2023 KIA Sportage Review 1.6 T-GDI: Why Would You Bother? [Car Obsession]

2023 KIA Sportage Review 1.6 T-GDI: Why Would You Bother? [Car Obsession]
In 2022, the Nissan Qashqai was not only the best-selling crossover/SUV in the UK, but the best-selling car overall. If that car is so popular, why should you bother with this, the KIA Sportage? Well, this video will tell you why.
The KIA Sportage has a starting price of £27,800 and is available in four trim levels; 2, 3, GT-Line and GT-Line S. The model tested here is the 3 version, which has a starting price of £32,000.
Standard features include 18” alloys, keyless entry and start, heated front seats and outer rear seats, heated steering wheel, adaptive cruise control, cloth and leather seats, 12.3” touchscreen with navigation and smartphone connectivity, 12.3” digital instrument cluster, climate control, front and rear parking sensors as well as a good host of safety systems.
At the time of test, the Sportage is yet to be crash tested by Euro NCAP but with features such as autonomous emergency braking, ESC, speed limit assist, lane following assist, multi-collision brake and lane keep assist, it’s bound to score high
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Chapters:
0:00 Pre-Intro
0:16 Channel Intro
0:33 Boot Space
2:18 Rear Space
6:08 Front Space
10:29 Engine Stats/Driving Impressions
15:47 Price and Specification
16:56 More Driving Impressions
19:00 Conclusion
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Like the effects in my video? Some of them are produced by Ryan Nangle, check out his work here: sellfy.com/10154417130356796

[@CarObsession]

Apologies for the late upload, everything was all done, I just hadn't set the video to schedule 🙄. I did wonder why it had no views or comments yet.... #numpty

[@KT-sr3ko]

Nice to see the Mx5 Owners Club. Had the Cat Convertor nicked from mine last week, then car blew up on way home. 16 years of driving pleasure and waves from other owners. However, picking up my 2022 Sportage Gt Line S MHEV AWD on Wednesday and can't wait to have more room and comfort for blasting up and down the country

[@CarObsession]

Thanks for watching! I tell you what's preposterous in that is Cats on MX-5s are worth sod all! Well at least that's the case for the Mk1/2/2.5, not sure on Mk3 or Mk4.

[@richwhilecooper]

I just ordered a GT Line S AWD HEV. Replaced my 2019 top spec Sportage AWD which has been perfect over the 3 years and 7 months I've had it. Hopefully will get delivery in December.

[@chrispayne523]

I've had the Launch Edition, which is virtually the same has the 3, for 18 months now. On a long run I can get over 50 mpg and I got an IKEA double bed in the back with the seats down.

[@Calvi36]

I have had this exact model on order since July 2023, it is due to arrive next month. After throwing back a car at Kia, the previous gutless normally aspirated Sportage I went to Kajar. Kajar is great but I test drove the exact model of Sportage that you are driving and the difference between the previous edition Sportage and the new one is light years.

[@CarObsession]

Hi there, thanks for watching, and thanks for the comment 👍🏽.

[@vanquishpurr]

Nice to see someone reviewing a Sportage that isn’t a GT Line and a manual gear box. I’ve ordered the Sportage 3. I ordered it in June and I’ve been told it may not come until December. My friend has ordered a VW(not sure which one), she has a 22 month wait! I’m currently driving the 20 plate Sportage and I’ve had two Qashqai. Never thought I’d ever say it, but I prefer and love the Sportage!

[@CarObsession]

Hi there, thanks for watching!

[@vanquishpurr]

Still watching it. Reviewers seem to be going for the automatics. I did enquire about an automatic and there seems to be problems obtaining them. Can’t wait for it come. I’ve ordered it on splash lemon. Not sure my sons will get in the car now 😂

[@CarObsession]

@@vanquishpurr I'll be honest, I didn't choose the spec, it was the one Kia provided.

[@vanquishpurr]

@@CarObsession that’s fair enough. I compared them all and price. Decided the middle option. I don’t think a Kia is worth a £45k tag. I can get a BMW, Audio or a Mercedes for that.

