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2017 Kia Sportage Review

4 Kia Sportage reviews combined by an expert

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Save time (and maybe money) by reading this fourth-generation Kia Sportage review

Kia Sportage review
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finder score: 79.50%

Avg. critics score: 79.50%
4 critics
How did we calculate this? We analysed and aggregated the scores of Cars Guide, WhichCar, CarAdvice and Car Showroom to bring you the finder.com.au score. This is a comprehensive score that brings together the four different expert ratings you see below.
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Critic reviews

WebsiteRatingNotable quotes
Cars Guide78%"Overall, the Sportage is a predictable, stable and simple car to drive, without the compromises that sometimes come with a taller SUV."Read more
Car Showroom80%"It’s smart to look at, above-average to drive, jam-packed with technology, and comes with a great warranty package."Read more
Which Car80%"The Kia Sportage is a great looking mid-sized SUV that is comfortable and very quiet to ride in, and a lot of fun to drive."Read more
Car Advice80%"... if value is on your mind, the Kia Sportage mounts a compelling case for starters, not to mention the level of included kit and all-round driveability."Read more

How does the Kia Sportage compare with its peers?

1 - 10 of 10
Name Product Number of seats Boot displacement ANCAP rating Price (from) Finder Score Review
Mazda CX-5
Mazda CX-5
5 seats
442L
5 stars
$27,890
83.25%
Toyota RAV4
5 seats
542L
5 stars
$42,260
82.75%
Hyundai Tucson
Green Company
Hyundai Tucson
5 seats
488L
5 stars
$34,500
78.5%
Kia Sportage
5 seats
466L
5 stars
$30,490
77.25%
Nissan X-Trail
7 seats
565L
5 stars
$27,990
76.25%
Jeep Cherokee
5 seats
412L
5 stars
$37,950
74.8%
Honda CR-V
5 seats
522L
5 stars
$28,290
74.5%
Mitsubishi Outlander
7 seats
1,410L
5 stars
$28,750
73.75%
Renault Koleos
5 seats
458L
5 stars
$29,990
73.25%
Mitsubishi ASX
5 seats
393L
5 stars
$23,490
71%
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The complete Kia Sportage review

Kia Sportage pricing and overview

Starting at $28,990, the Kia Sportage is available in seven engine/transmission/trim combinations.

Click on the price of the model you are interested in to compare monthly repayment amounts across a range of car loan products.

Si 2.0L Petrol AutomaticSi 2.0L Diesel AutomaticSi Premium 2.0L Petrol AutomaticSLi 2.0L Petrol AutomaticSLi 2.0L Diesel AutomaticGT-Line 2.4L Petrol AutomaticGT-Line 2.0L Diesel Automatic
$28,990$33,990$30,990$33,990$38,990$43,490$45,990

*These prices were correct as of 2017

Overview

If you’re looking for a medium SUV with a long list of features and competitive pricing, make sure to include the Kia Sportage on your test-drive list. Now in its fourth generation, the Sportage is a perfect example of why the South Korean manufacturer has experienced a surge in popularity Down Under in recent years.

As far as value for money goes, the Sportage is a strong performer with 17-inch or larger alloys, 7-inch colour touchscreen with sat nav, front parking sensors, a rear-view camera and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Of course, the Sportage is also backed by Kia’s unmatched seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, providing increased bang for your buck.

On-road performance is also impressive. With a handling package tuned to suit Australian conditions, the Sportage feels planted and assured on the road. There’s a choice of petrol and diesel engines available, but as the petrol variants are a little short on power in some driving situations, the diesel is widely considered to be the best choice.

Practicality and comfort are hallmarks of the Sportage’s cabin, with comfortable seating and an excellent driving position that provides good visibility. The dash is intelligently laid out and easy to use, while two adults can travel in the back row comfortably.

However, there are also plenty of other attractive options in this category, including the Hyundai Tucson, Mazda CX-5, Mitsubishi Outlander and Nissan X-Trail, so you’ll want to test drive all the

Engine and performance

There are three engine choices for the Sportage: 2.0L and 2.4L petrols, and a 2.0L turbo diesel. Most reviewers singled out the diesel as the pick of the litter, with its 136kW of power available right across the range. It’s also the most frugal of the engine options, with combined official fuel consumption figure of 6.8L/100km. However, it’s worth mentioning that the diesel variants come with a price premium over their petrol counterparts, and you can expect to pay $5,000 more if you opt for the diesel in Si or SLi form.

