Kia Sportage (10 on) - Review

Review by Parkers on
Last Updated: 17 February 2011
Kia has made a step forward with this, the third-generation Sportage: the first incarnation was quite ugly and the second-generation was found wanting when compared with rivals from Japanese car makers. Toyota, Suzuki and Honda had more competent offerings with the Rav 4, Grand Vitara and CR-V. Then there there was a rush of fashionable crossovers - the Ford Kuga, Hyundai's iX35 as well as the more premium offerings from Audi and BMW. All are reliable, stylish and practical. However, Kia's rivals now have something to truly worry about: the latest Sportage, looks the part and with generous kit levels, acres of space and a decent choice of engines it is raising the bar even higher in the crossover sector. Can it whisk away the top prize in the affordable 4x4 category? Read on to find out.
3.5 out of 5

Other Kia reviews

3.5 out of 5

Buying new

The Sportage is a good, value-for-money crossover that is all the more attractive because it's available in all-wheel drive as well as two-wheel drive. Discounts will be more difficult to achieve because Kia is determined to raise its residuals and its dealerships will be very resistant to determined appeals for money off.

Buy a new Kia Sportage and save 13% on selected models

3 out of 5

Buying used

If Kia manages to keep the discounts in check it should be able to successfully rein in the depreciation that crippled previous incarnations of the Sportage. As a result bargains may be thin and far between when examples start to appear on the used market.

  • Boot/Load Space Kia Sportage (10 on)
  • Interior Kia Sportage (10 on)

View full gallery

See 69 used Kia Sportages for sale, starting at £15,988

4 out of 5

Selling

If you manage to keep your Sportage in good condition and your mileage down then you'll have no trouble selling it on. Kia's long warranty should be attractive to buyers who want a good-value, used 4x4. Its only Achilles Heel could be the build quality - heavily worked models are in danger of looking shabby so it's important to maintain it properly.