New Kia Sportage 2023 Riview

Competition for the VW Tiguan: KIA presents the new Sportage, an SUV that differs drastically from its predecessor. The workmanship is good, the design is fresh, and the Sportage is also cheaper than its German competitor.

New Kia Sportage 2023

Evaluation of the KIA Sportage

The Sportage is one of KIA's most successful models in Europe and Germany in particular. In 1994, the first model of the KIA Sportage was launched, which was first manufactured in South Korea, but later even in Karmann in Osnabrück.

However, it was not until the fourth generation of  Kia Sportage in 2015 that it was to become really successful in Germany. In 2017, the compact SUV finally advanced to become the best-selling KIA model.

New Kia Sportage, new face

In the fifth generation, Kia Sportage has changed a lot. From 2022, KIA is introducing a new brand face, from whose modern, angular look the compact SUV also benefits.

This makes it look modern. The interior with its displays and infotainment system has also become modern. As if that were not enough, KIA is offering a hybrid system for Sportage for the first time. The self-charging hybrid is followed by an eligible plug-in hybrid version.

In the past, the KIA Sportage had a problem shared by many Asian cars: It simply looked too inconspicuous. The Korean model was lost in the mass of compact SUVs. Too few corners, no edges, nothing that sticks out when you look at it. The fifth generation no longer has to put up with this reproach. The KIA Sportage has reinvented itself. This is mainly due to the characteristic front, which gives the previously well-behaved SUV a completely different character.

How much does the KIA Sportage cost?

The KIA Sportage model has an MSRP of €34,250 to €48,550. However, with carwow you can save an average of €6,547. Prices start at €29,080 for cash.

Our most popular KIA Sportage versions are:

Model variant carwow Price from

1.6 T-GDI EcoDynamics+ 110kW Vision DCT 5dr €30,720

In terms of maintenance, the KIA Sportage is a real bargain compared to its size and performance. If it's only the legally required third party insurance, then the Sportage is placed in the favorable class 17. The partial cover is already a good deal more expensive, here insurance class 22 becomes due.

The comprehensive insurance is the price-performance winner, because the Sportage is only classified in class 19, which is quite low for an SUV.

Performance and driving comfort

The amount of space in the Sportage is very good. No wonder, with 4.52 meters it is again a bit bigger than the predecessor. In the front, the KIA Sportage convinces with a lot of elbow room, and in the back it is also very comfortable. Even the backrest can be adjusted in its inclination. The luggage compartment is almost lush and can keep up with the largest station wagons. 591 liters go into the base gasoline, falls the back seat, it is up to 1,780 liters. To make the best use of the trunk, the seats in row two can be folded down at a ratio of 20 to 40 to 20. The only disturbing feature is the wheel arches that protrude into the trunk.

Something for everyone

KIA currently offers the Sportage with three engines, two gasoline and one diesel. It starts with a 1.6-liter internal combustion engine that produces 150 hp (from 27,790 euros) and a 1.6-liter diesel engine with 136 hp (from 30,440 euros). The two entry-level engines are the only remaining models with manual transmission. If you prefer an automatic transmission, it will be expensive. The gasoline engine then costs 7,000 euros more, the diesel 6,000 euros. This is mainly due to the fact that the automatic transmission can only be ordered from the higher "Vision" equipment line. The top engine is a 1.6-liter gasoline with 180 hp (from 39,990 euros). A plug-in hybrid with 265 hp will also be available from April 2022, replacing the two-liter gasoline engine of the previous generation. It is expected to cover around 50 kilometers on electric power alone.

More of a glider than a racer

Except for the entry-level gasoline engine, the engines are available with front- or all-wheel drive and 48-volt hybridization. This is supposed to save a little fuel, for example when the KIA Sportage sails, i.e. the engine switches off automatically when the accelerator is released. In the test, this effect was only slight. At times, the KIA Sportage averaged nine liters of gasoline, the diesel seven liters. With a careful foot on the gas, one liter less per 100 kilometers is possible, but the KIA Sportage is not a consistent fuel saver. 

