Kia Sportage (2016 – 2021) Review

February 2016

Kia Sportage goes on sale

There are 18 variants on offer priced from just £17,995 on the road. For the first time GT-Line versions add an even more sporty flourish to the range, while the line-up is headed by the luxurious First Edition model, priced at £31,645. GT-Line models start at £24,350. The new Sportage is on sale from February 5, 2016.

There are now four engines and three transmissions with the introduction of a 1.6-litre T-GDi (turbocharged gasoline direct injection) unit and a 7DCT (seven-speed dual-clutch automatic) gearbox, both of which are reserved exclusively for GT-Line. They join extensively re-engineered 1.6-litre GDi petrol and 1.7- and 2.0-litre turbodiesel power units with improved fuel economy and CO2 reductions of up to 29g/km, which means significantly lower company car tax for the Sportage's loyal legions of business drivers.

The six trim lines are badged 1, 2, 3, 4, GT-Line and First Edition. All versions powered by the 1.6-litre GDi and 1.7-litre CRDi engines are front-wheel drive, while those powered by the 1.6-litre T-GDi unit and the two 2.0-litre CRDi diesels have all-wheel drive. Four-wheel-drive versions are distinguished by the 'KX' prefix in the model designation - except for GT-Line and First Edition versions

Connectivity and advanced driver aids are a pre-requisite in any car these days, and the Sportage will not disappoint on either count. All versions except the entry-level grade have a 7- or 8-inch touch-screen satellite navigation system linked to Kia Connected Services with TomTom, providing full European mapping and detailed traffic, speed camera, weather and local services information. Further up the range, Speed Limit Information, Lane Keep Assist, High Beam Assist, Autonomous Emergency Braking and Blind Spot Detection with Rear Cross Traffic Alert are available.

The four engines available in the previous Sportage have been extensively revised to meet EU6 emissions regulations, with the result that they now deliver better fuel economy with lower CO 2 emissions, and they are joined by a 1.6-litre T-GDi turbocharged petrol unit in GT-Line.

The 1.7-litre CRDi favoured by more than half of all Sportage buyers is now more than 7mpg more fuel-efficient in combined mode, while its CO2 output falls by 16g/km. There is a reduction of 29g/km for the lower-powered (134bhp) 2.0-litre CRDi engine with automatic transmission, while with the higher-powered (182bhp) version of the same engine with automatic transmission the reduction is 23g/km.

The new high-performance T-GDi engine delivers excellent efficiency, with fuel economy of more than 37mpg and CO2 figures of 177g/km (manual) and 175g/km (7DCT).

In the UK, all versions have Kia's latest rack-mounted Motor Driven Power Steering (R-MDPS). Previously, the electric motor which controls the steering was mounted half way up the steering column. With R-MDPS it is mounted directly to the steering rack. This brings sharper responses and greater precision. Kia likens it to trying to steer a blindfolded person from behind: if you direct them from the waist they are able to follow a more precise path than if directed at shoulder level.

Top-of-the-range grade 4/KX-4 and First Edition versions are fitted with Autonomous Emergency Braking, which employs both short- and long-range radar systems so that it can detect vehicles and pedestrians at greater distances and higher speeds. The short-range radar operates at typical city speeds of up to 43mph. Between 19mph and 50mph the longer-range radar also comes into play to detect obstacles in the car's path and responds by automatically slowing the car, to a complete stop if necessary. The pedestrian detection function operates at up to 37mph.

The five-seat cabin is more spacious thanks to the increase in wheelbase. Legroom and headroom front and rear is up to 16mm greater, while the boot capacity has risen by 26 litres (all seats in use) at 491 litres, or 1,480 litres when they are folded down. The rear seats now fold almost flat, with a barely noticeable eight-degree tilt, while the lift-over height of the boot lip has been lowered by 47mm. The two-position cargo floor leaves space for the luggage cover to be stored beneath it when not in use.

December 2016

Kia announced small revisions for 2017

As well as the introduction of a ‘GT-line S’ model, a ‘KX-5’ version and a 1.7 DCT powertrain are now available. An updated multimedia system and new paint options have been added to the line-up. This means 2017 is set to be an exciting year for Sportage customers and the Korean car manufacturer hopes they will continue the Sportage’s popularity well into 2017.