The 2.0L MPI petrol engine in the Si and SLi is a little past its prime, and some testers found it struggled a bit for power in a range of scenarios. However, a direct-injection replacement is expected in the not-too-distant future.

The 2.4L petrol in the top-grade GT-Line Sportage pumps out more impressive figures, with around 20% more power than its little brother. However, it’s also the thirstiest of the lot, with an official combined fuel consumption figure of 8.5L/100km.

Finally, all engine variants are matched with a six-speed automatic, which handles all shifts smoothly and without hesitation. Manual transmissions were phased out in 2016, so if you prefer manual you’ll need to look elsewhere.

Si 2.0L Petrol AutomaticSi 2.0L Diesel AutomaticSi Premium 2.0L Petrol AutomaticSLi 2.0L Petrol AutomaticSLi 2.0L Diesel AutomaticGT-Line 2.4L Petrol AutomaticGT-Line 2.0L Diesel Automatic
Engine typeIn-line 4-cylinder DOHC MPI D-CVVT 16 valveIn-line 4-cylinder E-VGT CRDi 16 valveIn-line 4-cylinder DOHC MPI D-CVVT 16 valveIn-line 4-cylinder DOHC MPI D-CVVT 16 valveIn-line 4-cylinder E-VGT CRDi 16 valveIn-line 4-cylinder DOHC GDI D-CVVT 16 valveIn-line 4-cylinder E-VGT CRDi 16 valve
Capacity (cc)1,9991,9951,9991,9991,9952,3591,995
Max power114kW @ 6,200rpm136kW @ 4,000rpm114kW @ 6,200rpm114kW @ 6,200rpm136kW @ 4,000rpm135kW @ 6,000rpm136kW @ 4,000rpm
Max torque192Nm @ 4,000rpm400Nm @ 1,700 ~ 2,750 rpm192Nm @ 4,000rpm192Nm @ 4,000rpm400Nm @ 1,700 ~ 2,750 rpm237Nm @ 4,000rpm400Nm @ 1,700 ~ 2,750 rpm
Transmission6-speed automatic (Sports-matic)6-speed automatic (Sports-matic)6-speed automatic (Sports-matic)6-speed automatic (Sports-matic)6-speed automatic (Sports-matic)6-speed automatic (Sports-matic)6-speed automatic (Sports-matic)
Drive system2WDActive AWD (part-time with lock mode)2WD2WDActive AWD (part-time with lock mode)Active AWD (part-time with lock mode)Active AWD (part-time with lock mode)
Fuel consumption (L/100km) combined7.96.87.97.96.88.56.8
Fuel tank capacity62L62L62L62L62L62L62L

Handling

Kia’s engineering department tunes the Sportage’s steering and suspension for Australian conditions, which the reviewers unanimously agreed produced impressive results. The electrically assisted power steering helps this medium SUV feel right at home in the city or out on the open road, with firm suspension ensuring a quick response to your every turn of the steering wheel.

However, the GT-Line models were criticised by some reviewers for their firmer suspension set-up paired with larger 19-inch wheels, which can make for an uncomfortable ride on rough surfaces.

You can choose from multiple drive modes – Normal, Sport, Eco – according to your desired performance and handling characteristics, and front- and all-wheel drive are available on every Sportage variant.

A tight 10.9m turning circle also increases the Sportage’s manoeuvrability, but remember that just like most other medium SUVs, this is a vehicle largely designed for urban use, not tackling the rough stuff off-road. If you do decide to venture off the beaten track, the 172mm ground clearance could cause problems pretty quickly.

Interior and other features

All reviewers agreed that the Sportage includes an impressive list of standard kit. The centrepiece is a practical 7-inch touchscreen infotainment unit, with Kia’s excellent sat nav system available on all except the base Si models.

And there are plenty of other useful features for drivers, including three 12V outlets, two USB chargers, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity and steering wheel controls. The base Si models get manual air-con only, while all other variants come with dual zone climate control. Unfortunately, if you still rely on CDs to provide your driving music, there’s no CD player available.

