• Easy to use infotainment
• Big digital displays in higher trims
• Quality impresses

How is the quality and layout?

Seriously smart, especially in high-spec cars. The strong horizontal lines across the dash and raised centre console in automatic models makes you feel nicely cocooned, and the blend of high-quality plastics, metal-effect inserts and sharp digital displays looks fantastic.

The part-Alcantara upholstery on top-spec GT-Line S models also helps to elevate the whole thing, so much so that it’s not hard at all to see that you might consider this instead of an Audi Q5 or BMW X3, never mind the similarly plush VW Tiguan. Trims lower down the range don’t look as glitzy, so make sure you see the trim you select in person before buying.

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Infotainment and tech

Entry level ‘2’ trim makes do with an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system and small driver’s readout, but most buyers will opt for one of the higher spec models that come with the 12.3-inch touchscreen and much bigger digital driver’s readout. You get all the infotainment features you want in every Sportage, including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, nav, Bluetooth and DAB radio.

The system menus are mostly quite logical, and the 12.3-inch system is one of the best touchscreen systems out there short of those in far more expensive premium alternatives.

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The black panel beneath the screen shows touch-sensitive air-con controls (with simple rotary switches for the temperature adjustment, thankfully), or a press of an icon changes it to show shortcuts to your audio, nav and other functions in the touchscreen. Clever, although it is a bit of a faff to have to flick between the two functions while you’re driving. 

Keyless entry and start are standard on all but the very bottom of the range, with the top GT-Line S trim getting a gesture-controlled power tailgate.

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Comfort

• Good driving position
• Comfortable seats
• Electric seats on plusher trims

Apart from a driver’s seat that some found a little too high, the Sportage has a good driving position that’s unlikely to cause discomfort. The seat, steering wheel and pedals all line up well while the seats are comfortable.

Lowly models make do without electric adjustment or moveable lumbar support. Opt for ‘3’ trim and up and you’ll find both are standard, as are heated front and outer rear seats plus a heated steering wheel. If getting cool is more of a problem than getting warm, ventilated front seats are standard on top GT-Line S trim.