A full car load should still have you all sitting comfortably, especially in models with the aforementioned comfort additions.
Boot space in the Kia Sportage is also excellent with up to 587 litres when all five seats are in use and up to 1776 litres with the rear seats folded (engine dependent) which means you'll be able to get the whole family and everything that comes with them in the car in one trip. The plug in hybrid version has to sacrifice a little bit of this space to make room for the battery but it only loses around 40 litres of boot space in total.
Elsewhere you'll find a centre console with a storage box, a rear armrest with cupholders, and luggage compartment under floor storage, all of which allows you to bring along everything important for whoever is travelling in the car with you.
The current generation Kia Sportage is one of the most versatile options offered by the brand simply by the different number of drivetrains that are available. The current model line-up features a mild hybrid model, full electric hybrid (Sportage HEV), and plug in hybrid (Sportage PHEV) version which means that you have various levels of electrification available without having to make a huge jump to a fully electric car.
The Sportage delivers a 1.6 litre turbocharged engine across all of these and utilises a 48-volt mild hybrid system at entry level in order to assist with acceleration and improve overall fuel economy. With either a six speed manual transmission or seven speed automatic gearbox (DCT) and 157BHP, the Sportage has an estimated combined fuel consumption of 44.8mpg and top speed of 120mph.
If you'd prefer a little more electric power, the Sportage HEV combines the 1.6 turbocharged petrol engine with a 1.49 kWh battery and 44.2 kW electric motor. This doesn't require charging but still allows you to benefit from electric lower at low speeds or when you need it (like pushing uphill) to promote better fuel economy. It is only available with a six speed automatic transmission in two wheel, front wheel drive and offers an increase on mpg from the mild hybrid option to 49.6mpg. The HEV model also introduces all wheel drive
The final option available are the plug in hybrid models, combining the 1.6 litre turbocharged engine with a 13.8 kWh Li-ion polymer battery for a 241bhp all wheel drive output with a combined mpg of 235.4. It also offers an all electric range of 41 miles, perfect for small commutes or the school run, and takes just 1 hour 45 minutes to recharge to 100% with standard AC charging at 7.2 kW. The plug in hybrid Kia Sportage also has the lowest CO2 emissions, as you would expect. Estimated at just 28g/km compared to a much higher figure of 149g/km in the mild hybrid petrol model.
If you're new to the world of Kia electric and hybrid cars, the Sportage is a great way to ease into electrification without compromising the practicality or power of a family SUV. Like all other manufacturers, Kia has not given the option for diesel engines on their new models.
Kia offers five different trim levels for the all new Sportage: Kia Sportage 2, Kia Sportage GT-Line, Kia Sportage 3, Kia Sportage Shadow, and Kia Sportage GT-Line S.
Entry level Sportage 2 models offers 17 inch alloy wheels, 12.3 inch display with navigation, automatic headlight control, LED headlights, LED indicators, LED daytime running lights, rain sensing wipers, tinted rear glass, auto window defogger, dual zone climate control, electronic parking brake, Android Auto and Apple Carplay, front and rear parking sensors, reversing camera, cruise control, and speed limiter.
Stepping up to Kia Sportage GT-Line models adds19 inch alloy wheels, rear privacy glass, LED front fog lamps, suede leather upholstery, driver's lumbar support, black headlining, sports pedal, all-round electric windows, three-zone climate control, smart cruise control, engine start/stop button with smart entry system, and highway driving assist.
The Sportage 3 offers 18 inch alloy wheels, black cloth and faux leather upholstery, front power adjustable seats, heated front and outer rear seats, heated steering wheel, auto up/down function, 12.3 inch supervision colour cluster display, and dual zone climate control.
The Kia Sportage Shadow offers more visual elements than other models with an exclusive paint colour in Wolf Grey and two alloy options: 17 inch gunmetal grey alloys or 19 inch black alloy wheels for ICE models. Inside the black cloth and artificial leather upholstery has blue inserts, there are heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, start/stop button with smart entry system, rain sensing front wipers, and an auto-dimming rear view mirror.
Top trim GT-Line S models add dual LED adaptive headlamps, LED rear combination lamp, panoramic sunroof, glossy black roof rail, suede leather upholstery, 10-way driver's and 8-way front passenger's power adjustable seat, front ventilated seats, D-shaped sports leather steering wheel, smart power tailgate, premium Harman Kardon sound system, wireless phone charger, 360 degree around view monitor, blind-spot view monitor, parking collision avoidance assist, and terrain mode on HEV and PHEV all wheel drive models.
All cars in the Kia Sportage range come with free 7-years Kia Connect services which uses the car's embedded SIM card to connect it to live data. You'll be alerted to speed cameras and areas where accidents are particularly common, up to three days' weather forecast is available, helps you to find available parking locations, and offers charging station information for plug in hybrid models.
Please note that some features are specific to the engine that you choose so please make sure to check which match up with ICE models, HEV models, and PHEV models if a particular feature is important to you.
The Kia Sportage has a five star safety rating from Euro NCAP, putting it on par with other small SUVs such as the MG HS, Volvo EX30, and Volkswagen Tiguan whilst it outperforms the Honda CR-V, Hyundai Kona, and MG ZS Hybrid.
The rating comes from a strong performance from the advanced driver assistance systems which includes an electronic parking brake with autohold function, blind spot collision avoidance assist, forward collision avoidance assist (FCA), lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, safe exit warning, automatic emergency braking, speed limiter, and highway driving assist.
Kia offers a comprehensive 7-year warranty on all its models. This warranty includes unlimited mileage coverage for the first three years (36 months) and extends up to 100,000 miles for the remaining four years (37-84 months) from the vehicle's registration date. Some exclusions apply; details are available in the full terms and conditions on Kia's website. While the first two over-the-air (OTA) software updates are complimentary, subsequent updates will require customers to download them from a dedicated webpage. They were one of the first brands to offer a comprehensive long warranty on all new cars.
At time of writing, the Kia Sportage cost starts at £29,890 for the Sportage 2 which is incredibly well priced when you consider all of the equipment and space available. GT-Line models start at £32,390, Sportage 3 models start at £33,390, Shadow models start at £36,485, and GT-Line S models start at £39,290.
It's worth noting that changing the engine type has an effect on the price so even on the same trim level there are pricing variations. You'll also find that changing paint colours and adding extra equipment to your chosen Sportage will increase the price further.
Looking at Kia Sportage alternatives, the Nissan Qashqai starts at £30,135, the Hyundai Tucson starts at £32,400, and the Volvo EX30 starts at £32,850. Whilst only a small selection from the range of SUVs available, it shows the Kia Sportage as priced on par with other similar models.
As a best selling Kia model, the Kia Sportage offers an excellent family car that is equipped with a full suite of high standard safety equipment, user-friendly technology, and plenty of space for the whole family. It's also a tried and tested model on its fifth generation model and well loved by customers and the industry alike as seen by the numerous awards it has won.
For more information about the Kia Sportage, including deciding which model and powertrain are best for you, any questions regarding finance or currents offers, and to book a test drive; contact John Clark Kia Peterhead today.