The Sportage also impressed the reviewers with the design and finish of the interior. Everything looks and feels high-quality, and the dash layout is both attractive and easy to use. It’s uncluttered, intelligently designed and you’ll work out where everything is in no time. The easily adjustable driver’s seat offers a comfortable driving position and excellent visibility, and the A-pillars are reasonably slim so as not to block too much of your view.

In the back, the reviewers agreed that there’s a surprising amount of space for a car in this segment. Two adults or three kids can fit comfortably, with supportive seats and ample headroom on offer. Kids will also be pleased with the good visibility the rear seating provides, and very little road noise makes its way into the cabin.

The Sportage’s boot promises 466 litres of storage space, which is a little on the small side for this class, but it’s a very usable space and easy to access whenever you need. SLi models and above get a cargo net and tie-down hooks, and wherever you look throughout the interior you’ll find a range of clever and innovative storage solutions.

With a reversing camera as standard, a seatbelt warning for every seat, six airbags and stability control, the Kia Sportage gets a maximum five-star safety rating from ANCAP. There’s also plenty of advanced safety technology to help you stay out of trouble in the higher-end GT-Line models, which boast Blind Spot Detection, Lane Change Assist, Forward Collision Warning System, Auto Emergency Braking and Lane Departure Warning System.

Of course, it’d be pleasing to see all these active technologies rolled out across the entire Sportage range to provide increased safety and peace of mind for all buyers.

Si 2.0L Petrol AutomaticSi 2.0L Diesel AutomaticSi Premium 2.0L Petrol AutomaticSLi 2.0L Petrol AutomaticSLi 2.0L Diesel AutomaticGT-Line 2.4L Petrol AutomaticGT-Line 2.0L Diesel Automatic
ABS
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Downhill Brake Control (DBC)
Hill-start Assist Control (HAC)
Rear-view camera
Blind Spot Detection and Lane Change Assist
Forward Collision Warning System
Lane Departure Warning System
Wheels17-inch alloys17-inch alloys18-inch alloys18-inch alloys18-inch alloys19-inch alloys19-inch alloys
Anti-theft immobiliser
Remote central locking with keyless entry and tailgate release
Hands-free smart power tailgate
Multi-function trip computer
3 x 12V power outlets
2 x USB charger
7-inch colour LCD touchscreen
Satellite navigation
AUX/USB input with iPhone compatibility
Android Auto
Apple CarPlay
Manual air-conditioning
Dual zone climate control air-conditioning
Heated and ventilated front seats

Kia Sportage review: Verdict

As its finder score of 79.50% shows, the latest iteration of the Kia Sportage garnered largely positive reviews from motoring journalists. From its stylish exterior and impressive handling on Australian roads to the comfortable and practical interior, the Sportage certainly has a lot to recommend it. The list of standard inclusions also ensures that you get plenty of bang for your buck.

There were some drawbacks, such as the sometimes sluggish performance of the 2.0-litre petrol engine, the absence of a manual transmission and the firm ride of GT-Line models in some conditions. However, the reviewers all agreed that the Sportage’s positive features significantly outweighed the negatives.

And that’s before you even get to Kia’s seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, which is the best you’ll find from any manufacturer. Combined with capped-price servicing for the same period, with services due every year or 15,000km, the Sportage offers a value-for-money proposition that’s hard to beat.

