In Australia’s hotly contested mid-sized SUV segment, space, amenity and improved vision afforded by a higher seating position makes sense for a broad spectrum of buyers. Options like Toyota’s RAV4 and the Kia Sportage are mainstays.
The latter, tested here in its SX Hybrid trim, is a well-built, refined and frugal option. This writer got behind the wheel of the recently facelifted base-model, having last piloted an offering from the Korean marque some 18 years ago.
Having watched from the sidelines, I knew it was going to be good, but not this good. First glances reveal an overall conservative design with elements that build on their “Opposites United” design philosophy.
It largely follows a 2-box style, but with enough curves to give it a refined look and feel. Up front a large grill dominates, which is flanked by what the brand called “vertically stacked Star” LED headlights.
The combination of dark grey and black with a relatively upright angle result in a stately, upmarket visual and is perhaps the biggest post-facelift change. Down the sides is a large “up-ticked” swage line that makes good use of the metallic Steel Grey hue.
It’s one of seven you can choose from, and is offset by 18-inch dark charcoal wheels, which were a little too futuristic for this Gen Y’s tastes. And then there’s the rear. It almost seems like the designers packed their lunch boxes and headed home.
It feels like it’s a totally different design. Its more bulbous and rounder than the rest of the body, with LED taillights that are connected by a gloss black trim piece that runs across the tailgate.
The latter is disappointingly reminiscent of pretty much every Chinese entrant in this segment. While that tailgate lacks electric assistance in the base model, it was light enough for the youngsters in the family to access a large 586-litre boot space.
With the 60:40 split centre row down, this expands out to 1872-litires. Notably, both these numbers better the class leading Toyota option. Interior accommodations are both commodious and comfortable.
The driver sits in a cloth covered seat with good pitch and bolstering; with perhaps the softest head rests we’ve experienced since our time in a Bentley Flying Spur. Up ahead the driver handles a well-sized but odd looking 2-spoke flat-top-and-bottom steering wheel.
Dual 12.3-inch screens form a curved surface atop a relatively shallow dash, which means great visibility for front row occupants. They are both vibrant and clear, with intuitive software and touch-functionality for the infotainment component.
Further down the centre console we were thankful to find two rotary controls for HVAC controls and a range of supplementary touch-buttons across a piano black panel in between.
Initial disappointment around a lack of infotainment controls were quickly dissipated when we discovered the whole area can be converted into controls for audio and mapping systems. A prudent blend of technology and design indeed.
A good-sized storage bin sits beneath the armrest and is complemented by a cubby with a retractable lid, housing two USB-C ports and a wireless charger. Of note, one of these ports can be used to access Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, or you can connect cord-free.
Otherwise, the centre console is barren, with a range of switch blanks that are likely relevant for higher grades, a rotary gear selector and a very clever expandable cup holder. Rear row occupants are well catered for in terms of space.
Two adults are able to ride with ease. Air conditioning vents are present, along with a couple of USB-C ports for good measure. Hitting the console mounted started button for the first time resulted in EV reminiscent silence.
The transmission mounted electric motor deals with startup and shut down procedures. The latter was at times frustrating, as we tended to leave the car on when leaving it. It’s mated to a 1.6-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine.
That was quite a surprise discovery to us, given the meatiness in power delivery. Official combined power outputs tell the tale, with 173kW and 367Nm. These numbers represent stronger power output numbers than anything else across the range.
The exception is torque in the diesel variant. It’s backed by a 6-speed convertor automatic carried over from the pre-facelift model, with drive to the front wheels. It’s largely a smooth affair, but we did experience a little too much wheelspin on take-off.
The same happens when pushing out of corners. Some may argue that the right foot should be controlled in such a vehicle, but some refinement of traction control calibrations or an LSD would dial a lot of this out.
A well-insulated cabin makes the most of the drivetrain, which proved to be seamless in its transition between electric, petrol and combined. It provides good output when asked of, with a lot less harshness than we’d expect from a small motor.
Around town, bumps and pockmarks are well ironed, with minimal jarring or negative effect on composure. If the tyres were a culprit in the wheelspin issue noted above, their deep profile was an asset on Sydney’s roads.
Our time with the Sportage was made up mostly of city driving, with some short highway stints, resulting in a fuel consumption of 5.6-litres/100km, against a claimed 4.9-litres/100km. Both of these numbers are within small margins of Toyota’s RAV4.
The facelifted Sportage maintains its 5-star ANCAP safety rating, with a long list of safety related features. Think seven airbags, AEB, lane keep assist (which was very well calibrated), and blind spot monitoring, to name a few.
You get all of this, with the benefit of a 7-year unlimited kilometre warranty and 7-years capped price servicing when the vehicle is serviced by a Kia dealership, for $46,450 plus on-roads. It makes for compelling buying, and if it’s not on your shopping list, it should be.
You can find out more from the Kia Australia website, or by talking to your local dealership. To get a low rate finance quote, talk to Australia’s best reviewed car finance broker; Credit One. To see a great range of vehicles for sale, check out OnlyCars.com.au.
Our test vehicle was provided by Kia Australia for independent review purposes. Exhaust Notes Australia was not paid to review this vehicle.
