The All-New 2022 KIA Sportage First Drive - Britain's Best Selling Car, Reborn

In today's video, I drive the brand new for 2022 Fifth Generation KIA Sportage. At points in time, the previous car has been Britain's best selling model - so the new one has a lot to live up to. However, the previous car I did have issues with - so can the new one improve on those, without losing what made the rest of the package so compelling?
#KIA #Sportage #GtLineS
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[@Imra99928]

It's really interesting to see how far Korean cars have come in terms of styling and features. With luxury being more defined as the amount of tech included and Korea being a centre for evolving new tech so they are gonna excel and overtake more traditional manufacturers quite easily

[@hertzair1186]

…it’s because Kia/Hyundai hired German designers from Audi and BMW a few years back….

[@gaara4667]

@@hertzair1186 and they made good use of their new assets. Not everyone can do that🙂👍🏿

[@hertzair1186]

@BustaCap …look up article: Peter Schreyer, Why do all these Kia/Hyundai’s Look Like Audis?

[@soundseeker63]

@@hertzair1186 That would explain why the front end is so damn ugly!....if it was designed by the same person that ruined BMW...?

[@NextGenGamer1]

@@soundseeker63 ...no. It all started with Peter Schreyer, over 12-13 years ago. He designed the revolutionary 2010 Sportage and yeah, since then they are no longer ugly cars. And I personally love the front in GT Line with IFS headlights and GT Line details. In black it's really mighty.

[@ericpisch2732]

One of the big advantages of the sportage is the huge rear door with the additional window being built into the door rather than the body, this makes fitting the modern giant baby / small child seats very easy, especially as the height of the back seat means for most people your back is straight. We bought one mainly for this reason for grand parent duties and our daughter ended up borrowing it most of the time until eventually they got their own one

[@karmanline2005]

Brilliant!

[@lilgunfighter1536]

We've ordered the 230 hybrid GTS (in the green) so its really good to see such an honest review. We currently have an XC40 and were really dubious of the quality but it's doesn't feel like a downgrade at all

[@RedLP5000S]

KIA's Stinger is a phenomenal car. Boy have they come a long way!👍🏻🇺🇸

[@Digitalpiracy]

That weird feeling of familiarity when the Midlands-based car reviewer you love watching is driving around your home area in his latest film for some reason.... I use those same lanes through the Chalfonts for my cycling exercise.

[@captainmarvelous7678]

I absolutely adore the design of this car and can't wait for the hybrid model to come out in America to scoop one up. This looks sleek and stylish, old model was mousy and too curved.

[@alexballantine3973]

LOVE your reviews. nailed your formula

[@ruk2023--]

Kia are doing pretty well here in England, but every time I'm in the USA I'm amazed by how many of them there are there. The last two rental cars I have had in America have been Kia's.

[@joshuakhaos4451]

When I was a teenager during the 2000s, Kia's and Hyundai's were awful and generally pretty shit cars that you'd be embarrassed to be seen in. Fast forward to the last few years, I would totally buy a Kia or Hyundai SUV with no hesitation if I had a kid(s). They would be at the top of my list of cars to look into buying, They have come that far in 15-20 years. Their ascension is commendable.

[@rufdymond]

@@joshuakhaos4451 - They have certainly improved and this car is on my shortlist for my next car - I think Korean firms really do have a relentless push to constantly improve their products. Im older than most, and I remember the days when Samsung used to make third rate electronic consumer devices….look at them now.

[@Wsg899]

Great video. Need a video on all the different trims and best one for its buck. So many options!!

[@UnknownUser-rb9pd]

Nice to know that it will play soothing sounds to send you asleep on a long journey.

[@johang7498]

Solid review. I still don't see myself buying an SUV, but i get the appeal of a sportage or tucson. Kia also sells the handsome Xceed, which looks like an attractive compromise between a regular hatchback and an SUV.

[@scottthomson9813]

We have the equivalent Hyundai and I'm 6'3 and can fit in the back behind myself so I can confirm they are roomy! Great vehicles.

