Used Kia Sportage 2021-present review

Check out the car sales charts in the UK and you'll always find the fifth-generation Kia Sportage up among the best-sellers.

Is that surprising? Well, we don't think so: this version builds on the good manners of the fourth-generation 2016-2021 Kia Sportage, which in turn evolved out of the handsome third-generation 2010-2016 Sportage, which was one of the first cars to suggest you could mix good looks with more than a smidgen of SUV practicality.

Engines & Performance: For this latest one, Kia gives you lots of engine choices, with one petrol and two diesels, and manual and automatic gearboxes available. Automatic versions get mild-hybrid technology (MHEV) to improve efficiency and reduce emissions.

There's also a 'self-charging' hybrid (HEV) version, and a plug-in hybrid (PHEV), which can officially do more than 40 miles of driving on electricity alone.

The most popular option is the 148bhp 1.6-litre T-GDi petrol. You can have a six-speed manual gearbox, but if you want mild-hybrid technology (MHEV), you need to opt for the seven-speed automatic, which also introduces the option of four-wheel drive (AWD). With the manual gearbox, the Sportage hits 62mph from rest in 9.9 seconds, while the automatic with mild-hybrid assistance knocks a few tenths off that time. The pace of both models is more than adequate, but the automatic gearbox needs a moment of thought before it gives you a slug of acceleration.

Further up the range, the HEV has a 1.6-litre petrol engine tied to an electric motor for a combined 226bhp to the front wheels (four-wheel drive is available if you opt for top-spec GT-Line S). Aside from the rather hesitant automatic gearbox, performance is pleasingly punchy – at our private test track, we recorded a 0-60mph time of just 7.2sec, which is significantly quicker than the Ford Kuga hybrid.

The PHEV offers even more power – 261bhp – but its pace isn't that different to the HEV's in everyday driving. You can drive further on electric power alone, though (43 miles, officially).

Ride & Handling: The Sportage does a better job of rounding off potholes and ridges than the closely related Hyundai Tucson and exhibits fractionally better body control than the Skoda Karoq. It's not quite as smooth as the Volvo XC40 though, and that's most noticeable on GT-Line models, which have big 19in alloy wheels fitted. Indeed, the best-riding version is the cheapest because entry-level 2 trim comes with smaller 17in wheels and big balloon-like tyres.

The Sportage has never been a contender for the best-driving family SUV but the current model’s cornering abilities are more than good enough. Yes, there is quite a bit of lean in the corners, but grip is plentiful and the steering is precise and gives you the confidence to place the car exactly where you want it. If you want something a little more rewarding to drive, we’d recommend taking a look at the Kuga or the Seat Ateca.

Interior & Practicality: The Sportage's interior looks smart and uncluttered, with controls that are grouped together and easy to find. You don't get full digital dials on entry-level 2 or GT-Line models, but the 4.2in cluster is perfectly adequate, clearly displaying info such as range, economy and driving assistance features. Models in mid-spec 3 trim and above come with a larger 12.3in digital instrument cluster with a variety of layouts to choose from.

The entry-level 2 model Sportage has an 8.0in touchscreen with DAB radio, Android Auto, Apple Carplay and Bluetooth connectivity. All other trims get a larger, 12.3in screen. The graphics on the entry-level unit could be sharper but it's perfectly adequate, while the 12.3in screen is richer and responds to prods more snappily. That said, some of the text and icons are small, making them a little tricky to read at a glance or aim for when you're driving. The systems in the rival BMW X1 and Mazda CX-5 have rotary dial controllers, which are less distracting to use when you're on the move.

The Sportage interior feels solidly put together, with nicely damped switches, a good range of materials used, plenty of squishy plastics and metallic-effect finishes at eye level. Some of the plastics lower down are less pleasing, but they’re generally out of sight and have a higher chance of being scuffed anyway.

The Sportage feels quite airy for front occupants, with a wide interior providing plenty of elbow room. It has a generous amount of space in the back compared with most rivals, with enough leg, head and elbow room to make two tall adults comfortable. There’s also plenty of space to tuck your feet under the front seats, and the outer rear seats are heated on GT-Line S models.

