Kia Sportage verdict

Current Model

26 July 2019 by Tom Goodlad

Parkers overall rating: 4.2 out of 5 4.2

Should you buy a Kia Sportage?

Yes, if you're looking for a good-looking SUV that's reliable and comes with a long, long warranty. Aside from these obvious plus points, there are plenty of reasons to buy – or indeed lease – a new Sportage. It offers a spacious interior that’s packed with equipment on nearly the whole range and is very easy to drive.

It manages to feel a lot smaller than it looks which makes it easy to manoeuvre thanks to light controls, but still feels planted and controlled on the motorway. There are lots of choices, too – if costs are a concern, an entry-level Sportage in 1 spec with the 1.6 CRDi makes most sense. It costs a little more to buy than the petrol, but the claimed running costs are far superior to the petrol model.

If, however, you’ll be spending the majority of your time driving around town, the petrol won’t be much worse in terms of economy. If you’re using the Sportage as a company vehicle, your best option is one of the 1.6 CRDi diesels that offer 30% BIK – the lowest in the range. This applies to 2-spec models and above that are front-wheel drive and come with the automatic gearbox.

The Sportage is far from a performance SUV in the same way the Cupra Ateca is, so if you want the fastest model you’ll have to make do with the 177hp 1.6-litre T-GDi and its 0-62mph time of 8.8 seconds. Overall, this is the Sportage that will fit most drivers' needs, with a great combination of punch and potential fuel economy. Add to that a comfortable driving position and quality feel inside, and there’s little to complain about.

Would we have one over a SEAT Ateca, though? Not unless that warranty means a lot to you…