Inside Kia’s refreshed Sportage including comfy cabin, punchy new looks and driving mode young families will love
PEOPLE say never work with children or animals.
Because they’re totally unpredictable. Treats will only get you so far.
But I’m not one to listen.
So when Kia said Britain’s favourite SUV is better for the family than ever before, I had to put it to the test.
Meet Maisie and her new bestie, Bijoux the cockapoo.
Two little fluff balls, perfect for having a proper rummage around the refreshed Sportage.
Here are five things you need to know.
1. It’s got a “baby and toddler mode” which smooths out acceleration and driver inputs.
Makes everything less jolty. So little toddlers like Maisie stay sound asleep. Happy babies = happy parents. You know that.
2. The boot. Comfortably beats a Nissan Qashqai at 587 litres v 504.
Swallows pushchairs, luggage and all the usual family debris — even a dog crate to keep Bijoux safe.
Which also means no muddy paws on the seats. Bonus. Some dogs will appreciate the baby mode, too.
3. New front end. OUT go the “boomerang” lights from today’s Sportage. IN comes the “star map” LEDs inspired by Kia’s growing EV line-up. Looks punchy.
More aggressive. Will help Sportage stand out from the crowd. The rear lights have also been updated, as well as some other little details to keep things fresh.
4. Cabin. Absolutely nailed it. Lots of big-car tech in here but still knobs and buttons for the things that need knobs and buttons. Comfy.
Roomy. Lots of handy storage, big cup holders, even USB-C charging ports in the side of the front seats for people sat in the back.
Three well-equipped trim levels, not four as before. Posher versions get Apple CarPlay satnav arrows integrated into the Head-up Display.
5. Engines. Three choices — 1.6-litre petrol mild hybrid, full hybrid or plug-in hybrid.
The last two have a bit more oomph than before and the option of four-wheel drive.
It’s got a ‘baby and toddler mode’ which smooths out acceleration and driver inputs
Here’s some good news for caravanners and people with weekend toys. Maximum towing capacity has increased to 1,510kg.
No diesel. No pure electric. If you want to go electric next, there’s a Sportage-sized EV5 coming soon.
6. Sorry, I can’t count. Price. No official numbers from Kia yet but I’m guessing £31k for the petrol manual when it hits showrooms in September?
That would be a lot of car at a sensible price.
Maisie’s parents own a Kia Niro by the way. You can guess what car they want next.