New Kia Sportage Review - Is this now the king of the mid-size SUVs?

The Kia Sportage is now in its 5th generation and better than ever, and it has to be in the face of some serious tough opposition. See, this segment of the market is ultra-competitive with many brands all fighting for market share.
In this video, Ciro De Siena gets behind the wheel of the brand-new Kia Sportage GT-Line S. He assesses the drive quality, performance, interior quality, features and practicality.
0:00 - Intro
0:40 - Dream,Search,Drive: www.cars.co.za
0:49 - Budget Insurance: www.cars.co.za/insurance-quote/
1:00 - Price, variants and rivals
1:40 - Engine and transmission
2:00 - Suspension
2:30 - New rival and comparison
2:55 - What do you get for your money?
4:27 - Fuel consumption
4:56 - Interior
9:20 - Boot /trunk
10:56 - Market segment of the Kia Sportage
11:50 - Warranty and Service Plan
12:44 - Driver aids
13:55 - Conclusion
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[@A_j572]

Cars prices are getting out off control 😒

[@memeguyTM]

Yea and it will get worse with the electric entries in years to come.

[@sindilevabaza5194]

The rand and the govt's taxes are what are doing this.

[@dondunn7]

Duties and taxes are out of control

[@phenotypeb6843]

Wish we had better public transportation here in Sa

[@iamkhanyasakawuli]

Nope. We just stayed broke 😮

[@mrhowmuch]

The designers deserve a raise , they went above and beyond , this car looks amazing.

[@fishaddiction]

I have a seltos that I have driven for the last two years and I stepped down from a merc GLC... lets just say KIA has surprised me in every aspect. The 1.4T engine is smooth , super punchy and oozes torque. The vehicle has solid build quality and I have taken it off road many times as well,one of the more comfortable vehicles to be in both on road and off road. When I am looking to upgrade once more I will definately test drive this sportage, beautiful vehicle.

[@lungaswazi9194]

It's the longevity here as well. Still happy with a 10+ years Sorento. Joined by another a couple of months ago.

[@jordanweir4867]

Great review, again. You ladies and gents are putting together some great informative videos. Thank you. Kia definitely coming into their own. I actually think an ex-Audi designer moved over to KIA. You can see some influence in the latest Rio etc… nice design on this Sportage. Sad to say, but us South African’s are slowly getting priced out of the car market. All going to have to start looking at bicycles soon, with the way pricing is going. Thanks again for the rad video. Really enjoying the content. Cheers

[@DaveDVideoMaker]

In Europe, we have AWD versions of the Sportage. With AWD, you can get either a petrol, a diesel, a hybrid and a PHEV. However, the petrol, diesel and hybrid are also offered as FWD. The hybrids are very popular here in Europe.

[@thabangmatsimela8877]

Always looking forward your reviews 😉 especially the cooler box tests. Pricing though 🥺

[@braswan]

need this in a 2.0D please.

[@mhb3088]

If they had put the Kona Ns engine in this thing. That would be Epic!

[@bongakhumalo3095]

Awesome review

[@siphelelemajola1274]

Ciro hi great review by the way I’m a huge fan of yours and love your reviews, but please could you do a review for the current Ford Ranger Wildtrak 2.0 bi turbo 🙏as the next generation Ranger is approaching 😭

[@mosankoane4938]

740K is Kia shooting itself on the foot, with the likes of T8 Pro and new Haval also well specced at very much lower price

[@geofreymusic4222]

Mos Def...

[@zimcoder]

As you were rattling off the features, I kept wondering where the over 200k value is on this car over a Haval H6 SuperLux/Ultra.

[@TshepoMakgohlo]

Value is branding, Kia.

[@ItumelengS]

Nowhere, there's no longer value in Kia, they have gone snobbish. We are running out of cars to buy essentially

[@DeanFriederich]

How’s that service plan! That’s amazing! It’s so cool to see how far the Sportage has come since the very first model from way back when. Thanks for the video, Ciro!

[@MrCharlie1710]

Service plan is 6 yrs / 90000 kms - as per the Sportage brochure. Still pretty good, don’t get me wrong.

[@DeanFriederich]

I see…thanks for clearing that up, @@MrCharlie1710 😊

[@harunkhan7428]

Excellent review 👏 wd

[@megazer]

Nice Review bro!

[@waydonbrandt3578]

Good review. Stunning vehicle, I had the privilege to drive the Tucson Elite and I must say the Sportage is a much better looking SUV. Well done Kia!

[@bmgabon5891]

How about the sound system? Harman kardon? Does it sounds good?