‘GT-Line’ on Sportage has proved to be a big success in its first year, and now the range sees an even higher specification, the ‘GT-Line S’. This will provide the looks and styling of the GT-Line with a number of high level specification items to add further appeal to the line-up. The ‘GT-Line S’ will be paired with the high powered 2.0 CRDi 6-speed auto and the 1.6 T-GDi 7-speed auto DCT powertrains. Additions also include a heated steering wheel, headlamp washers, bi-xenon headlamps, smart park assist system plus much more.

Replacing the ‘First Edition’ is the KX-5. This is a range-topping high end, highly specified model that showcases the full extent of technology that the Sportage range has to offer, available with a 2.0 CRDi engine and 6-speed automatic transmission. It features two-tone leather upholstery, electronic parking brake, wireless phone charging plus much more over the KX-4.

On ‘2’ and ‘3’ grades, the 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) paired with the 1.7 CRDi engine will be available. This improves the MPG and lowers the CO 2 when compared to traditional automatics. MY17 Sportage also has an upgraded multimedia system from the ‘2’ grade and above offering a number of key improvements such as 3D Mapping, SD map updates, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

As for the updated paint strategy, customers can choose whether to have Standard at no additional cost or Optional and Premium paint colours, for which the price will vary accordingly.

July 2018

Facelifted Sportage on sale

Prices start at £20,305 for the entry-level 1, rising to £31,645 for the top-spec GT-Line S.

The 48-volt KIA Sportage 2.0 CRDI Mild Hybrid 4WD is priced at £32,545 for the '4' spec version and £34,545 for the 'GT-Line S' version.

The new Sportage pairs an updated exterior and interior design with new safety and infotainment technologies, as well as efficient new powertrains complying with future emissions standards. Upgrades to the Sportage range also include modifications to ‘GT-Line’ models.

The car’s advanced all-new EcoDynamics+ 48V diesel mild-hybrid powertrain is the first to be launched as part of Kia’s global powertrain electrification strategy.

There is a redesigned front bumper with new fog lamp housings, and new gloss black or bright chrome inserts leading from the fog lamps into the lower air intake. The Sportage is also now available with an evolved version of its ‘tiger-nose’ grille, with new gloss black or matt black grille.

New full-LED headlamps with four-point LED daytime running lights and redesigned fog lamps also provide maximum visibility and enhance the SUV’s light signature for a more modern appearance. Silver painted front and rear skid plates are fitted to ‘Edition 25’, ‘4’, ‘GT-Line’ and ‘GT-Line S’ models.

At the rear, the slim combination lamps retain their horizontal shape, with the revised design featuring a new C-shaped LED light signature. The reversing lamp is integrated into the new rear bumper with longer reflectors positioned below and is now finished with a flash of chrome across its base.

In profile, the upgraded model is available with new 16-, 17- and 19-inch alloy wheel designs, and some versions have the sill trim finished in chrome. Five new paint colours are available on the new Sportage, including new shades of silver, grey, blue, and copper.

Changes to ‘GT-Line’ include a new design gloss black radiator grille, gloss black and silver skid plates, and dark chrome inserts on the front bumper and side sills. The unique 19-inch alloy wheels of the ‘GT-Line’ have been redesigned, and all models are fitted with a dual exhaust rear valance and revised ‘ice cube’ LED fog lamp designs.

While the layout of the cabin is retained, a series of minor upgrades further engender a sense of modernity. The upgraded model is equipped with a new steering wheel and revised driver instrument cluster, while ‘GT-Line’ models are available with new black leather seat trim with red accents. The design of the ventilation and air conditioning controls at the centre of the dashboard have also been revised, with new bezels around the dials adding further clarity to the dashboard layout.

The line-up of petrol engines remains the same in the upgraded Sportage, though with minor modifications to emissions, with buyers able to choose between two powerplants. Both petrol engines are direct-injection (GDi) 1.6-litre units and are now fitted with new particulate filters to further reduce harmful emissions, ensuring full compliance with the Euro 6d TEMP emissions standard. The naturally-aspirated 130bhp 1.6-litre GDi engine offers a torque output of 161Nm, and CO 2 emissions from 162g/km.

