The newest Kia Sportage is likely one of the key causes the Korean model cracked Australia’s prime three manufacturers in 2022.

Whereas already one in every of Kia’s extra fashionable nameplates domestically, the fifth-generation Sportage was far and away the model’s prime vendor final yr, contributing 18,792 models out of the model’s 78,330 registrations for the 2022 calendar yr.

That yearly determine represents a large 136.4 per cent development on 2021’s end result, regardless of Kia battling crippling provide shortages of its fashionable mid-sizer for the majority of 2022. It’s been hit even tougher in 2023, although that doesn’t make the Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-5 fighter any much less vital within the line-up.

For 2023 the line-up is far the identical with some minor value changes, as has been in vogue for a lot of the final 12-18 months. Not less than with the Sportage, it’s restricted to a couple hundred bucks.

Right here on check we now have the 2023 Kia Sportage S 2.0D AWD, which mixes the entry-level trim with what’s at the moment the flagship powertrain within the line-up – no less than till the Sportage Hybrid arrives in 2024.

At $40,000 plus on-roads it’s extra in keeping with mid-spec rivals within the section, although the Sportage even in base trim packs quite a lot of house, options and refinement for the cash. Is it a prime choose like its higher-grade siblings?

How a lot does the Kia Sportage S 2.0D AWD value?

Pricing for the Sportage S begins from $32,795 plus on-road prices for the bottom 2.0 FWD handbook, with the two.0D AWD on check itemizing for $40,195 earlier than on-roads.

The two.0D AWD instructions greater than $6000 over its 2.0 FWD counterpart with the automated, which is sort of a value to pay – it’s nearly as a lot because the penultimate SX+ trim degree with the bottom 2.0 FWD powertrain.

In order for you extra equipment, the step as much as the SX 2.0D is simply over $2500, with the SX+ 2.0D $7000 dearer than the bottom grade. The flagship GT-Line is over $12,000 greater than the equal Sportage S.

Key rivals for this base diesel Sportage embody the Hyundai Tucson Elite 2.0D AWD ($46,150) and Mazda CX-5 D35 Touring Energetic AWD ($47,600). For equal gas economic system with out the diesel component, there are petrol-electric hybrid alternate options just like the GWM Haval H6 Lux Hybrid ($42,490 D/A) and Toyota RAV4 GX AWD Hybrid ($45,260).

It’s price noting the Tucson and CX-5 don’t provide a diesel of their respective base trim ranges that may be equal to the Sportage S grade on check. The GWM Haval H6 Lux Hybrid is predicated on the mid-spec trim degree, whereas the RAV4 GX is the closest when it comes to trim and specification, being the bottom grade.

2023 Kia Sportage pricing:

Smartstream G2.0 FWD

• Sportage S: $32,795/$34,795 (6MT/6AT)
• Sportage SX: $35,350/$37,350 (6MT/6AT)
• Sportage SX+: $41,850 (6AT)

Smartstream G1.6 T-GDI AWD

• Sportage SX+: $43,850 (7DCT)
• Sportage GT-Line: $49,720 (7DCT)

Smartstream D2.0 AWD

• Sportage S: $40,195 (8AT)
• Sportage SX: $42,750 (8AT)
• Sportage SX+: $47,250 (8AT)
• Sportage GT-Line: $52,720 (8AT)

Costs exclude on-road prices

What’s the Kia Sportage S 2.0D AWD like on the within?

The place the GT-Line is dominated by screens and leather-based, the S is a much more primary, nearly fleet-spec take.

The bones of the higher-spec grades is right here, if with much less shiny bits and tougher plastics all through – sure, the doorways and armrests aren’t even padded right here, not like different variants within the vary.

You get a giant ol’ T-bar shifter as a substitute of the extra techy shift-by-wire rotary selector within the flagship GT-Line, and there’s even a key barrel ignition as a substitute of push-button begin – #firstworldproblems, nevertheless it’s a rarity nowadays.

Material trim adorns the seats and whereas primary in design it’s hardy but supple and doesn’t really feel cheaply manufactured, whereas the opposite touchpoints just like the leather-appointed steering wheel and padded front-centre armrest elevate the cabin’s atmosphere a bit.

