2017 Kia Sportage review video

The mid-size SUV market in Australia is booming, with plenty of options for buyers to choose from.

The Kia Sportage is one of Korea’s latest offerings in the segment, and has plenty of features to put it on your shopping list.

WHAT STANDS OUT
The Sportage is a good looking SUV that is comfortable and quiet to ride in. It also ranks among the most enjoyable compact SUVs to drive.

The diesel engine in some models has plenty of power and great economy. As with all Kias the Sportage comes with an industry leading seven-year unlimited kilometre warranty.

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WHAT’S INSIDE
The cabin in the Sportage is roomy, and the high seating position gives a great view of the road. All the instruments and controls are laid out neatly, with the infotainment display located at the top of the dash – the less time with your eyes off the road, the better.

The interior is well built, and is finished using decent quality plastics, fabric and carpet. The rear seats in the Sportage are some of the most accommodating in this segment, with good back, under thigh, and lateral support, while also providing plenty of headroom.

The cushions in the seat are comfortable, while the leather and cloth trim options feel hardy. Despite its size compared to other SUVs, the Sportage is a capable hauler, with 466 litres of boot space. This can expand to 1455 litres with the 60/40 split rear seatbacks folded down.

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CHOOSING YOURS
Pricing for the Sportage starts below $30,000 for the Si front wheel drive, and goes all the way above $40,000 for the Platinum all-wheel drive.

Every model comes with cruise control, rear parking sensors, and a rear view camera, along with a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, and audio streaming.

The 2.0-litre turbo diesel is the best engine in the range, with an impressive 6.8L/100km fuel economy, and decent grunt for the city. It is available across all three specs, Si, SLi, and Premium, but only in all-wheel drive models.

However, if you’re on a tighter budget the 2.0-litre petrol engine is available in both the Si and SLi, for $5000 less than the diesel.

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For us, the Kia Sportage SLi AWD is the pick of the bunch, offering the best combination of value for money, performance, and practicality. It has plenty of features without paying an unnecessary premium.

SUMMING UP
The Sportage is a solid option for the frugal buyer in the market for a mid-size SUV. Kia’s seven-year warranty makes it a safe long-term investment.