In the Sportage, the T-GDi (Turbocharged Gasoline Direct injection) engine develops 174bhp at 5,500rpm, while maximum torque is 265Nm from 1,500rpm to 4,500rpm. The result is instantaneous response to throttle inputs and rapid acceleration without interruption.

EcoDynamics+ has been engineered to deliver greater efficiency from internal combustion engines on the road, by using electric power delivered and recuperated seamlessly. In the Sportage, the system supplements acceleration with power from a compact 0.44 kWh 48-volt lithium-ion battery, and extends engine ‘off time’ with a new Mild-Hybrid Starter-Generator (MHSG) unit.

The Sportage’s existing 1.7-litre CRDi (Common-Rail Direct injection) diesel engine has been replaced with Kia’s efficient 1.6-litre ‘U3’ CRDi engine. The new 1.6-litre diesel engine produces 114 or 134bhp, with emissions rated from 130g/km for 114bhp models, and 126g/km for higher-powered models (combined, WLTP, converted back to NEDC 2.0).

The Kia Sportage rides on fully independent front and rear suspension, carried over unchanged for the updated model. ‘GT-Line’ models feature their own specially-tuned suspension characteristics,

The infotainment systems in the Sportage have been upgraded on the Sportage. A 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment, or satellite navigation system, or a new ‘frameless’ 8.0-inch system, each with DAB digital radio are available.

All models in the Sportage line-up feature Apple CarPlay TM and Android Auto TM with voice control, as well as Bluetooth with music streaming.

October 2019

Mild hybrid tech now standard across all Sportage diesels

48-volt mild hybrid technology is being extended to all diesel variants in the Sportage range, from level ‘1’ to ‘GT-Line S’.

May 2020

Kia Sportage updated for 2020

Kia is making a series of updates to its Sportage range, with a new streamlined four trim level line-up. The most significant change is the introduction of a new ‘3’ grade, joining ‘2’, ‘GT-Line’ and ‘GT-Line S’ specifications.

All versions in the latest Sportage range are well equipped, with every iteration featuring a ‘frameless’ eight-inch touchscreen satellite navigation system with the latest UVO Connect telematics system, as well as Android AutoTM, Apple CarPlayTM and Bluetooth smartphone connectivity. DAB digital radio is standard and Kia’s Connected Services powered by TomTom® is included, offering a wide range of driving-oriented information. Connectivity features include live traffic updates, speed camera locations and alerts, local search and weather forecasts. The Kia Connected Services system can show drivers the price of fuel at nearby filling stations, as well as the location and real-time availability of parking spaces. The touchscreen also integrates a reversing camera system, in addition to rear parking sensors.

Safety is of great importance, with six airbags, Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS), Driver Attention Warning (DAW), Speed Limit Information Function (SLIF), Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), Trailer Stability Assist (TSA) and High Beam Assist (HBA) are fitted to all versions of the latest Sportage, in addition to Blind-Sport Collision Warning (BCW) on ‘3’ and ‘GT-Line S’ models, while Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) with pedestrian detection is included as standard on the flagship ‘GT-Line S’ models.

And the long list of equipment fitted to every Sportage also includes alloy wheels, heated front and outer rear seats, dual automatic air conditioning, privacy glass, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, rain sensing front wipers, automatic light control, electrically folding, adjustable and heated door mirrors and cruise control with speed limiter.

The newly introduced ‘3’ specification builds on the comprehensively equipped ‘2’ grade and features a panoramic sunroof, front wiper de-icer, black leather upholstery, 10-way driver's and 8-way passenger's power adjustable seat (sliding, reclining, height adjustment), a high-gloss black centre fascia, aluminium door scuff plates, engine start/stop button with Smart Entry system, heated steering wheel, a 4.2-inch colour supervision cluster display and Electronic Parking Brake (EPB). On the outside of the Sportage ‘3’, there’s front parking sensors, black wheel arch body mouldings and side sills with chrome insert, silver painted front and rear skid plates, LED bi-function headlights, LED rear lights and Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW)

‘GT-Line’ versions take grade ‘2’ specification as their basis, but with sportier styling flourishes that mark it out as a more dynamic version of the Sportage line-up. There are exclusive 19-inch alloy wheels, a high gloss ‘diamond’ mesh radiator grille with dark chrome surround, silver painted skid plates front and rear, LED rear combination lamps, front parking sensors, engine start/stop button with Smart Entry system, front wiper de-icer and paddle shifters on DCT versions. A ‘GT-Line’ exterior styling pack adds ice-cube LED front fog lights, LED Bi-function headlights with adaptive lighting system and dual exhausts. On the inside, there’s a high-gloss black centre fascia, black headlining, aluminium pedals and scuff plates, a chrome boot sill guard, a 4.2-inch colour supervision cluster display and a D-shaped leather-covered sports steering wheel.