You’ll additionally discover quite a lot of blanked buttons on the centre console which is a reminder you’ve gone for the bottom specification, and the S is the one native Sportage variant that will get an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system and no touch-based management bar for the media and local weather management methods.

The motive force will get handbook adjustment for the seat and steering wheel, as you’d count on, and whereas the appointments are primary, adjustment is broad and it’s fairly simple to discover a comfy driving place.

Behind the steering wheel is the ‘Fundamental’ digital instrument cluster that options within the S, SX and SX+. It’s merely a 4.2-inch TFT supervision show flanked by clock radio-style tacho and speedo readouts. It’s high-quality, however is slightly primary and cheap-looking particularly in comparison with the 12.3-inch digital cluster discovered on the GT-Line.

The central touchscreen is equally primary. It provides wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with DAB radio, however there’s no native satellite tv for pc navigation and it’s working an older interface that’s neither as clear nor as responsive because the system in larger grades.

I additionally had quite a few points with my cellphone connection dropping out and failing to reconnect, which was extraordinarily irritating when navigating utilizing app-based mapping or mid-phone name. Fortunately when it did work, audio high quality was clear for a base system.

The higher 12.3-inch touchscreen accessible from the SX and up could be one of many fundamental issues that may immediate me to spend the additional $2500 for the grade above.

In any other case storage is fairly spectacular for the category, with a giant, modular centre console, a deep centre bin, a cubby forward of the shifter and average-sized door pockets – one thing about this Hyundai/Kia platform means you possibly can’t match larger bottles within the doorways…

Australia will get the long-wheelbase Sportage moderately than the shorter physique accessible in Europe, and in comparison with the previous-generation mannequin that has translated to a welcome bump in rear seat house and boot house.

The Sportage has gone from being one of many extra compact autos within the class to one of many largest, and that little question has helped the Kia discover favour amongst Australian households.

I’m 6’1 and have loads of head-, knee- and toe room behind my most popular driving place, whereas the vast physique and comparatively flat bench and ground means you can seat three throughout in first rate consolation.

Youngsters are catered for with outboard ISOFIX anchors and top-tether factors throughout all three rear seats, whereas facilities embody directional rear air vents, a fold-down armrest with cupholders, rear map pockets and small bottle holders within the doorways

At 543 litres (VDA) with all seats in use, the Sportage’s boot is among the many largest in section. Drop the rear seats and also you get a giant ol’ 1829L (VDA).

That’s greater than each the Tucson (539L) and CR-V (522L), and matches the RAV4 (542L). It’s additionally about 80L greater than the earlier era Sportage in five-seat structure.

Different highlights a 12-volt outlet and a full-sized alloy spare wheel beneath the ground.

What’s beneath the bonnet?

Diesel variations of the Kia Sportage are powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel, dubbed Smartstream D2.0.

Quoted outputs are 137kW (4000rpm) and 416Nm (2000-2750rpm), that are healthily above the 115kW/192Nm supplied by the bottom 2.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol (Smartstream G2.0).

The diesel comes as customary with on-demand all-wheel drive and an eight-speed computerized transmission. It’s price noting the bottom Smartstream G2.0 will get a six-speed auto with front-wheel drive, whereas the mid-tier Smartsteam G1.6 T-GDI will get a seven-speed dual-clutch auto with all-wheel drive – the diesel is definitely our choose when you can afford it.

Mixed gas consumption is rated at a thrifty 6.3 litres per 100km, with CO2 emissions of 163g/km. There’s additionally a diesel particulate filter (DPF). All variations of the Kia Sportage are fitted with a 54-litre gas tank.

In case you’re seeking to tow mild hundreds the Sportage 2.0D is arguably essentially the most succesful within the vary, quoting a most braked towing capability of 1900kg with a 100kg max towball obtain. The one different variant within the vary that may match that max tow capability is the Sportage 2.0 FWD handbook (S, SX) which quotes the identical figures.

How does the Kia Sportage S 2.0D AWD drive?

I do know lots of people are transferring away from diesels nowadays in favour of hybrids and EVs, however I nonetheless really feel there’s a spot for oilers in passenger and SUV segments.

The Sportage 2.0D is a chief instance, in the way it provides easy, moderately refined efficiency with glorious real-world gas economic system – particularly when in comparison with the two.0 FWD and 1.6T AWD drivetrains additionally supplied.