Even the 150 hp gasoline engine puts enough power on the road to make the SUV a pleasant motorhome. The dual-clutch transmission with seven gears is somewhat sluggish. Although it shifts up flawlessly, it takes a long time in eco mode. The transmission also tends to acknowledge kickdowns with a decent delay. Contrary to the model's name, the KIA Sportage's tuning is rather soft than hard, but this makes it glide pleasantly, especially on the highway. Nothing can be heard of bumps or bumpy surfaces during the drive. On the other hand, the steering is very finely tuned for a car of this size.

Assistance systems above the class average

As is typical for Asian cars, KIA doesn't skimp on the technical equipment. Many assistance systems are now standard, but the Sportage goes one better. Unusual in this vehicle class are optional delicacies such as two cameras that automatically show a blind spot image in the speedometer display when flashing, a cross-traffic warning system when reversing, or the fact that the Sportage drives into a parking space by remote control.

But even the basic "Editon 7" variant, which starts at 27,790 euros, is already extensively equipped. In addition to an intelligent speed assistant, the Sportage also offers LED headlights, a rear-view camera, and a lane-keeping and traffic jam assistant. In addition, KIA offers the usual seven-year warranty, more than any other manufacturer. The plug-in hybrid, which can already be ordered, should also be particularly interesting in Germany. It costs from 44,390 euros, but is subsidized by 6,750 euros. This means that in terms of price, it is no longer far removed from a conventional KIA Sportage with higher equipment.

Space and practicality

Nevertheless, the solution KIA has chosen for the Sportage is convincing. The displays respond quickly, the menus are clear and self-explanatory. The displays are easy to read and don't get lost in the minutiae. The operation of the touch surfaces works well, but is of course not as precise as the operation with analog buttons. There are only a few real buttons. Instead of a selector lever, the automatic transmission, which is available at extra cost, can be operated with a rotary knob in the center console. A few isolated buttons provide direct access to important functions such as navigation or the radio.

Good operation

The KIA Sportage has a special feature in its controls. The bar under the display in the center console has two functions. At the push of a button, the control unit for the radio becomes the control unit for the air conditioning. Instead of the volume, the rotary control then adjusts the temperature. In addition, there are some good ideas for business people, among whom the Sportage is sure to be popular. KIA has integrated hooks for bags in the interior and the headrests at the front serve as clothes hangers at the back. Perfect for hanging up shirts or your jacket.

Interior, infotainment and equipment

This is immediately evident in the interior. The material quality is now on par with the German competition. The plastics have a high-quality finish and feel good to the touch. The display unit, which extends from the center console to the driver's seat, is an eye-catcher. There are no more analog instruments in the KIA Sportage.

Very high quality

These continuous display units seem to be gaining acceptance among all manufacturers. They can now be found in BMW, Mercedes, VW and Opel. Although, strictly speaking, they are still two individual displays that are only connected by a glass pane and look as if they were one big screen. However, those who long for an analog speedometer can also set the display behind the steering wheel of the KIA Sportage to show the classic instruments.

Fuel consumption, CO2 emissions and emissions standard

Depending on which Sportage version you choose, the average fuel consumption varies between 4.9 and 6.3 liters per 100 kilometers. Accordingly, the efficiency class is also at a good A+ or a slightly worse B, depending on the drive.

The emissions standard is legally mandatory for new cars as Euro 6d, so we naturally find this for the Sportage as well. In terms of CO2 emissions, the 1.6-liter T-GDI hybrid with front-wheel drive is the most environmentally friendly. Here, only 112 grams of CO2 per kilometer are blown into the air.

The worst performer in this respect is the 1.6-liter T-GDI with 150 hp without mild hybrid support. This version releases 144 grams of CO2 per kilometer into the atmosphere.

Safety and protection

The KIA Sportage was awarded 5 out of 5 stars in the 2022 Euro NCAP. In detail, this means that occupant protection in particular - whether for adults or children - scored particularly well.

The safety assistants were also convincing.

Reliability and problems

The gasoline engines used by KIA in the Sportage are known to be very reliable, durable and not very problem-prone. From time to time, there are probably clogged or defective catalytic converters - but this is really rare, and also mostly occurred in the previous generation.

Overall, no significant problems are known for the Sportage. The vehicle shows itself to be a good all-rounder with good quality and a long warranty - nothing should go wrong.

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