• 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.

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The part-suede, part leatehr 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.

Infotainment and tech

Every model now comes with 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system as standard, mated to a 4.2-inch digital driver’s readout and six-speaker sound system. Top-range GT-Line S models get a larger 12.3-inch driver’s display, as well as fancier eight-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. Top-line models also get a head up display, but it proved slightly clunky on the pre-production example we tested.

The infotainment features all the usual features you’d expect in a family SUV, including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, sat nav, Bluetooth and DAB radio. For 2025, smartphone mirroring has finally gone wireless. Kia has also updated its operating system for 2025, and it’s still one of the best systems, short of the systems found in far posher alternatives. The menu structure is simple, the screen is sharp and responsive, and it’s a doddle to glance at.

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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 and very sleek, although it is a bit of a faff to have to flick between the two functions while you’re driving.

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, only GT-Line S trim gets that. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel are standard on GT-Line and up, while GT-Line S trim also gains heated outer rear seats. If getting cool is more of a problem than getting warm, ventilated front seats are included on top GT-Line S trim.