New Skoda Karoq and Vauxhall Grandland vs Kia Sportage: verdict
Households on tight budgets don’t need to compromise to get a great family SUV, as these entry-level models demonstrate. Let’s see which one offers the best value...
Our verdict
The Grandland may look sharper than ever, but its facelift hasn’t made it any more competitive next to the best of its rivals. Dynamically and in the practicality stakes, it trails well behind the Sportage and Karoq. Only in terms of running costs is it able to put up a good fight, but then again it’s the priciest on PCP finance.
With a big boot, plenty of space inside and the option of those VarioFlex rear seats, the Karoq remains a highly practical all-rounder. And while its mid-life facelift is minor, you do at least feel the impact of useful updates such as the addition of wireless phone integration and improved efficiency.
However, if you’re on a budget and looking for the most versatile family SUV currently on sale, the Sportage is the new king. Its composed handling, smooth ride, punchy performance and roomy interior help to offset its fractionally higher running costs. All credit to Kia for producing a well-priced entry-level model that is as polished as those higher up the range.
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1st - Kia Sportage
For Strongest performance; best to drive; more versatile rear seats; roomiest interior
Against Almost no options are available; fuel economy isn’t stellar; priciest as a company car
Recommended options None
What Car? rating 5 out of 5 stars
Read our full Kia Sportage review >>
Find Kia Sportage deals >>
2nd - Skoda Karoq
For Classiest interior; most economical; best infotainment; most supportive front seats
Against Suspension noise; not particularly quick; big step in boot floor when rear seats are down
Recommended options VarioFlex rear seats (£745)
What Car? rating 4 out of 5 stars
Read our full Skoda Karoq review >>
Find Skoda Karoq deals >>
3rd - Vauxhall Grandland
For Relatively quiet cruiser; cheapest to buy outright
Against Most cramped in the back; smallest boot; unsettled ride; lacklustre handling; so-so interior quality
Recommended options None
What Car? rating 3 out of 5 stars
Read our full Vauxhall Grandland review >>
Find Vauxhall Grandland deals >>
Specifications: Kia Sportage 1.6 T-GDi 2
Engine 4cyl, 1598cc, turbo, petrol
Peak power 148bhp at 5000rpm
Peak torque 184Ib ft at 1500-4000rpm
Gearbox 6-spd manual
0-60mph 8.5sec
30-70mph 8.0sec
Top speed 113mph
30-0mph 8.5m
70-0mph 45.5m
Noise at 30mph 60.4db
Noise at 70mph 66.8db
Kerb weight 1526kg
Tyre size (std) 215/65 R17
Fuel tank 54 litres
CO2 emissions 152g/km
Specifications: Skoda Karoq 1.0 TSI 110 SE Drive
Engine 3cyl, 999cc, turbo, petrol
Peak power 109bhp at 5500rpm
Peak torque 147Ib ft at 2000-3000rpm
Gearbox 6-spd manual
0-60mph 10.4sec
30-70mph 10.0sec
Top speed 119mph
30-0mph 9.0m
70-0mph 47.4m
Noise at 30mph 61.5db
Noise at 70mph 66.7db
Kerb weight 1577kg
Tyre size (std) 215/55 R17
Fuel tank 50 litres
CO2 emissions 132g/km
Specifications: Vauxhall Grandland 1.2 Turbo 130 Design
Engine 3cyl, 1199cc, turbo, petrol
Peak power 128bhp at 5500rpm
Peak torque 169Ib ft at 1750rpm
Gearbox 6-spd manual
0-60mph 9.9sec
30-70mph 9.6sec
Top speed 122mph
30-0mph 8.3m
70-0mph 45.5m
Noise at 30mph 61.5db
Noise at 70mph 66.6db
Kerb weight 1470kg
Tyre size (std) 215/45 R17
Fuel tank 53 litres
CO2 emissions 139g/km
Test weather conditions Damp
Cars pictured
Kia Sportage 1.6 T-GDi 2 with Yuka Steel Grey metallic paint (£650)
Skoda Karoq 1.0 TSI 110 SE Drive with Moon White metallic paint (£660) and steel space-saver spare wheel (£170)
Vauxhall Grandland 1.2 Turbo 130 Ultimate with Cobalt Blue metallic paint (£700)
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