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KIA SPORTAGE CROSSOVER REVIEW

For The Sportage is generously equipped and is capable both on- and off-road. It has a seven-year warranty, and is cheap to buy.

Against The engines are sluggish, and the vague steering and firm ride disappoint. The cabin plastics feel cheap and the residual values are weak.

What Car? says

3 out of 5 stars

Provides the look and appeal of a Crossover at an affordable price, but residuals are likely to be poor.

Reader review rating

3.25

The Kia Sportage Crossover full review Read in full

Performance
2 out of 5 stars
Turbodiesel's the pick of the range
Ride & Handling
2 out of 5 stars
Disappointing body control
Refinement
3 out of 5 stars
Hushed when cruising
Buying & Owning
3 out of 5 stars
Cheap, but residuals are weak
Quality & Reliability
3 out of 5 stars
Materials are functional but sturdy
Safety & Security
4 out of 5 stars
Stability control missing on some
Behind The Wheel
3 out of 5 stars
Limited adjustment; simple controls
Space & Practicality
4 out of 5 stars
Room for five and luggage
Equipment
4 out of 5 stars
Well equipped for the money

Or view…

There are 8 Kia Sportage versions available

Kia Sportage Crossover 2.0 XE 2WD 5dr	£15,210	What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
Kia Sportage Crossover 2.0 XE 4WD 5dr	£16,235	What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
Kia Sportage Crossover 2.0 CRDi XE 2WD 5dr	£16,440	What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
Kia Sportage Crossover 2.0 CRDi XE 4WD 5dr	£17,460	What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
Kia Sportage Crossover 2.0 XS 4WD 5dr	£17,675	What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
Kia Sportage Crossover 2.0 CRDi XS 2WD 5dr	£17,975	What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
Kia Sportage Crossover 2.0 CRDi XS 4WD 5dr	£18,995	What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
Kia Sportage Crossover 2.0 CRDi Titan 4WD 5dr	£20,320	What Car? says:3 stars out of 5

Kia Sportage Crossover 2.0 CRDi XE 2WD 5dr

Surely, if you want a Sportage, you want 4WD, don't you? Yes, you save some money, but you lose an awful lot of ability.

What Car? says:3 stars out of 5

Read review

Buyer's notes

Target Price team says:

The Sportage may be the smaller relative of the Sorento in the Kia line-up, but there's one thing about it that's as big: its warranty. The Sportage has a seven-year warranty, although for that to remain valid, the car must have an annual bodywork inspection - and you may need to pay for that.

The Sportage also differs from the Sorento in offering a two-wheel drive version, with Crossover looks, if not 4x4 ability, and lower running costs.

However, we think buying such a car is largely pointless, so our favourite model is the cheapest 4WD version. It comes with a nice and powerful diesel engine (there is a petrol alternative, but only in a 2WD model) and plenty of equipment, as well as a good blend of on- and off-road abilities.