Even though we already tested the prefacelift Sportage, the updated version looks really good and we wanted to try this car too.

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So, on the exterior the front bumper is partly redesigned as we have new fog lights that are united with a chromed bar and even if the front lights have the same shape, the interior of the lights is new. The DRL (day running lights) have a different shape with the low/high beam LED in the middle and they look way better. My opinion.

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On the side of the car, I can’t notice anything different but the GT Line now comes with better looking rims! Moving to the back of the car, the tailights look the same until you turn them on. The new design looks like they are from a Porsche, so they look really great! On the previous Sportage we had a chrome bar that united the taillights, now that disappeared and it looks like the taillights are just one piece, but the middle one is not functional, unfortunately.

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Regarding the interior, the only change I was able to find is the new infotainment which is clearly better. The screen is more responsive and the image quality is better. The finish of the screen is matte and it doesn’t affect the visibility. The screen on the GT Line is a 7-inch unit and it comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Also, it can be upgraded to an 8-inch screen, which we had together with a JBL sound system that is decent.

There are 3 engines, in different configurations available. There’s a 1.6 petrol naturally aspirated with 132 HP and a 6-Speed manual transmission which I don’t really recommend. Another configuration of this engine would be with a turbo and 177 HP manual or automatic (dual clutch transmission) and if you want a petrol engine I would recommend 1.6 T-GDI (turbo petrol) with the dual clutch transmission. Notice, as the car is pretty big, this engine is not very economical.

If you’re looking for an economical car, then I would definitely recommend one of the diesel versions.

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There are 2 engines, a 1.6 and a 2.0 diesel, both Manual or Automatic, but the 1.6 diesel comes with a Dual Clutch Transmission while the 2.0 diesel with a regular Automatic gearbox. The 1.6 engine delivers 136 HP with 320NM and it is enough if you don’t expect to drive it like Schumacher. The 2.0 engine got updated and is now a Mild Hybrid (only on the manual car) that delivers 185 HP with 400NM. The 2.0 diesel mild hybrid get better fuel consumption and pollutes less, but if you would like an automatic, I think the 2.0 diesel is the best version of this car.

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Regarding safety, the car comes equipped with some options, but the GT-Line comes with the most important safety features available on the Sportage, meaning Lane Keeping Assist – LKA, Forward Collision/Avoidance Assist – FCA, Manual Speed Limit Assist, High Beam Assist, Cruise Control and Driver Attention Alert. Driving it, you’ll feel relaxed as the position is really high with good visibility (for some people it will be too high) so it is comfortable and you can get heated and cooled seats.

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3 things I really like about the Sportage:

  • The infotainment – easy to use and really sharp screen.

  • The practicality – good visibility, lots of space and comfortable.

  • The price – it’s cheap compared to its competitors.

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3 things I really don’t like about the Sportage:

  • The steering is fighting to keep the wheel straight and you feel how it fights. I guess you get used to that, but I didn’t like this.

  • The gearbox response in normal mode. It feels laggy, but once in sport you feel it is a dual clutch transmission.

  • The driving position is too high even on the lowest setting of the seat.

Would I get this car? Definitely, yes! Maybe I would try to keep it under 30.000 Euros (price of tested model below), but I think it is a really good car and compared to its competitors, better priced. And Yes, I recommend this car as it also comes with a 7-year warranty, but if you’re really tall, please try the car at a dealer to see if you can get comfortable enough.

Price of the tested model: Around 32,500 Euro (VAT included).

Engine and Gearbox: 1.6 T-GDI petrol engine, 177hp (265NM), 7-speed DCT automatic gearbox

Photos by: Clau Morar

Thank you Kia Cluj for lending us the car!

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