[@damianleah6744]

Had my new HEV GT line auto sportage a few weeks now, replaced the previous manual diesel model and love it. I don’t let anyone drink in my car so cup holders are redundant.

[@donaldduck5695]

Is your GT line or line S?

[@pauloneill7939]

Hmm, looks like it might be the qashqai Epower for me then, dont underestimate the power of a wireless charging pad. Thanks for the review

[@uvebern6441]

Memory seats, mirrors, etc require sensors to feedback the position to the controller, just a bit more expensive.

[@kirkby0076]

Yeah, the back of the headrests are designed, to hang a jacket on 👍👍

[@garfyn]

Maybe the back seat locking at 90 degrees is so you can pack your boot with square boxes etc. you ever put something in to find the top is hitting the seat and you can't get it closed??

[@Aaron-gi1xg]

That's exactly it, and kia has been doing it for years as my 2010 venga does it too

[@CarObsession]

Ah I see! That makes perfect sense, thanks for watching.

[@CarObsession]

Ah I see! That makes perfect sense, thanks for watching.

[@putanothershrimponthebarbi1592]

Had our sportage a couple weeks. Lovely car. Only disappointment is the positioning of the hand brake takes getting use to.

[@CarObsession]

Yes, I thought the location was a bit quirky.... Thanks for watching.

[@davidmair7497]

Is it not electronic. Should not have to touch it. ?????Have one in my current car never bothered with it. It just works😊

[@CarObsession]

@@davidmair7497 Hi Dave, it is electronic; there's a switch for it on the dashboard. Thanks for watching 👍🏽

[@CRIPVW]

Just set it to auto hold and let the car do the work

[@markiebud247]

Had a Qashqai, what a load of rubbish, build quality was suspect and fit and finish poor. Every piece of trim either squeaked or rattled. Changed to Sportage and it was like night and day, build quality was better and zero squeaking or rattling. Since dumped all wanna be SUV’s and gone proper Range Rover instead. Best move I ever did.

[@CarObsession]

Hi there, thanks for watching, and thanks for the comment.

[@aussiedeplorable8670]

Good luck with reliability in the Range Rover.

[@markiebud247]

@@aussiedeplorable8670 TBH, no car I have owned has been unreliable, and thats down to them always being maintained correctly. Modern cars are much the same, and there will always be lemons, but I am confident like with all my other cars, If I continue to look after it, then it will look after me.

[@ryanthompson8029]

Good look with all your problems with the range rover

[@markiebud247]

@@ryanthompson8029 have had the RR for 3 years now and never had any issues, tbh, I have never had any vehicle that’s been unreliable, but then I have always doubled up on servicing, eg rather than a manufacturer saying every 12000 miles, I will do every 6000 miles, and I will continue to do it that way till I stop driving.

[@muffinnman]

Looking at the Sportage 3 through Motability. Heard it is good quality and good to drive. However, missing out on some tech like memory seat, electric tailgate and 360 camera which I need. Don't like the interior, the screens are too large and flashy, prefer something more understated. The cloth part of the seats look like they will be hard to keep clean. I think the higher spec is better but not available through motability. Thanks for the review.

[@CarObsession]

Hi there, thanks for watching and thanks for the comment.

[@AHoundOnAHonda]

Higher spec is available through Motability, you can get the GT LIne S in petrol, HEV or PHEV options.

[@muffinnman]

@@AHoundOnAHonda Yes, it's been updated, I made my order last June the choices were more limited, I got the Qashqai. If I was ordering now would get the GT S, but I'm happy with the QQ got everything I need. The offers keep changing so it depends on luck.

[@treskplesk9394]

The car would be more beautiful if the chrome elements on the car were changed to black. it would look more decent. Now it is a little eccentric from the exterior. Sales would also be higher if the car was modified from a visual point of view, especially the front part of the car.

[@MrAdwoa2003]

I have the EX model band it says that it can recline but l cannot seem to recline mind. Any help with that?