[@luvyesmusici4886]

Being a guy from the states, have to say I love your content and reviews. Top notch. They just started producing the 23 version in the states a couple days ago. New design is always nice, but more expensive. My only, seventeen year old, is far from school, is in many clubs, and was recovering from a ruptured a.c.l. when I got a few deals on a new 22 in August I couldn't say no to, esp. when it was going to go up another $1,600 dealer mark up, the next day. Before the mark up, I received two discounts, totaling $1,200 and was told not to go with the zero % interest loan because he knew I was going to pay it off, and got me a loan that took another $1,200 off. To be honest, the vehicle had a $900 dealer markup, but compared to the Toyota Venza I looked at, already at the top I would pay, Toyota wanted 5k more. And what was I going to do? Buy an over-priced, over mileaged used car, get her into university in over a year, and come up with the funds for school, and another/new car? Kia was a no brainer. Sits up high with a great view. Not too big to maneuver and park, and a fantastic warranty. This vehicle will get my daughter through another year and a half if high school, and six years of Pharmacy school, and a few years after that. She works hard, I've always treated her like an adult, and other than having the old KIS badges, we continue to remain a debt free family, she deserved it, and this vehicle makes her schedule, and fun possible.

[@TheMrFishnDucks]

Very nice every day car. Thanks for reviewing more normal cars.

[@aerofly2]

Placed an order 2 days ago for a Sportage GT-Line S hybrid in Penta Grey + black roof, and coming from a VW Tiguan I think I’m going to enjoy driving the Sportage more.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

I think you might!

[@martinboulden3540]

Love their new refresh logo design.

[@stanceworks9838]

Cant wait to see you at the chester cars and coffee tomorrow!

[@edthomas8486]

James you are approaching a very significant milestone-200,000.00 Subscribers. You certainly deserve this as you are honest, straight-forward and most delightful to listen to. So tell me what are you going to do celebrate this very decent subscriber base. I live in Australia so it won’t benefit me but how a short raffle and the winner may choose from your own large stable of magnificent motor cars and you will take them for a lovely drive??? You maybe don’t think that would be much to offer but I tell you now that I would leap at that opportunity if I did not live so far away. In any case early congratulations on your achievement on reaching this milestone and you will see your channel grow exponentially (I think that is the right word) and 300,000.00 will come to fruition very much quicker than you may anticipate. This is from the proud owner of a 2020 Mustang GT Premium Performance Pack Whipple supercharged 10 speed auto with magnaride suspension, lowered, Borla exhaust system with every suspension modification you can think of as I love to track the car every opportunity I get. Cheers.

[@JohnStevensRiskGuy]

Very useful and reassuring as I am just to order a GT Line S

[@eze8970]

Thanks J!

[@run_cycle_life4005]

Sister company Hyundai stole a march with the new Tucson, which is selling like hot cakes (I bought one!). Be interesting to see how Kia get on with the Sportage. Price I’m sure will be key, given the two cars use the same equipment in a lot of areas. I have to say, Hyundai’s line up is a lot seems complicated.

[@klasseact6663]

When you said same height, weight, width, wheelbase I could only think of my cousin Vinny😋

[@stevewaddy139]

Interested well presented what is thw fuel consumption for the 1.6 petrol hybrid, does anyone know.

[@francis2811]

Great review! First question I'd ask is how long is the Hybrid battery guaranteed for, and what would a replacement cost outside of the warranty? For some cars, the cost can be eye-watering!

[@karmanline2005]

7 years. Hybrid battery included. (UK)

[@pignonMZ6]

Completely unrelated comment here but I think I recognise the building behind the car at 2:06. I was an exchange (Erasmus) student at the Uni of Sheffield a few years ago and maybe I'm wrong but I think this building is the Quantum Centre, actually I'm pretty sure it is. Anyway thank you for the flashbacks rushing in my head right now, my word what a ride...

