Car review: Kia Sportage SX
Kia’s Sportage has had a mid-life refresh, with a couple of hybrid EV (HEV) versions now on offer.
This is particularly important given the increasing popularity of hybrid vehicles as a safe ‘each way’ technological bet before taking the next step to an EV.
The mid-size SUV market is the largest segment in Australia, making it very competitive. Despite the Kia Sportage rising in cost, the new model is still well-priced considering the level of standard equipment and the value of the seven-year warranty.
From the 13-model range, we tested the SX hybrid EV variant, which is about $6000 more than the similar internal combustion engine (ICE) version.
Interior
The SX has most of the nice-to-have features, such as rain-sensing wipers, lumbar support (two-way for the driver), satellite navigation, a remote folding second-row seat, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry, push-button start, and the convenience of connected services.
The Sportage is a mid-size SUV, so entry into the spacious cabin is made easy by the convenience of a Goldilocks seat height – higher than a sedan and lower than a large SUV.
The lower-spec model we tested has a comfortable and roomy interior, but the hard plastic and fabric seats leave a little to be desired.
The 12.3-inch screen provides a high-tech look, but no wireless phone charger is a bit of a shortcoming.
Rear seats recline, allowing occupants a rest on longer drives. There are other handy features, such as a configurable cup holder that adjusts for various-sized containers.
On the downside, the Sportage hybrid’s 1.49kWh battery sits under the rear seat, so there’s only enough room in the HEV models for a space saver spare tyre.
On the road
The SX sits on 18-inch alloy wheels, and the Australianised suspension and steering engineering provides a refined, category-leading ride and predictable handling package.
The Sportage’s electric motor is compactly housed inside the transmission, so you still feel gear shifts, unlike other hybrids that use continuously variable transmission (CVT).
The combination of a 1.6-litre turbo ICE and electric motor delivers maximum power of 169kW, with a useful 450Nm of torque to provide quiet power delivery and good acceleration.
Kia has added value and tech to the Sportage in this mid-model refresh, albeit at an increased price, but it’s still a car worth the cash.
| Specs | Specs |
|---|---|
| Price | $51,032 |
| ANCAP safety rating | 5 stars |
| Fuel consumption | 4.9L/100km |
| Warranty | Seven-year unlimited kilometre warranty |