Kia Sportage (05-10) - Review

Review by David Ross on
The Kia Sportage is a stylish small off-roader that majors on value for money. It comes extremely well equipped and there's a lengthy warranty as standard on new cars - something which used buyers can also take advantage of. Although it's unlikely the Sportage will often be taken off road, it's actually quiet capable on tricky terrain. But it's on road where it will spend most of its time and here the Kia is comfortable. However it's not very composed through corners and the handling is especially poor on early models. The Sportage was facelifted in late 2007 with retuned suspension and less bodyroll - and newer cars are a vast improvement.
3 out of 5

Other Kia reviews

3 out of 5

Buying used

Facelifted models, introduced towards the end of 2007, are the ones to go for. They make look similar from the outside, but the changes underneath mean it's like a different car to drive. If you're looking at pre-facelift cars, it's worth considering a petrol model (unless you have large mileages to cover). It's smoother and quieter than the diesel and returns a useful 34mpg in four-wheel drive models.

See 148 used Kia Sportages for sale, starting at £5,000

3 out of 5

Selling

A diesel four-wheel drive model is the most popular choice when new and this will be the same on the used market. The 2.7 V6 is extremely rare and could struggle to find a buyer. If you've got a facelifted model, remember that the seven-year warranty can be transferred onto subsequent owners - a useful selling point.