[@Digitalpiracy]

Later in the film he's driving repeatedly between Chalfont St.Peter, Horn Hill, Maple Cross & the outskirts of Rickmansworth on the Buckinghamshire/Hertfordshire border, the motorway repeatedly seen in the background is the M25 between J16 & J17. Not sure if the earlier shot and the video straight after it is a publicity image included into the film or not but he filmed most of this in my local area. I was having mad deja vu as he covered my usual exercise cycling route until I recognised it.

[@joshuakhaos4451]

If I had few kids, I'd be seriously considering a new Kia SUV or a Hyundai SUV. I wouldnt look anywhere else for a family car, Hyundai and Kia just have all they style atm imo.

[@TheodorTosho]

I just ordered new Sportage. Stunning car

[@kofib3]

If Peter Schreyer design on the Sportage didn't exist, then I would like this more. Its a bit fussy in some areas though the interior looks tidy.

[@gasstation405]

The SWB version you guys get in Europe looks so neutered compared to the LWB version in the states. The back and C-Pillar treatment look like an afterthought.

[@MarkLynskey]

I've one ordered and I'm so pissed we don't get the long wheelbase one

[@preetmohantuli1795]

@@MarkLynskey european roads are more narrow and for many european countries like Italy , Spain , france etc parking can be challenging. I am in Australia and have ordered the long wheel version , I do feel it suits Australia and american requirements much better . One comment though... The price of these cars in europe is almost 1.5 times that in Australia , which seems crazy to me . Maybe because they built additional mild hybrid , two tone roof etc but still it's surprising.

[@soundseeker63]

With that face I doubt anyone will even notice or care about the C pillar design! lol

[@macvos]

@@preetmohantuli1795 one word: taxes

[@richardsheil5289]

Industry standard Worzels test. Pure gold.

[@SpeedyK1wi]

Please do a review on an MG F, I need to see your review on the budget 1st Gen Elise seeming as I am considering it as a first car it would fit into the cool cars for young people, maybe... (IDK if you still do it)

[@Fastwunz]

If they did a Kia stinger estate I would actually consider one

[@letsseeif]

Given Sportage is a top seller in The UK, wonder whether the Aussie North American LWBase could be an added bonus (lure) for those who need or want it.

[@AStick3Pedals]

Can't wait for the new Genesis models

[@joshbacon8241]

Why isn’t the Sportage offered with adaptive suspension in the UK like it is in Europe and other markets?

[@Imra99928]

Also if you don't really care about cars and want something nice and won't cause much headaches, you can pick up one of these on lease starting from around £245.

[@danderson8463]

Top of the range is £45,000. Just let that sink in. You would have to be under the influence of a frankly heroic quantity of highly potent narcotics.

[@preetmohantuli1795]

The version in Australia is pretty cheap and value for money in comparison

[@soundseeker63]

If you were buying with cash (which nobody does) then yes. I expect the lease/PCP rates will be reasonably competitive despite the silly list price.

[@dylanh1978]

Better looking than the new Tuscon I think, inside and out.

[@misterroboto571]

I agree 100%. Kia/Hyundai can make good looking cars. If the exterior were more subdued, like the Ioniq 5...

[@sharonec5419]

No the Ioniq 5 is boring. That was a backwards step for them. The EV6 is much better but the dash is the Sportage is much nicer than what is in the EV6.

[@NFawc]

The "3" (hybrid) is the one we're looking at...

[@MotorTorq_ZA]

This and it’s cousin the Tucson are really quirky things. Something you would expect from Peugeot or Citroen.

[@shanewyatt9939]

We would of wanted a gtline just for the black gloss trim but it was double the wait at 4mnths so we've gone for the 3.

[@rcrymble]

Hi what colour is this car @jayemm - Dark penta metal?

[@gabrielcaramet3238]

I like this car amazing how far Kia have gone

[@pb7870]

Really not a fan of the manual transmissions in Kia’s and Hyundais. There is literally no feel to the clutch at all and it’s extremely light making it difficult to pull away smoothly. You either rev it too much or not enough because the accelerator is too sensitive.