[@rigardtsmit1816]

This was all I needed to confirm that I am getting old... R700k+ for a Korean mid size SUV? Great if you can afford it right?

[@nkosingphilesebastian3605]

Great review, please review Biac x55

[@Bvilaz]

@ Cero, I thought one of its rivals is the Haval H6 HEV??

[@GregDennisReviews]

Just tested this car and i'm very impressed!

[@rafeeknakooda4046]

Hi Ciro. How is this in comparison to the Chery Tiggo 8 exec which is R560k? That's a massive price difference

[@floydthebarber71]

That looks great, but I agree. I don’t know if it’s just myself or the market, but I’m yearning for something that’s more value for money without the competing electronics and frills. Opel is a great option but feels clumsy and awkward when driving. These brands need a model that slots in lower, competing with options like Haval, but maintaining their drivetrain, refinement and warranty

[@motheolebelo]

KIA have done well here what a premium and modern beautiful SUV. absolutely love the interior

[@mornerobins]

Sat in the GT model the other day. Wow, probably the nicest interior in its price range. The only problem could you go for a cheaper spec model once you experience the interior of the GT model.

[@karabomokhithi8918]

This got to be the best family car right now...the pricing is just the concern

[@barneydebele7671]

Don't worry Ciro, been watching alot of overseas reviews of this car, and they too can't find anything to fault with this car, so your'e not alone. A truly excellent product by Kia and quite arguably their best car ever.

[@wavenharper3091]

This car is nice but sounds expensive if you compare to other new brands that have the same if not more specs for R200 000,

[@lenfordmxolisidlamini6881]

This car is awesome. Thank u for bringing it to South Africa

[@the369truth]

Oh boy the looks will give me sleepless nights.

[@zwidekalanga3984]

Does this car have the isg stop/go technology?

[@MohsinWadee]

Hi, great review, how about test driving the diesel now? Especially since it's significantly cheaper than the BMW X1, albeit less powerful.

[@MotoringAndTechWorld]

Great video as always Ciro. I was just wondering, at what point does a car go from compact SUV to SUV. This new Sportage looks quite big. The price range of the top of the range GT - S is more on a SUV price point and not a compact SUV. What are your thoughts on this Ciro? Thanks

[@quincyrsa8990]

Does it come in automatic transmission only

[@barrys1342]

Sounds a little subjective this review however I trust that it’s tough in this segment and you did your best Bar the Haval as a more fair comparison? 😊 Thanks for your passion and enthusiasm Always contagious

[@Yanga_M]

The strangest thing about this car is with all that technology it does not have satnav. What a demmet

[@syathokozahlophe9011]

I also share the same sentiments... even entry level cars have satnav

[@skomil]

Had the GT Line S for a week, still learning the car, its quite big and I am surprised they have not launched with smart park assist which would have been a great feature as this is now a lot bigger than last gen and window visibility isnt great, the cameras and sensors are good, but self park would be a go to in a city for me. The interior is just wow, the wrap round screens and general solidity and 2022 vibe is A1. I have the Hybrid HEV and its smooth as butter, not a fast car but comfy, responsive and the suspension set up is perfect in my opinion. My only 2 grumbles would be andoid auto should be wireless and the lack of smart park assist.

[@MidgleyRoss]

Great car!!! Waiting for the Nissan qashqai review.

[@gcinanomela6772]

I just like how Haval came along and kicked everyone's backside. Vehicle brands were forced to look up and take notice, and as a result of that we're seeing a lot of improvements. They just need to match Haval pricing. 🤔

[@garybloom7445]

Everyone is more expensive than they were, it'll only be a matter of time before the Chinese increase their prices as well. I remember when Kia used to be a cheap alternative, now South Korean auto makers are the staple.

[@IgorTravelsTheWorld]

I live in Prague. I ordered a Sportage from the dealer, paid the deposit. Delay after delay and an uncertain delivery date of 2023, I finally got my money back and got a Peugeot 3008.

[@lukholosityebi4181]

How much is very decent torque?

[@sizwevalashiya4321]

I think you forgot to cover the fuel consumption (claimed vs achieved)

[@maximlee1]

I have one its nice great review

[@jeromejustinkelly2455]

Great review. Love it. Price though still makes me lean towards the Germans.