[@CarObsession]

We don't have the EX model in the UK, so it may be the case that the trim levels are different where you live. Thanks for watching, apologies for the delay in responding.

[@michaeledwards8079]

how do you open the bottle whilst driving, especially at night, very dangerous drinking and driving, they are cupholders not bottle holders

[@CarObsession]

You could open the bottle before you drive and leave the lid off? Or just open/unopen it when you're not moving? Also, for what it's worth, I can undo a bottle with one hand, so it would be no different to using a hand to lift a cup.

[@DaveDVideoMaker]

I would opt for the 4WD Sportage, whether I need 4WD or not. I don’t care if it’s less fuel efficient, I don’t care if I have to spend more money to spend and to maintain.

[@CarObsession]

Hi Dave, thanks for watching, and thanks for the comment.

[@Proudtyke]

I understand that you can only now get 4WD with automatic transmission, unless someone can advise me differently please.

[@DaveDVideoMaker]

@@Proudtyke You can’t get a current generation manual 4WD Kia Sportage, at least, not in the UK. In some European countries, they can get a 6MT 4WD.

[@neilthomas8760]

Ordered my Sportage in April 1.6 48v auto I pick it up 25th July

[@CarObsession]

Hi Neil, thanks for watching and thanks for the comment 👍🏽.

[@invisi-bill]

I believe the handles on the back of the front headrests are to help physically challenged people get in or out of the back seat. Is it now illegal to drink anything while you are driving? If so, the illuminated cupholders shouldn't be necessary?

[@CarObsession]

The handles are designed as coat hangers, and when does it say it's illegal to drink ANYTHING whilst driving?

[@invisi-bill]

I guess it's only illegal if you crash the vehicle while eating or drinking..."If police believe that eating or drinking behind the wheel has caused you to become distracted and lose control of your vehicle, you could be fined for distracted or careless driving."

[@CarObsession]

@@invisi-bill Well, I mean to be honest, how often have you been distracted by a simple drink to the point you can't focus on anything else? If you were trying to knit a winter jumper whilst driving then yes, that would be quite the distraction 😅.

[@invisi-bill]

@@CarObsession 🙂Good point, thanks. However a few weeks ago on the M4 in dense holiday traffic an idiot came down the on ramp, cut through 3 lanes of traffic with inches to spare and would have pushed us into the centre barrier at 70mph if I hadn't hit the brakes fast and hard. It was seriously scary. If I was chugging down the dregs of my water bottle at that moment and not reacted as fast as I did, would I also be at fault for distracted or careless driving? Anyway we're getting off the subject of the excellent video and I agree the Kia looks like a great car. I think I'll buy one.

[@CarObsession]

@@invisi-bill Thanks for watching 👍🏽

[@ronpower7790]

Personally the biggest con is the outside design, which looks like the designer was watching power rangers alot, also the dashboard is a bit low for my liking. Which reduces the feeling of being cocooned by the car.

[@CarObsession]

Hi Ron, thanks for watching and thanks for your comment.

[@badboybushy11]

Kia do day the car is like Marmite. Apparently it's their new way forward in car design

[@milosgrujic9118]

This guy is such a nitpicker to iritating extend. The car is just awesome!

[@CarObsession]

To be honest, I kinda needed to nitpick to find bad bits of the car, it's very good and I praised it a lot in the video. Thanks for watching

[@rajindernijjer]

Kia is proper shit my Sportage been in dealers 6 months needing new engine 2 years old 17000 miles and dealers like your cars ready hell I don't want a car that blows it's engine and takes 6 months to fix I've handed it back.

[@CarObsession]

Hi Raj, thanks for watching, and thanks for sharing your experience, sorry to hear it's a negative one.

[@craigsmith3291]

Such a biased unintelligent review. And having a gripe about negative comments using the "i don't do this for a living" defence, makes it all a bit mickey mouse, innit. Amazing the time spent on minor whinges, like the back seat return position, or the cupholders ... oh the humanity!!! Best stick to the day job champ, washing them. i'll be listening to the guys that do car reviews for a living, that are objective, professional, informative, factual, etc. The Sportage is hands down amazing value for money with electronic safety aids comparable to brands that sell at double the price.