[@pgl79]

Agreed - it's because it's electronically activated, there is no mechanical link between the clutch pedal and the clutch

[@pb7870]

@@pgl79 interesting I never knew that. Would explain why they’re so awkward to operate

[@pgl79]

@@pb7870 it's fine once you're in motion but, as you rightly point out, they're a pain in the but on pull away (and low speed manoeuvres)

[@gotcharamsys]

Jaymee ... please ..tray a new Honda HR V full Hibrid thank you 👌😉

[@Wsg899]

Where did you find that pdf with the differences in the trim mate?

[@JayEmmOnCars]

KIA's media website

[@garyleibitzke4166]

Damn, they took a whole look of styling clues from the Lamborghini Urus.

[@TheodorTosho]

Good..

[@judge831]

I'm still trying to figure out why Kia changed their logo. The old one in the black oval looks significantly better. The new one looks like KN and looks low quality.

[@preetmohantuli1795]

I loved the new logo, it's more fluid, curvy and appealing to younger generation.

[@pgl79]

I can't agree, the new logo is far more modern and exciting

[@omaralkayal7598]

actually they changed for the complete opposite of what you just said ! the reason is the old logo doesn't really fit and you wouldn't associate it with Kia's current character and personality of bargain up-market cars hence why the new logo was created !

[@jjgermancarsdontsignal7746]

But no long wheel base version as in Korea and the States.It is a lot nicer looking but we miss out just as we do with the Sorento X line and Carnival.Kia are missing an opportunity here i think.

[@markwilliams5654]

Tesla sold 35,000 model 3 last year in the uk

[@knowledgeishere5072]

JayEmm On Cars which car do you think looks better between the Tucson and the Sportage?

[@billycairns5365]

DONT WASTE YOUR MONEY HAD ONE WOULD NEVER BUY ANOTHER NOW GOT A SKODA SUPERB GREAT CAR

[@laskos02]

Does this mean that the basic version doesn't even offer electric windows?

[@zzhughesd]

A lot of styling front and rear going on there. Kinda works. But will date. Audi’s don’t date badly as not over styled. Interesting brand to be respected tho Kia Hyu Genesis

[@sanman404]

Was this the sportage 4 line?

[@comeberza]

The famous sounds of nature

[@ingvartorma9789]

Must point out regarding the new KIA but also Tesla and it is these cars have problems with the heat. Of course you Brits who do not get snow or real cold down to -30 or -40 do not notice but we in Sweden notice it. Just read about this problem in a Swedish motoring magazine. So the electric cars.

[@Rarkal]

Something for the Mrs in a few years, cool

[@stuartchristie654]

Thanks for the shout out Mr, loved the review, it’s a good looking car, one thing I would wonder is delivery time on the car, knowing my stinger is going to take 10 months

[@chrisogrady28]

It's a good looking car? Are you sure?

[@stuartchristie654]

@@chrisogrady28 for me yes, I think it is. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder

[@ville85]

Beauty is in the ass of the beholder...

[@stuartchristie654]

@@ville85 it does have an ass on it

[@muckspreader1able]

Sorry jay but you're talking shite about the last model.It has the perfect balance of comfort and handling.Im sure others will agree with me.

[@Scarbir]

Nice review. But wait, ‘the 3 doesn’t feel like a lesser car’, but the steering is way worse than the Hybrid GT Line? 😳

[@JayEmmOnCars]

The comment refers to fit, finish and equipment. I doubt many buyers of these care about steering feel

[@panman1964]

@@JayEmmOnCars Did this car not have separate 3 way steering adjustment like I have on my (older) Ceed SW GT-Line-s ? That said damned if I can tell any difference between the 3 settings lol

[@JayEmmOnCars]

@@panman1964 only two modes on the new GTS, Eco and Sport. Steering is tied to them. Heavier in sport.