Compare some options to finance a Kia Sportage

1 - 19 of 19
Name Product Interest Rate (p.a.) Comparison Rate (p.a.) View Details CTA Monthly Repayment
OurMoneyMarket Car Loan - Excellent Credit
From
6.57%
(fixed)
6.57%
Finder Exclusive: Apply by December 15th 2023 and if approved, OurMoneyMarket will waive the establishment fee for Excellent Credit Customers.
Monthly Repayment
Finder Exclusive: Apply by December 15th 2023 and if approved, OurMoneyMarket will waive the establishment fee for Excellent Credit Customers.
OurMoneyMarket New Car Loan
From
6.57%
(fixed)
7.19%
Monthly Repayment
loans.com.au - New - Variable Rate Special
6.24%
(variable)
7.36%
Monthly Repayment
NRMA New Car Loan
From
7.29%
(fixed)
8%
Note: Take out a loan for an eligible electric vehicle and receive a 1.5% discount on your personalised interest rate (interest rates start from 5.49% p.a. and comparison rates from 6.19% p.a.)
Monthly Repayment
Note: Take out a loan for an eligible electric vehicle and receive a 1.5% discount on your personalised interest rate (interest rates start from 5.49% p.a. and comparison rates from 6.19% p.a.)
CarMoney New Car Loan
6.89%
(fixed)
8%
Finder Exclusive: Apply for and settle a car loan and get a $200 cashback. Limited time offer. Terms and conditions apply.
Monthly Repayment
Finder Exclusive: Apply for and settle a car loan and get a $200 cashback. Limited time offer. Terms and conditions apply.
Stratton Finance New Car Loan
From
6.52%
(fixed)
6.95%
You'll receive a fixed rate from 6.52% p.a. depending on the lender you are approved with.
Apply for up to $300,000 and use cash or trade in a vehicle to use as a deposit. Optional balloon payment available.
Monthly Repayment
You'll receive a fixed rate from 6.52% p.a. depending on the lender you are approved with.
Apply for up to $300,000 and use cash or trade in a vehicle to use as a deposit. Optional balloon payment available.
RACV New Car Loans
From
7.29%
(fixed)
8%
You'll receive a fixed rate from 7.29% p.a.
A larger loan of $5,000 or more to help you buy a new or used car. 5-hour pre approval available and no ongoing fees.
Monthly Repayment
You'll receive a fixed rate from 7.29% p.a.
A larger loan of $5,000 or more to help you buy a new or used car. 5-hour pre approval available and no ongoing fees.
loans.com.au - New - Fixed Rate Special
7.09%
(fixed)
8.21%
You'll receive a fixed rate of 7.09% p.a. based on your risk profile
Finance a new car and benefit from features such as fast approval, no ongoing fees and an optional balloon payment.

Monthly Repayment
You'll receive a fixed rate of 7.09% p.a. based on your risk profile
Finance a new car and benefit from features such as fast approval, no ongoing fees and an optional balloon payment.

OurMoneyMarket Used Car Loan - No Vehicle Age Limit
From
6.57%
(fixed)
7.19%
Monthly Repayment
NRMA Used Car Loan
From
8.49%
(fixed)
9.21%
You'll receive a fixed rate from 8.49% p.a.
Finance a used car with NRMA and benefit from a fixed rate term and no monthly fees. Pre-approval available within 5 business hours.
Monthly Repayment
You'll receive a fixed rate from 8.49% p.a.
Finance a used car with NRMA and benefit from a fixed rate term and no monthly fees. Pre-approval available within 5 business hours.
CarMoney Used Car Loan
6.2%
(fixed)
6.71%
Monthly Repayment
Stratton Finance Used Car Loan
From
6.52%
(fixed)
6.95%
You'll receive a fixed rate loan from 6.52% p.a. with a comparison rate of 6.95% p.a.
A used car loan of up to $300,000 with quick approval times and balloon payment options.
Monthly Repayment
You'll receive a fixed rate loan from 6.52% p.a. with a comparison rate of 6.95% p.a.
A used car loan of up to $300,000 with quick approval times and balloon payment options.
RACV Used Car Loans
From
8.49%
(fixed)
9.21%
You'll receive a fixed rate from 8.49% p.a.
Benefit from no ongoing fees, 5-hour approval and a 21-day satisfaction guarantee. Interest rate discounts for members.
Monthly Repayment
You'll receive a fixed rate from 8.49% p.a.
Benefit from no ongoing fees, 5-hour approval and a 21-day satisfaction guarantee. Interest rate discounts for members.
loans.com.au - Variable Rate Used Car < 3 years
7.74%
(variable)
8.85%
Monthly Repayment
loans.com.au - Variable Rate Used Car < 5 years
7.74%
(variable)
8.85%
Monthly Repayment
loans.com.au - Fixed Rate Used Car < 3 years
From
8.09%
(fixed)
9.2%
Monthly Repayment
loans.com.au - Fixed Rate Used Car < 5 years
From
8.29%
(fixed)
9.4%
Monthly Repayment
loans.com.au - Fixed Rate Used Car Loan (6 to 7 years)
9.09%
(fixed)
10.2%
Monthly Repayment
loans.com.au - Fixed Rate Used Car Loan (8+ years)
12.79%
(fixed)
13.9%
Monthly Repayment
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1 - 6 of 6
Name Product Price Per Week (from) Insurance Included? Membership Fee Excess Distance Cost
Splend Flexi
$188
Yes
$275 (26 week rental period)
$0.10 per km
Get access to fuel discounts, referral bonuses and member only benefits when you rent a rideshare car with Splend. Flexi and Flexi own options available.
DriverLend
$77
No
$0
$0 per km
Driverlend is a finance broker. Lease or buy a car with Driverlend and you could get up to 20% discount on dealership prices for a new vehicle.
DriveMyCar Uber Rentals
$160
Yes
$0
$0.10 per km
Get insurance, maintenance and 24-hour roadside assistance in the all-inclusive price. Discounts available for longer rental periods.
Europcar Uber Rental
$195
Yes
$0
$0.25 per km
Benefit from 24/7 roadside assistance, a wide range of vehicles and no signup fee to start driving with Uber. A minimum four-week rental period applies.
Hertz Uber Rental
Hertz Uber Rental
$217
Yes
$0
$0 per km
Benefit from 24/7 roadside assistance, no lock-in contracts and no joining fees. Rego and comprehensive insurance are included in the cost.
Splend Flexi own
$319
Yes
$990 (Joining fee)
$0.10 per km
Rent a car and pay it off as you go with no lock-in contract, membership benefits and flexible rental options
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Compare car insurance side-by-side and get quotes