The top-of-the-range ‘GT-Line S’ models offer all of the equipment that ‘GT-Line’ features plus more luxurious touches – adaptive cruise control, a panoramic sunroof, 10-way power adjustable driver and 8-way adjustable front passenger seats, ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, 8-speaker JBL® premium sound system with subwoofer, external amplifier and front centre speaker, Smart Power Tailgate and a wireless phone charger.

There are three engines available on the Kia Sportage. The 1.6-litre T-GDi (Turbocharged Gasoline Direct injection) engine produces 174bhp and 265Nm torque, with emissions from 183g/km. The naturally aspirated 130bhp 1.6-litre GDi engine offers a maximum torque output of 161Nm, CO2 emissions from 177g/km and fuel economy of up to 36.2mpg on the combined cycle. With a top speed of 113mph, acceleration to 60mph takes 11.1 seconds. Diesel variants with mild-hybrid technology are also offered.

The petrol engines are direct-injection (GDi) 1.6-litre units from Kia's Gamma family. In the Sportage, the T-GDi engine develops 174bhp at 5,500rpm, while maximum torque is 265Nm from 1,500rpm to 4,500rpm. The result is instantaneous response to throttle inputs and rapid acceleration without interruption. It was developed entirely in-house by Kia engineers at the Namyang research and development centre in Korea, with input from Kia's European technical centre in Frankfurt. It accelerates the Sportage from 0-60mph in 8.9 seconds (2WD manual) or an even faster 8.8 seconds with the AWD 7DCT.

The Sportage offers a diesel engine that feature Kia’s all-new ‘EcoDynamics+’ 1.6-litre diesel mild-hybrid powertrains. The 1.6-litre diesel mild-hybrid powertrains are offered with a six-speed manual gearbox with front-wheel-drive or seven-speed Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT) gearbox. In addition, a seven-speed Dual-Clutch Transmission with all-wheel-drive is offered. Producing 134bhp, the manual version has CO2 emissions from 141g/km and is capable of up to 52.3mpg on the WLTP combined cycle. With a top speed of 112mph, acceleration to 60mph takes 10.8 seconds. The seven-speed DCT automatic 2WD versions also emit CO2 from 141g/km and achieve 52.3mpg, with a top speed of 112mph and acceleration to 62mph in 11.4 seconds. For extra traction, buyers have the choice of a four-wheel-drive edition with seven-speed DCT automatic transmission, that manages CO2 emissions from 159g/km and fuel economy on the combined cycle from 46.3mpg, while accelerating to 60mph takes 11.6 seconds, with the same top speed of 112mph.

All models on the updated line-up for the Sportage are RDE2 compliant.

December 2020

Kia Sportage JBL Black Edition priced from £28,545

Based on a Kia Sportage 3, the JBL Black Edition is sold exclusively in Phantom Black. It comes with an eight-speaker JBL premium audio system with subwoofer, external amplifier and front centre speaker.

Exterior enhancements include a number of gloss black exterior highlights including the front grille surround and grille mesh, front and rear skid plates, headlights, front fog lamps, and gloss black roof rails. In addition, the metallic flashes across the front and down the side sills are now also finished in gloss black. The 17-inch alloy wheels are also fitted in black. Inside, the Sportage JBL Black Edition features black leather upholstery.

Buyers have a choice of two engines in the Sportage JBL Black Edition line-up, with a 1.6-litre T-GDi petrol unit offered with a choice of six-speed manual or seven-speed DCT automatic transmission. In addition, Kia’s ‘EcoDynamics+’ 1.6-litre CRDi ‘Smartstream’ mild-hybrid diesel powertrain is also available with a choice of manual or DCT auto gearbox.