Used Kia Sportage 4x4 2005 - 2010 review

What's the used Kia Sportage like?

The Sportage's biggest attraction is its low prices. When it was new, it was an awful lot of car for the money, but its residuals are quite weak, so once it's a used car, things are even better.

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Overview

It's cheap and cheerful, but not great to drive

Pros

• The Sportage is great value, with good kit and a spacious cabin

Cons

• The cabin is drab, refinement is poor
• and the drive disappointing

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Kia Sportage

1.6 GDi EcoDynamics 2 2WD Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£1,200

Kia Sportage

1.7 CRDi EcoDynamics 2 2WD Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£1,490

Kia Sportage

1.7 CRDi EcoDynamics 2 2WD Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£1,595

Kia Sportage

1.6 GDi EcoDynamics 1 2WD Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£1,795

Kia Sportage

1.7 CRDi EcoDynamics 3 2WD Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£1,900

Kia Sportage

1.6 GDi EcoDynamics 2 2WD Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£1,995

Kia Sportage

1.7 CRDi EcoDynamics 2 2WD Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£2,000

Kia Sportage

1.7 CRDi EcoDynamics 2 2WD Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£2,250

Kia Sportage

1.6 GDi EcoDynamics 1 2WD Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£2,295

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There's certainly plenty of room inside, particularly in the back, where there's more leg space than in dearer rivals such as the Nissan X-Trail. The Sportage will take five people in comfort and, thanks to its big boot and 60/40 split rear seats, it makes a fine family car.

There's also no skimping on kit, with even the most basic models getting air-con and four electric windows. However, in too many places, you're reminded just why the prices are so low. The dash is dour and built from cheap-looking black plastic, for example, while the firm ride, vague steering and occasionally noisy engines make for a disappointing drive.

Our recommendations

Which used Kia Sportage should I buy?

You're still most likely to find this version of the Sportage at a Kia dealer, and you're best off with a diesel model.

Naturally, this is the most frugal engine - although not by as much as you might expect - but its real advantage is the stronger low-down pull, which is ideal for towing or off-roading. It makes the car much easier in everyday driving, too.

Mind you, the 2.0-litre petrol engine is good, too, and not far off the diesel's fuel economy. The flagship V6 is best avoided - not only does the standard automatic gearbox do its best to sap all its extra power, it's also too expensive to buy and run.

With all models very well equipped, there's no need to pick anything any more expensive than the basic XE trim. XS (standard on the V6) brings climate control rather than air-con, leather upholstery and a sunroof, but it's not worth the extra cash.