Overview

Should you buy one?

Yes, if you want a smart, capable and relaxing family SUV then there’s very little that the Sportage does wrong. Sure, a Skoda Kodiaq doesn’t cost much more at all yet is roomier still, and a Ford Kuga or Renault Austral both handle with a bit more sparkle. But, very few others can offer the variety of powertrains on offer in the Sportage.

So it’s impressive that you really can guarantee that there’s a model to suit you whether you want front- or four-wheel drive, plug-in power, hybrid power or otherwise. The plug-in hybrid model is admirably efficient, too. We managed to get 80mpg out of the system without really trying. Just remember to keep the battery charged up, and you’ll reap the rewards at the pumps.

What’s new?

Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past few years, you won’t have escaped the massive progress Kia has made with its model range. From being an also-ran in the family car market, its products are now technology and style leaders – a point underlined by the bold-looking, best-selling Kia Sportage.

Now in its fifth generation, the Sportage is as good to drive as ever – there are a wide variety of powertrains to choose from, with regular petrol or diesel engines, slightly more efficient mild hybrids, a full hybrid and plug-in hybrid on offer.

It’s a rival for the hordes of mid-sized family SUVs out there, ranging from the Ford Kuga and Nissan Qashqai through to the Volkswagen Tiguan and even the Sportage’s own platform-sharing sister, the Hyundai Tucson. In terms of size, the Sportage splits the difference between the Skoda Karoq and Skoda Kodiaq, but is closer on price to the Kodiaq.

In other words, you can have any level of electrification you want as long as it’s not full electric. For a pure electric alternative to the Sportage, look to Kia’s own EV6 the Skoda Enyaq iV or Volkswagen ID.4.

Unlike some rivals, the Sportage is available with four-wheel should you need the traction for slippery surfaces. However, don’t plan on going too far off the beaten track – it doesn’t have a great deal of ground clearance or suspension travel to deal with tough trails. If that’s a problem, a Land Rover Discovery Sport will fit your needs better.

To find out exactly how good it is and whether it can beat rivals, click through our comprehensive Kia Sportage review. We’ll tell you if it’s good to drive, how spacious it is, what it’ll cost you and how plush it is inside. If you’d like to learn how we came to these conclusion, you can find out how we test cars.