[@shaunbugler82]

Come a long way from my 2010 sportage. Bit weird they don't offer 3d camera setup which fairly common for premium SUV's these days

[@alextzeferakos]

Actually the European model gets a 3D camera mode. Wonder why it isnt offered everywhere with the same equipment

[@MasterAppels]

It's very helpful too. I love it in my Baleno. It's a great thing to show off to your friends too haha

[@redinza]

classy car Have you confidence that Nissan have finally sorted out their CVT issues and as it is a mid size SUV it would be unfair to compare it to the Vovo XC 40 Essential but I would rather have theXC 40 Essential dark with a few extras

[@stphnmrk1]

Is there 7 seat aportage?

[@ashleyadams7785]

Great review, nice car, Only issue I have is they do not retain their value and depreciate a lot in the first two years , this is just my opinion. Other then that it’s a great looking car.Happy motoring.

[@robleal9755]

From many of the reviews I have seen, it looks like the diesel is the sweet spot in the range. I'm hoping to see it launch locally next year, and perhaps the hybrids will make it here too. The trouble of course is always the price point and whether Kia believe there would be sufficient demand for a R800k Sportage locally.... One gripe.... why o why is South Africa always short-changed in terms of some specs. For example, the global Sportage GT Line-S gets a blacked out roof. It also gets the image from the wing mirrors in the dash (similar to the Sorento) - we just get a turning arrow icon. Surely those features could have made it to our shores without it upping the price - they roll off the same production line after all. Still a fantastic product although I would have preferred a normal gearbox instead of the dual clutch system (personal preference).

[@0703659x]

The global version also has a slightly longer wheelbase..

[@robleal9755]

@@0703659x quite correct. We get the European version whereas the Aussies get the longer wheelbase

[@ntshembo]

I see inspiration from the DBX on that rear end

[@mhb3088]

I think inspired by the EV6 rather.

[@pholoho]

Kw and Nm figures please?

[@ozemsadventureofrandomstuf252]

Seems to me that the vehicle is worth the money and everything is standard on this vehicle..problem is for R700k surely you can get demo of a German car or slightly preowned but highly specced😮😢. Question is new or preowned? In SA we very open to used cars now because prices are insane. However if I had cash this certainly makes a german car look basic 😅 Nice one Cirro🎉

[@shadeurmhlanga5528]

This car is absolutely stunning and will age well.hopefully Kia has fixed that gearbox…I think many South Africans problem is not the price but rather the badge their paying that amount for! I would rather take any car built in Korea/Japan as their now taking their fight towards the Germans in luxury at a more affordable price. And for those who are saying that a Haval is a cheaper 👀 well your brand just released a car that is essentially a H6 and slapped two non-functional “spoilers” with “race mode” and called it a GT for R680k…and for some reason that’s not expensive?… 😅 we live in a word were a 900k Tiguan is glorified but a R700k Kia sportage with all the bells and whistles tech wise,a better service plan, better reliability, safer (not on high-jackers list) is too much money 😂 c’mon guys

[@TycoonRR]

Buy the normal H6. Less than 500k😊

[@shadeurmhlanga5528]

@@TycoonRR bad fuel economy, bad sound system, digital infotainment system that will surely age very quickly and become expensive to fix/no physical buttons, very unresponsive and weird dct gearbox which is horrible in bumper to bumper traffic, very poor after sales department. Do you see what your R500k gets you? I’d rather buy a used CX-5 that is proven… and take the change and go on a holiday with you 😉

[@TycoonRR]

@@shadeurmhlanga5528 I heard allot of good things about the CX-5. Suppose Haval still has a long way to go to build trust. …

[@unathibill130]

That cooler box test is very important😂

[@Kopsnkops]

This car is actually Less expensive than its rivals, the Tiguan is like R800k+, The CX-5 is R750k+, the CRV is also R800k+ and the RAV 4 is also R750k+ and this Kia is R735k so it’s cheaper actually.

[@sibusisodladla345]

I think Kia no longer wants to the be the "cheap" brand....they are aiming to be the less expensive option to German brands. I think they can give it a shot due to Hyundai sticking to its guns as a affordable car maker...so its no use having sister brands competing against each other. I like what I see so far from the Sportage. Kia is really making some great vehicles. My 2 favourite models are the Carnival and Sorento....least great talked about cars in this country!!!

[@lukholosityebi4181]

Does it have AWD?

[@111ARR]

So what was the real world fuel consumption in town driving and on the open road? I don't know why car journalists quote manufacturers claimed fuel consumption figures. Those claimed fuel consumption figures are just pie in the sky.