[@winstonwoof732]

@@JayEmmOnCars Ta, I heard you mention the 2 Modes but thought that referred to performance. My Ceed has Eco/Normal or Sport for the gearbox and then a separate switch on the dash that sets the steering to Normal, Comfort or Sport (doh I am @Mike White)

[@panman1964]

Actually Im confused , the Ceed is Auto/Manual on the gearbox. The GFs Ioniq is sport & normal (and a stupid foot operated handbrake)

[@johnrb9397]

I thought you said you will never do a SUV review because it doesn't interest you...

[@leedstown]

Is the steering any better than the last model? No feedback at all

[@JayEmmOnCars]

You want the GT Line S for the better steering, the weighting is good and its accurate but feedback isnt high - not much in this class is

[@mattsmith429]

Hi, are you driving the UK spec Kia or the European version ?

[@JayEmmOnCars]

This is UK spec to my knowledge

[@mattsmith429]

@@JayEmmOnCars have just took delivery of a new GT-Line S and have got to say that the alloys on the one that you are driving look a lot better 👍

[@AntoniusTyas]

Looks like Kia (and to an extent Hyundai) is releasing hit after hit these days. I'll be honest, I can see myself having something like a Seltos (and I'm not even a fan of crossover-type thingy)

[@rajindernijjer]

I have the old 1.6 48v and it's surely not underpowered my sister's xc40 250bhp can not get away from me.

[@soundseeker63]

Gosh that front end design is certainly.....erm...... brave! lol 😵 I wonder if the moose face will put buyers off or if it will sell as strong as it's predecessor? I guess we'll all know pretty soon!

[@LilleyAdam]

Kinda weird how people view it. I reckon it looks way better than the old ugly one.

[@waynebynet]

9:40 Small SUV or we can say Mid size Crossover.

[@paulie-Gualtieri.]

Kia are making some good looking quality cars

[@gordonclark7632]

At last, someone who isn't enamoured with the front treatment. I am sick of testers in Australia raving about the front grill.

[@mustsilm]

Never expected that a Kia was brits best selling car.

[@michaelflude9334]

It's 2024 NOT NEW but 2025 model is fantastic

[@realmusicreallife]

FINALLY FIRST !!!!! YAY

[@gwolks1008]

Good job!! You've earned it!! Now go and celebrate this!! Have the best of days!

[@paulrobinson3528]

My Daughter has just had a MG HS as a company car. Her first 4 digits of the plate are the same as your test car.. We have names for all her cars and this one is called Lafi (laughy) lol

[@peteydynamite8794]

We used to make fun of a boy in our street who's mum had a Kia Pride. Sounds cruel, but you should have heard what we said to him when she had her Yugo before that.

[@panman1964]

If the test car was a GT-Line S why did it only have GT-Line badging?

[@JayEmmOnCars]

A good question I meant to ask. I did double check and it is an S!

[@panman1964]

@@JayEmmOnCars separate note I'm also not a big fan of the new "K" backwards "N" logo. (owner of an older Ceed GTline-S StationWagon )

[@simotter7876]

Was this a boring shirt for what should have been a boring car video? One that turned our rather exciting in the end!

[@rthomasbox]

Kia knows it’s market rather well. Look at me front end with lots of cheap gloss plastics. Same again at the back. The side is so bland you wouldn’t have a clue what it was. Set up for the 30second walk around in the showroom. Inside is better than the old one. Which was just cheap plastics everywhere. Replaced with two blended screens. But lcd screens are so cheap to produce compared to a high quality switches. You can tell they are trying to save money by the redesigned KIA badges. So if cost cutting is obvious on the badges where else have they implemented it. Good cars for what they are but they are just cheap SUVs. Not even cheap at 48k for the top spec. Your looking at high end Audi A4 estates. Or even a 3year old Porsche Macan

[@liamjr92]

The front put me off and don’t like the lights either

[@chrisogrady28]

Why are MPVs called SUVs now?

[@davidlang3625]

Marketing gimmick to sell something over-styled and less practical at a higher price.

[@cafe405]

There's just too much going on in that front side styling and, to a certain degree, through the rest of the exterior, it's the antithesis of the EQS, theres surely a happy medium.