Name Product Roadside assistance Accidental damage Storm Choice of repairer Agreed or market value
Budget Direct Comprehensive
Optional
Optional
Agreed or Market
Finder's summary: The 2023 winner of our Best Value Car Insurance award. It's cheaper than most, plus you can lower costs by adding age restrictions.

⭐ Current offer: 15% off your first year's premium when you take out a policy online. T&Cs apply.

Who it might be good for: Anyone who wants a good value policy.
Youi Comprehensive
Optional
Agreed or Market
Finder's summary: The 2023 winner of our Best Features Car Insurance award. Plus, it's one of the only insurers to automatically include roadside assistance.

Who it might be good for: Those who want good customer service with lots of inclusions.
Australia Post Comprehensive
Optional
Agreed or Market
Finder's summary: Covers a little more than other insurers. You don’t need to pay an excess for windscreen repairs and cover applies to anyone who uses your car.

⭐ Current offer: Get $100 off your first year's comprehensive car insurance premium when you buy online. T&Cs apply.

Who it might be good for: Multiple people using one car.
Bingle Comprehensive
Market
Finder's summary: Our data shows it’s the cheapest comprehensive policy. It just covers the basics such as damage to your car, theft and storms – it doesn’t go in for add-ons and extras.

Who it might be good for: Those wanting a low-cost, no-frills policy.
QBE Comprehensive
Green Company
QBE Comprehensive
Optional
Agreed or Market
Finder's summary: Our best-rated Car Insurer for Customer Satisfaction in 2021/2022 and Green Insurer for the last 3 years.

⭐ Current offer: Save $75 when you purchase a new comprehensive policy online. T&Cs apply.

Who it might be good for: Those who want a trustworthy insurer and more cover than other brands, such as 3-year new car replacement (e.g. they'll give you money for a new car for up to 3 years if yours is written off).
Kogan Comprehensive
Optional
Agreed or Market
Finder's summary: Kogan comes with all the perks that most comprehensive car insurance policies include, but you'll also be entitled to some benefits from its online store. This usually comes in the form of a gift voucher or discount if you buy online.

⭐ Current offer: Get $115 off first year premiums when you purchase Kogan Comprehensive Car Insurance online + $10 monthly kogan.com credit. T&Cs apply.

Who it might be good for: Kogan shoppers and those after a good range of policy options.
Qantas Comprehensive
Optional
Optional
Agreed or Market
Finder's summary: You need car insurance so why not get one that lets you earn Qantas Points? It's good value too (it's underwritten by the same insurer as Budget Direct). .

⭐ Current offer: Earn up to 50,000 Qantas Points with every Qantas Car Insurance policy you take out by 5 December. T&Cs apply.

Who it might be good for: People who want more bang for their buck with Qantas Points.
ROLLiN' Comprehensive
Agreed
Finder's summary: One of the most cost-effective insurers for under 25s, according to Finder research, with no aged-based excess.

Who it might be good for: Young drivers looking to keep costs down and anyone who’d like to get more flexibility from their car insurance.
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Pictures: Kia

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