[@sudarshanchetty3757]

Sounds like a car of the year

[@raltonadams1998]

Love it but worried about how all that piano black on the exterior is going to hold up after a few washes

[@wmsanctum8755]

It’s a good car and so are it’s rivals. But it’s very hard to ignore the fact that something like a Haval outclasses the Kia and it’s rivals in almost every regard and costs almost R200k less…

[@dylonvr9595]

Havals have some critical flaws for me so I had to pass on it

[@MrAndyCPT]

@@dylonvr9595 like what? The Haval H6 GT is incredible value, beautiful and filled with tech. Feel it’s a direct competitor to the Nissan and the Kia.

[@tshepopaulsenmoto7930]

Outclass is a very strong word to use here...

[@yani0728]

R200k is R200k

[@Mondochiwan]

@@dylonvr9595 what are the flaws? I couldn't find any

[@craigjenkins3854]

The New Kia Sportage has moved upmarket and has gone up in price. It's now playing in the premium segment. I'm surprised at the omission of SAT NAV. The Sportage is great looker and is full of the latest technology.

[@MrModikoe]

they gettin spoiled with the inclusion of android-auto & carplay

[@ItumelengS]

@@MrModikoe correct android auto is way way better than any sat NAV car companies install

[@afrikawewant5390]

Can you please check BAIC X55 recently launched in SA

[@iainvanzyl4212]

Despite what seems to be a reasonable list of distractions......700 000 ish for a 1,6 engine......😬

[@Mattfghdghd]

The Mercedes A200 hatch back is R730,000 and it comes with a 1.4L engine. It was 130kW of power and certainly not a slouch. If you want the big 3.0L engines, you have to spend north of R1 Million.

[@ohnoitsjosh4996]

Ciro why does SA refuse to bring the AWD cars? We only bring in the FWD cars into SA :/

[@oomstu]

When you say no Nav, does it have Android Auto or Apple Car Play functionality?

[@oomstu]

I just confirmed on the KIA website, the model does support the two mobile apps.

[@MrModikoe]

well some of us dont like to display my entire phone on a giant screen in front of my wife..

[@Deckard717]

@@MrModikoe 😂😂

[@AkhonaNgquba]

How is the noise insulation? I used to own a Kia Optima (brilliant car) and the road noise was high. I didn't know at the time until I bought an Audi A4 (same year model) and realised how quiet cars can be inside.

[@MasterAppels]

Such a shame that they don't offer a premium sedan anymore. My dad had one. That thing had space for days and great power under the bonnet. He went from that to a CX-5 and I have to say the quality of materials in the Mazda is night and day compared to the Optima. That being said, it seems as if Kia improved on that aspect (which is expected with the massive price increase recently).

[@TshepoMakgohlo]

Audi, BMW and Merc always quite on the road..

[@MrCharlie1710]

An interesting review, but a few comments. Firstly according to the brochure the service plan is 6 yrs / 90000 kms, not 150000 kms as you said. Secondly why is the top of the range model often the one put up for test? The reason I ask is that there is a R 200k difference between the top and bottom of the range. Of course you do loose out on quite a few things, but I think the entry level is the best buy in the range. Go and compare the specs and tell me if the extra 200k odd is justified. Thirdly Ciro you mentioned ACC as an do we need it option? IMHO for sure. For the safety that it gives me I would take this long before leather seats or a sun roof as an example, yet this is often only offered on the top of the range model. Kudos to VW who offer it as an option on many of their lower ranges cars too (I think in the range of 5 / 6k). In my ideal world any car above budget range / city type car should have this as a standard feature. Finally as to the German, Korean, Japanese and China debate. I do think you pay a major premium for German cars that personally I can’t justify; I do think the Korean cars have come leaps and bounds but are now starting to be a bit of a push price wise; Japanese cars are great and they know how to build a solid, reliable car that retains its value and then Chinese cars - think I might still have a bit of the rooi gevaar in me 😅

[@tshephangsithole750]

hahahaha you must apply for this job as you analys quite well

[@MrCharlie1710]

@@tshephangsithole750 thank you Sir! Very kind of you to say that.

[@nawanekhomo3159]

Can you get the quality without the tech at a reasonable price?

[@matthewkennedy-smith991]

Pity they did not use the 2.0d like previous model with 8 speed auto.

[@lihlekolisi6914]

Ciro what figures did you get for fuel consumption ? I want to know the figures you got on your test not the claimed ones

[@Michael-he2pw]

I noticed 9.4 L / 100 on the screen ..

[@psunduzwayo]

The GT Line @650k looks like a good pick

[@ca9968]

Yes...great and all, but is KIA SA still run and managed by AMH? If yes then i`d rather walk than give them my money...just take a gander at the HelloPeter pages for KIA and Hyundai SA to see why all the best features in the world in a car and a competitive price sometimes just aren`t enough to make you give them your hard earned cash!