[@CarObsession]

Hi Craig, thanks for watching and thanks for the feedback. My day job is not cleaning cars you're welcome to your own thoughts 👍🏽.

[@CarObsession]

Just to follow up on this Craig, what makes you think this is a biased review? I had plenty of positive things to say and I also praised the value, so I agree with on the value side 👌🏽 For starters, I kicked off by complimenting the boot. Yes, perhaps my gripe about the seats was petty, but I did find it annoying and I did even say it wasn't a hardship. I then praised the rear space and practicality. I moved on to the front in which I praised the style and tech, as well as the heating controls and the practicality. I did moan about the cupholders, but they weren't major complaints. I then went on to say I liked the way how the car drove, it's one of the quietest I've tested and it's comfortable. I would have NO issue recommending this car and to be honest I had to think quite hard of things I didn't like, which is probably why they come across as petty/picky. Is the review perfect? No, but I'd never claim it to be, but I agree it could AND should have been a more polished review. Thanks again for the feedback 👌🏽

[@roscomtraining8396]

Good review

[@CarObsession]

Thank you very much!

[@Jstars200]

Sportage is more comparable to Nissan ariya- not nissan quasqhi…..

[@CarObsession]

The Ariya is 100% electric, though? Also, you will see MANY outlets that have compared the Sportage to the Qashqai, so it's far from unusual

[@pokehunter7078]

GDI combined with a turbo? You are asking for troubles down the road! Just check out all those Kia recalls in the past years with all their GDI engines!

[@michaelflude9334]

Hopeless.i have my 25 on order delivery in weeks time all orders now get my 25 model gts fhev awd auto all bells whistles red .you seem to of done bit research.

[@CarObsession]

The irony is is that you have left a comment 😅

[@michaelflude9334]

This is hopeless review ,you need sportage GTS FHEV AWD then you have something brillient to review

[@CarObsession]

Fair enough, you're welcome to your opinion, but others have found the review useful, so I personally wouldn't call it "hopeless". Thanks for watching.

[@badboybushy11]

It's worth noting that all your complaints are addressed if you buy a higher spec model. Not sure why you'd use a low spec model to do a review as your review makes it look many features aren't available. Sorry but I really felt this is a very poor review on this car

[@CarObsession]

Hi Paul, thanks for watching and thanks for the feedback. This was the car that KIA supplied my friend, I don't always get a choice.

[@Lorraines_Mini_Kingdom]

There's only the gt line s after this one. So wouldn't say its the lower. You've got the 2 , gt line , 3 and then the gt line s. Personally I think it's good to see the different models. I would like to see more passenger side mentioned though.

[@malealoy5622]

So you think it's right to review the highest speced model and dupe the majority of people to buy lower models only to end up with a much more disappointing and reduced product? It doesn't make sense. The majority of people can't will afford the lesser models, this review is much more realistic and useful. If he hid the exact model he's reviewing and judged the whole Sportage model as bad then I'd agree with you, but you clicked on a video that tells you which model he's reviewing so it's up to you to look for another video that suits you.

[@CarObsession]

👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@badboybushy11]

@@malealoy5622 I think it's right to highlight from the start that it's not a top spec model and that all the complaints or 'it world be nice if....' comments are clarified that it's only on that spec vehicle. This is not clear throughout. For example he says it doesn't have wireless charging. It does on other specs. Ambient lighting works be nice. Buy a higher spec it get it. My comment is intended to point out that all the complaints need to highlight that they are addressed on a higher specification car and ARE available. The review makes it sound as though these features just aren't available at all on the car when they are.

[@78wolfgang78]

When doing reviews for living you should get your facts right before talking. Only for the memory seats I see the pro you are. If you get the upgraded version you get the memory seats with the panoramic roof. Now you know. Cheers

[@CarObsession]

Hello Luis, thank you for watching. A) I do not do this for a living. I make all my videos around a full time job. B) I was fully aware that higher trim levels get the memory function but I was focusing on that specific trim level.