Our base S tester doesn’t even have keyless begin, so after turning the important thing barrel ignition the two.0-litre diesel fires up with a muted grumble. There’s a little bit of clatter notably at a chilly idle, nevertheless it’s nothing like most dual-cab utes.

Setting off you’ll discover the Sportage 2.0D has a extra relaxed really feel than its beefier outputs would possibly counsel, with the eight-speed computerized preferring to lean on that wave of low-down torque moderately than revving out to the redline.

Drive with a measured proper foot, and the Sportage 2.0D will get alongside effortlessly with minimal fuss, shifting snappily via its eight cogs with a concentrate on effectivity and smoothness moderately than outright efficiency in regular driving.

Below acceleration the engine stays pretty refined with a rumbly observe that mutes the diesel clatter, and when you actually plant it the oiler will reply with fairly muscular acceleration. Overtaking on this will likely be a breeze, because it will get alongside fairly properly when you hustle it whereas already rolling.

Whereas diesels are higher fitted to the open street, the Sportage 2.0D fortunately putts round city with out feeling laggy. The shortage of idle cease/begin tech means you’ll hear it rumble at idle when you’re stopped on the lights or college drop-off, nevertheless.

The steering is lighter in weight however is correct and provides good suggestions, which means you possibly can pilot the Kia in tight streets with confidence in addition to on the open street, the place it settles properly and has fairly a planted really feel.

Diesel variations are about 220kg heftier than the equal 2.0 FWD petrol, so at occasions the Sportage can really feel extra like a Sorento in measurement and vibe within the sense it has that big-car really feel on the street and thru the controls.

I spent loads of time commuting to and from the CarExpert Melbourne workplace in heavy visitors in addition to on the freeway, and I actually loved how unfazed the diesel-powered Sportage was in each state of affairs. It’s fairly succesful throughout the board, therefore why I usually would advocate the diesel as my prime choose of the powertrain line-up.

Kia has nonetheless made an effort to make the Sportage deal with with a little bit of verve, with that correct steering really feel talked about earlier translating to a fairly responsive entrance finish teamed with a nicely balanced chassis that doesn’t fall over in bends but additionally doesn’t compromise consolation – particularly on the S’s smaller 17-inch alloy wheels shod in chubby 235/65 tyres.

The diesel’s extra easy character, although, makes this extra of a cruiser than a extra sporting crossover. In case you’re in search of essentially the most partaking mid-size SUV to drive, I’d be having a look at one thing just like the Cupra Formentor or Mazda CX-5.

Keep in mind that Kia Australia has an intensive native trip and dealing with program that tailors its new merchandise to our roads, and like different fashions within the firm’s secure the Sportage feels very nicely suited to native roads and circumstances.

The place the Sportage 2.0D actually comes into its personal is on the freeway, the place it fortunately hums away in eighth gear nicely beneath 2000rpm.

The cabin is nicely insulated from engine, wind, and street noise, with high-speed trip compliance once more proving to be on the larger finish of the category, even with out the assistance of adaptive damping supplied by some rivals.

Once more that massive automotive really feel lends confidence at excessive speeds and hostile climate circumstances, and the lively all-wheel drive system additionally retains the Sportage safe when issues get moist, muddy or gravelly. There’s by no means any axle tramp or wheel slip beneath laborious acceleration – it simply goes, and with extra shove than its petrol siblings may ever muster.

Save for the fleet-spec inside appointments, the bottom Sportage 2.0D has fairly the upmarket really feel on the transfer.

As for help options, the Sportage comes fairly nicely decked-out for a basey.

Commonplace adaptive cruise management and Lane Observe Help mix for semi-autonomous freeway driving, and if the lively centring operate is an excessive amount of you possibly can simply flip it off through the button on the steering wheel.

Blind-spot help and rear cross-traffic help imply the Sportage will actively steer you again into your lane or hit the brakes to keep away from a collision with an approaching car, and there’s a regular reversing digicam with rear parking sensors.

For essentially the most primary specification, it’s fairly nicely lined. Oh, and the LED reflector headlights are a godsend in comparison with the washed out halogens of the earlier era – plus, auto high-beam does a superb job at maintaining poorly-lit areas illuminated with out dazzling oncoming automobiles at night time.