[@justicepoone9154]

KIA makes great Cars. Check what they provide to the European market. Even their sedans are amazing. They're just used to giving South Africa kaak cars

[@ShiShitshandukokhorommbiedmond]

maybe.... the down size again is the low power output. at least if they offer an engine with lets say 150kw and somewhere around 300-450 toque

[@akwardleon6038]

Interesting

[@sandilemajiya7831]

This is a great car

[@brucekendall52]

KIA are making some very pretty cars for sure.

[@gde1989]

Surprised South Africa got the short wheelbase European model and not the long wheelbase sold in Asia/Nth America and Australia. Is it cheaper to import from Europe and not South Korea? I would imagine the South Korean model would be cheaper and also bigger

[@Griffitas]

And yet no hybrid option for SA :(

[@TycoonRR]

Car prices must fall! This is ridiculous

[@frikkievuiltrens]

Took the T-Roc, Corolla Cross, Sportage, H6 GT and Mokka for a test drive today. Corolla Cross was the most disappointing (awful foot pedal parking brake amongst others) and the Sportage was my favourite, even before taking it for a drive. Just wish it had tyre pressure monitoring.

[@LandrySubira]

corolla cross is not in the same class. really quite a poor car

[@mxobhungane143]

Very reliable car's from kia you will never go wrong 15 year's driving it. No problem what so ever 🎉

[@memeguyTM]

I hope Renault release a new Koleos in 2-3 years time. That for me often comes with the best value, tech and quality apart from the Chinese stuff.

[@tlevans62]

The German cars are getting some stiff competition from the Asians. In fact, that Asian makes are offering better features for the money, and honestly, these cars are so much better than they used to be that there’s not a whole lot in it as far as everyday driving goes between these and the Europeans. The Koreans are really making some amazing vehicles, compared to the Japanese makes which are getting kind of stale, except for Mazda. If you want value for money these days, it basically leaves the Chinese as the only affordable vehicles with all the features you want. Great review!

[@deepu691252058]

Can you please show MAHINDRA XUV700

[@garethpillay2498]

Why does the lower spec models have a 1980's gearlever.

[@vainondovala6578]

What's not to like is the price. We're being fleeced in SA.

[@lesediseemela9856]

The car is nice and everything but one can't ignore the price. Is it really superior to its rivals? Probably not and they cost less. They VW'd this car with the extras and pricing.

[@crispinswainstonharrison9042]

Wow more expensive than a AWD Rav4. Madness.

[@jeroenjansen2709]

We are still enjoying our 2013 Nissan Xtrail. Super smooth ride, very smooth and quiet revving engine, superb interior space and view and it rides very well on bad roads. It is probably worth just over R100 000. So won't spend R700 000 on a new SUV

[@Mondochiwan]

This thing is R200k more than a Haval H6 top spec AWD. That's totally unacceptable.

[@mogalemolele1614]

You called a car with unlimited miles/5 year warranty "this thing"?

[@sfiso9854]

@@mogalemolele1614ebanna it's a thing, is it alive kanti?

[@ghecho]

Except who really wants a haval?

[@Mondochiwan]

@@ghecho they are fantastic vehicles. The attention to detail in the cabin and the quality of materials is really amazing.

[@eitanrapp]

As someone who owns the H6 and is trading it in for the Sportage - you cannot compare the refinement of these 2 vehicles. Respectfully. Engine refinement in particular as well as the interior ergonomics. And of course the unknown long term longevity which Kia certainly looks the more promising to uphold.

[@Zander.and.lightning]

Beautiful color, hate the wheels.

[@DrShaikG]

So this or the haval H6 hev?

[@geofreymusic4222]

Price though!

[@isodorwilliams5999]

Will Kia bring in the EV model to our country

[@thatanomolokwe987]

Its beautiful 💯

[@raymondmalan487]

Spec Level is Crazy !! Pitty you have to take such a Vehicle to a Multi Franchise set-up.....being Part a Merc Set-up ( P.E.....you will Always get the Low-Down Level )...Pitty. Won't spend that Money and not get the Proper Service. Great Vehicle, but will go for the RAV - Service, Re-sale just Tops. As for the German's, well, will give them a Strong Pass, Low Spec, Unreliable and Worth Nothing in 2 Years. Great Review !

[@Kayla-fe1zr]

Not nearly as cool looking as the Sportage, but a Forester may be a consideration at a slightly lower price point?

[@MrCharlie1710]

Interesting point. I think sadly the engine in the Forester is the big let down. IMHO the Forester with a more powerful engine would be hard to beat