When it comes to SUVs, the Kia Sportage often emerges as one of the most popular choices. In fact, its exceptional performance and stylish design have propelled it to become the best-selling car. Automotive reviewers have been particularly impressed with this version of the SUV, especially for its smart interior features and driving comfort. Also, prospective buyers of the Sportage will appreciate the advanced technology and comprehensive features it is equipped with.

Trim options
One of the best things about the new Kia Sportage is that it is available in three different powertrains – mild hybrid, hybrid and plug-in hybrid. A mild-hybrid powertrain includes an internal combustion engine (ICE) that works with fuel but has “mild” support from a small battery. This improves its fuel efficiency as compared to cars with only ICEs. A hybrid car uses two power sources, an ICE and a battery and can run on battery power alone, while a plug-in hybrid car uses a battery as its main source of power and an ICE as a backup when the battery is out of charge. So, with so many powertrain options, the SUV can cater to a wide range of audiences.

The Kia Sportage is also available in five different trim levels, which further increases buyers’ choice. The trims—Sportage 2, Sportage 3, Sportage GT-Line, Sportage Shadow and Sportage GT-Line S—mainly differ in terms of the choice of powertrain and transmission options.

• The Kia Sportage 2 is only available with a mild hybrid powertrain and a manual transmission.
• The Kia Sportage GT Line is available with all powertrain options and automatic transmission. It also offers the choice of manual transmission but only for its mild hybrid variant.
• The Kia Sportage 3 is also available with all powertrains and automatic transmission. And just like the GT Line, it only offers a manual transmission for the mild hybrid variant.
• The Kia Sportage Shadow is available with automatic transmission and with all powertrain options , except for a plug-in hybrid.
• Like the Sportage 3 and GT Line, the Kia Sportage GT Line S has all powertrain options and an automatic transmission.

Engine options
Across all trims, the Kia Sportage promises to deliver a powerful performance. For this, it is equipped with a 1.6-litre T-GDi engine, which slightly differs in terms of specs for different powertrains. The mild hybrid versions of the Kia Sportage are equipped with a 1.6 T-GDi 48V engine, which can deliver up to 157 hp and a maximum torque of 264 Nm. The hybrid variants, with a 1.6 T-GDi HEV engine, offer a slightly more powerful performance. It can deliver up to 212 hp and a maximum torque of 350 Nm. The plug-in hybrid variants offer the most powerful performance, with their 1.6 T-GDi PHEV , which can offer a maximum of 248 hp and up to 350 Nm of torque.

The shift-by-wire gear selector
Along with a powerful performance, the new Kia Sportage also promises comfort and convenience when driving. One of the various features it includes is an ergonomically placed centre console. This console features a shift-by-wire gear selector to add to the driver’s convenience. This means that the driver does not have to deal with clunky, mechanical sticks to change the driving mode. The shift-by-wire gear selector uses electrical impulses to perform the function, and its gentle and minimal movement makes the whole experience a lot smoother.

Technology
Another feature that adds to the driver’s convenience is the curved screen display of the Kia Sportage. The SUV features a long, curved screen, the display of which is divided into two sections. The 12.3-inch display section behind the wheel acts as a digital driver cluster and the other 12.3-inch display section, located at the centre of the console, acts as the infotainment display. The curvature of these displays offers a more ergonomic view of the screen. Plus, the touchscreen feature also makes it a lot easier for the driver and the front-seat passenger to access and view navigation details.

Interiors
Along with the driver, the new Kia Sportage also takes care of passengers’ comfort and convenience. For this, it features seats that have heating and ventilation systems built in. Further, the front passenger seat is equipped with power-adjustable settings, so it becomes easier to adjust the seat level.

Safety and driver-assist features
The Kia Sportage also excels in terms of safety with its array of advanced features. These include a forward collision avoidance system, a lane-keep assistance system, a driver attention warning system, a rear occupant alert, electronic parking brakes, an anti-lock braking system with emergency stop signalling and electronic stability control, among others. Also, to assist drivers with uphill and downhill driving, the SUV is equipped with hill-start assist control and downhill brake control. The Sportage also includes features that help drivers with parking, such as front and rear parking sensors and a reversing camera system.

Pricing
The Kia Sportage is available at a starting price of around £29,390. This is, however, the price of the base model with a mild hybrid engine and manual transmission. The price will see a substantial increase accordingly if one chooses a better engine option and automatic transmission. If one is looking for a slightly more affordable version, one can consider asking the dealer for an older model, like the 2023 Kia Sportage. The model may be offered at a lower price due to its manufacturing year. One can also look at Kia Sportage cars for sale at a local dealership to get a lucrative deal.