Entry-level 1.6-litre petrol models with two-wheel drive and a manual gearbox get a headline boot space figure of 591 litres, which is greater than the Nissan Qashqai and Karoq and just fractionally behind an equivalent Hyundai Tucson. The HEV has 587 litres, the PHEV 540 and the highest-powered diesel 526 (batteries taking up some underfloor capacity).

Trims & Equipment: All models are well equipped, too; even the entry-level 2 model comes with 17in alloy wheels, cruise control, climate control and an electronic parking brake. From there, the range moves up to the sportier GT-Line before working up to 3 and GT-Line S. The 3 trim level is tempting, too, with its twin digital screens (for instruments and infotainment) and heated front seats (they’re electrically adjustable up front, too), keyless ignition and, if you have the automatic gearbox, adaptive cruise control. The GT-Line S combines sporty looks with all the kit.

Interested in buying a used Kia Sportage? Visit our Used Cars For Sale pages to find lots of cars listed at great prices.

Used prices for the Kia Sportage start at around £17,000 for a 2021 or 2022 model. Expect to spend upwards of £20,000 on a 2023 model, with nearly new cars rising to around £23,000 at least – have that amount if you want a hybrid model (of any age). You'll need a couple grand more than that to afford a plug-in hybrid one.

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MPG: The 1.6-T GDi 230 HEV is pretty frugal, clocking up 48.7mpg in official testing, and 42.3mpg in our real-world test. That’s not as good as some diesels in the family SUV category, but it compares well with a lot of the petrols. The MHEV is a bit thirstier, but mid to high thirties MPG is easily achievable if the trip computer is to be believed.

Road Tax: While road tax for all cars registered before 1 April 2017 varies depending upon the emissions the engine produces (see paragraph above for more information), all of this generation of Sportage will have been registered after this date, and that means they command a flat rate fee, currently £190 per year for the petrol and £180 per year for the hybrid and plug-in hybrid.

Cars that originally cost £40,000 or more face an additional £410 annual luxury car tax, but you'll struggle to find a Sportage priced that high.

Insurance and servicing: Insurance groups vary between 12 for an entry-level car, to 25 for the top-of-the-range Sportage.

Kia servicing costs compare favourably with rivals, although it should be noted that the turbocharged petrol model will be significantly more expensive to maintain than a non-turbo petrol; the model has shorter service intervals of just 10,000 miles or 12 months, against the 20,000 miles and 12 months of diesel and non-turbocharged petrols.

Reliability

Owners appreciate its solid build quality, dependable performance, and competitive pricing. Many have praised Kia's warranty coverage, which provides peace of mind to buyers. In terms of dealer service, some reviewers have reported satisfactory experiences, highlighting courteous staff and efficient maintenance procedures. However, a few have mentioned occasional issues with dealership communication or delays in service appointments.

Discover more about used Kia Sportage reliability and common problems on our dedicated reliability page.

Engine: Our favourite engine is the 148bhp 1.6-litre T-GDi petrol. You can have a six-speed manual gearbox, but if you want mild-hybrid technology (MHEV), you need to opt for the seven-speed automatic,

Specification: Our favourite 3 trim is tempting because of its twin digital screens as well as heated front seats (they’re electrically adjustable up front, too), keyless ignition and, if you have the automatic gearbox, adaptive cruise control.

Our favourite Kia Sportage: 1.6 T-GDi 3

The Nissan Qashqai has been one of the favourite family SUVs for years. In fact, it’s the car that started the family SUV revolution, in many ways, and a used one is still good to drive with a classy and practical interior. It’s got a good ride and excellent refinement, too, and promises low running costs. Reliability is an issue, though.

The Seat Ateca has taken the class by storm as an SUV that is a delight to drive. It also has a spacious interior and a good range of engines. It’s practical, rides well, if a little firmly, and looks good. Good value used, too.

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Interested in buying a used Kia Sportage? Visit our Used Cars For Sale pages to find lots of cars listed at great prices.