When Kia introduced the fourth-generation Sportage back in 2022, it pretty much nailed it. With its crisp, dynamic looks, residing on an all-new platform and powered by a fresh range of powertrains, it represented a quantum leap over its rather lackluster predecessor.
Design and interior
So how do you improve on that? Well, for 2025, there has been a subtle cosmetic shift, including the somewhat obligatory tweaks to front and rear bumpers, along with reprofiled lighting signatures.
Inside, there’s a new two-spoke steering wheel, complimented by the familiar rotary drive selector for the automatic versions, and these key components are augmented by some higher-grade centre console plastics and a pair of new dash screens. The screens themselves respond to inputs quickly enough, although some of the text and icons are on the small side, so it’s the usual hit-and-miss affair trying to prod them while driving. At least there’s a touch-sensitive panel below the touchscreen with shortcuts for the climate control.
The Sportage is pretty much the ideal size for nuclear families. Compact enough to park without fuss in multi-storey car parks, yet surprisingly spacious inside. With loads of space up front and a good range of steering wheel and seat adjustments, it is simplicity itself to adopt a comfortable driving position and create a panoramic viewing platform. Further back, there’s enough shoulder room for kids to comfortably sit three abreast and to give those rear seat passengers a little extra head room or snoozing comfort the rear seat backs can be reclined by a few additional slouching degrees.
There’s also a very decent boot measuring 591 litres, complete with levers to release the rear seat backs, and the seats split-fold in a 40/20/40 fashion to help accommodate a variety of different sized loads.
Performance and drive
The engine line-up includes an entry level 150hp 1.6-litre T-GDi 4cyl and a punchier hybrid version, using the same petrol engine along with a 64hp electric motor to deliver 238hp. This will be followed later this year by a plug-in hybrid model. This version will feature an even stronger electric motor and is expected to provide an electric driving range of around 40 miles.
For now, the hybrid is the pick of the range and well worth its premium given its smoother and more immediate power delivery when compared to the entry model. In essence, because it needs to be extended less frequently than the lower-powered engine, it feels more refined, although some of this is due to the new smooth-shifting six-speed auto box’s ability to take advantage of the engine’s stronger output, up-shift earlier, and therefore avoiding the coarser end of the engine’s rev range.
You can also tailor your driving experience in the hybrid by using the steering wheel paddles to adjust the levels of regen braking or select sport mode and use the same paddles to manually control the transmission shifts. If we’re being super critical, we would like the brake pedal to be tuned more sympathetically as it has a rather savage, overly eager first response and the steering’s rather soft edged quality is disappointingly devoid of any meaningful connection. In addition to their punchier, more refined driving manners, the hybrid versions also provide a significant BIK advantage. With CO2 outputs for the front- wheel-drive examples dipping under 130g/km, they are taxed at 31%, offering a significant saving over the non-assisted versions, which cop for the full 37% hit from the tax man.
Regardless of powertrain, the Sportage is blessed with extremely high levels of reassuring grip and is exceptionally good at blotting out wind and road noise. Yes, some smaller surface ripples can have a somewhat disproportionate impact, but overall, the suspension does an excellent job of isolating occupants from heftier lumps and bumps.
Positive: Excellent cabin isolation, airy, spacious interior, long warranty.
Negative: Noisy engine when extended, vague steering connection, overly sharp brake response.
Standard equipment: 17in alloy wheels, automatic headlights, LED daytime running lights, electrically folding, adjustable and heated door mirrors. rain sensing front wipers, electric driver’s seat lumbar support, electric front and rear windows, four-zone automatic air conditioning, 40:20:40 split folding rear seats, rear centre armrest with cupholders, 12V front and luggage compartment power sockets, luggage net hooks and height-adjustable luggage board,12.3in touchscreen navigation, wireless Apple Carplay and Android, two front USB-C ports. LED headlights, forward collision-avoidance assist, city/pedestrian/cyclist/junction turning assist, hill-start assist, intelligent speed limit assist, lane following assist, lane keep assist, trailer stability assist, blind-spot collision-avoidance assist, parking collision avoidance assist.
Engines: Petrol: 150hp 1.6; Petrol hybrid: 235hp 1.6
Equipment grades: Pure, GT-Line, GT-Line S
Transmissions: Six-speed manual, six-speed auto, seven-speed twin-clutch auto
| Model | Kia Sportage HEV 1.6 T-GDi GT-Line FWD |
| P11D | £35,085 |
| Residual value | 46.6% |
| Depreciation | £18,744 |
| Fuel | £6,770 |
| Service, maintenance and repair | £3,141 |
| Cost per mile | 47.75p |
| Fuel consumption | 50.4mpg |
| CO2 (BIK%) | 128g/km (31%) |
| BIK 20/40% a month | £181/£363 |
| Luggage capacity | 562 litres |
| Engine size/power | 1,598cc/238hp |
| Score | 7/10 |