[@greginnocent438]

I remember driving a Kia Pride some years ago when they first came out. I was horrified, it was by far the worst car on the road at that time. I vowed never to buy a Kia after this but now, after all these years I may be swayed!

[@karsnoordhuis4351]

Hmm, i have to agree with you that im not that fond of the styling. Its hyundai sister looks a bit better imo. Somehow they nailed the sorento... I have nothing bad to say about kias as ive been impressed by other models

[@HermSezPlayToWin]

Anyone else find it strange that a car company is named the same thing as the abbreviation for killed in action? It's still a bit jarring to me even after all these years.

[@R-Tap]

Kia (and Hyundai) are making some lookers these days. This has a sharp look, but the EV6 is even better.

[@Marcke-tb1hb]

Firstly...Dear Industry, This is how you do a consumer road test in 13 minutes. Looking forward to your detailed one James. Second, Dear Kia, What have you done to the front? The current model’s front is a nightmare to clean already, and the materials are not up to the job. The silver chin paint comes off with a jet wash. The jet was is needed because of all the silly fiddly plastic folds and angles. As for the new one, toothbrushes and Q-tips at the ready for cleaning the road filth and crud out of that tiny honeycomb grill. Most else is very good, and the diesel easily does 60mpg. Of just burn twice as much petrol because apparently that’s greener?

[@27lacuna27]

Wow, they have really ruined the front of that! We had a Sportage to drive across New Zealand and apart from being slow it was great for what we needed

[@planestrainsdogsncars4336]

No new ground here ..in fact its styling is rather trying too hard and just looks a bit odd. I would have liked Kia to bite the bullet and introduce a scaled down Telluride.

[@jonm9501]

Recommending people to avoid the diesel whilst going for the top spec model seems a bit unrealistic. I mean we’d all agree in theory. But your normal every day user will have a lower down trim model and I reckon the majority of sales will still be diesel for now. We just can’t do that lifestyle just yet, unless you’re you, who owns supercars etc.

[@patrickoconnor5494]

Hmmmm, comparing ferrari sales to Kia sales? What's the point

[@jhunt823]

Park it in a airport carpark then go back and try to find it!.. they are everywhere! State of it!

[@UKMike2009]

Almost looks like a Citroen now - and getting pricey

[@vaushssexyboyfriend2623]

It's best selling not because it's great, but people are skint nowadays so KIAs are in.

[@robsmall6466]

Why first impressions and not a review? Enough here for a review. Worried about offending the supplier? Sportage isn't a small SUV either. Car looks ok. Might look better in the metal

[@misterroboto571]

Offending the supplier? I wondered the same. It would be good if you could have codewords to alert viewers you are trying to please the owner of the vehicle (much like Top Gear and their mention of condiments whilst reviewing owners' cars (S6 Ep9)). Just joking of course. I am sure you are giving an honest opinion.

[@robsmall6466]

@@misterroboto571 Opinion is honest. Guess that's the problem. Especially when a product is new. If you do something they don't like your not going to be first in line for the next product. Essentially relationship management. Would love to come across full impartiality but I've rarely if ever come across it

[@smithchuck]

I just started watching this and before I’ve even finished I’m here to say “What’s happened to your shirt?! A plain shirt for a plain car?” (Also, oddly enough, I DID commit to buy, or rather, lease, a Stinger GT2 a couple of years ago, and I DIDN’T ‘love’ it. It was a very nice car, but it was missing something in the passion-generation department.)

[@imwithname843]

NOKIA.

[@paulritchie5868]

Kia just Nick the best bits from other cars..steering wheel on this is obviously from an Audi…underpowered and rolls like a sailor on shore leave.

[@ZigzauerLT]

I can not belieave nobody mentions shitty interrior quality. Even upper rav 4 tiers don't feel so low quality. They are for sure boring, but after all the great kia reviews got very disappointed after trying top gt trim..

[@m.henawy]

Ferrari is not in same price like kia..you cant compare figures

[@baronvonjo1929]

Here is a car that isn't "boring" if I hear one more person say bs like this again....