What do you get?

Sportage S highlights:

• 17-inch alloy wheels
• 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Apple CarPlay, Android Auto (wi-fi)
• DAB digital radio
• 6-speaker audio
• ‘Fundamental’ digital instrument cluster
• 4.2-inch TFT show
• LED headlights (reflector-type)
• LED daytime working lights
• Partial-LED tail lights
• Full-size spare wheel
• Leather-based-accented steering wheel, PVC shifter
• AEB with pedestrian, bicycle owner, junction help
• Blind-spot help
• Rear cross-traffic help
• Lane Observe Help
• Lane maintain help
• Clever velocity restrict help
• Adaptive cruise management**
• Electrical park brake**
• Reversing digicam
• Rear parking sensors
• Tyre strain monitoring
• Entrance-centre airbag

**not accessible for handbook variants

Is the Kia Sportage S 2.0D AWD protected?

The Kia Sportage wears a five-star ANCAP security score, based mostly on assessments by Euro NCAP in July 2022.

It scored 87 per cent for grownup occupant safety, 87 per cent for youngster occupant safety, 66 per cent for susceptible street person safety, and 74 per cent for security help.

Commonplace security tools contains:

• 7 airbags incl. front-centre
• Adaptive cruise management
• Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)
  • Pedestrian, Bicycle owner detection
  • Junction help
• Blind-spot help
• Clever velocity restrict help
• Lane Observe Help (centring)
• Lane maintain help
• Rear cross-traffic help
• Rear parking sensors
• Reversing digicam

Sportage GT-Line provides:

• AEB in reverse
• Blind Spot View Monitor
• Distant Sensible Park Help (2.0D)
• Encompass-view cameras

How a lot does the Kia Sportage S 2.0D AWD value to run?

The Sportage is roofed by Kia’s seven-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee, with capped-price servicing and roadside help for a similar interval.

Smartstream G2.0 and D2.0 fashions provide 12 month/15,000km intervals – whichever comes first – whereas the 1.6 T-GDI has shorted 10,000km gaps between visits. Value noting when you do extra annual miles.

The Sportage 2.0D will set you again just below $2500 over 5 years beneath Kia’s capped-price servicing schedule, which is on the pricier aspect when you think about the Hyundai Tucson with the identical drivetrain asks for $1875 for upkeep over the identical interval when you pay upfront.

Sportage Smartstream D2.0 service pricing:

• 1yr or 15,000km: $346
• 2yrs or 30,000km: $537
• 3yrs or 45,000km: $416
• 4yrs or 60,000km: $790
• 5yrs or 75,000km: $389
• 6yrs or 90,000km: $675
• 7yrs or 105,000km: $413

By way of real-world gas consumption, I used to be seeing low- to mid-6.0L/100km after every week of blended driving, which is bang-on the model’s declare. Contemplating there’s no idle cease/begin fitted to native fashions, that’s fairly spectacular.

Nonetheless, I’d wish to see Kia begin bringing in EU6 powertrains to additional scale back consumption and emissions, notably for the diesels because the AdBlue injection actually helps to minimise dangerous by-products of the gas kind – Kia shouldn’t be alone on this both, most Japanese and Korean manufacturers nonetheless herald EU5 powertrains to Australia.

In case you’re extra of an urbanite however need essentially the most environment friendly Sportage, subsequent yr Kia will likely be including the Sportage Hybrid seemingly in SX and GT-Line specs, which ought to be capable to simply obtain 6.0L/100km in regular driving, even higher if skewed to commutes round city.

CarExpert’s Tackle the Kia Sportage S 2.0D AWD

Aussies like to go straight for the highest of the tree, however there’s loads of goodness within the Sportage’s roots.

The bottom S specification with the high-spec 2.0-litre diesel AWD drivetrain offers you a crossover that covers all of the bases when it comes to security and tech options, which is completely succesful in all driving environments and provides an amazing stability between efficiency, effectivity and refinement.

For these wanting household transport that’s protected and easy, the Sportage S received’t depart you wanting for a lot except you need among the niceties supplied additional up within the vary. It’s in any other case obtained the important thing stuff lined, which loads of rivals within the section nonetheless don’t.

The extent of house and practicality on provide is superb, as is the lengthy guarantee. Service prices are slightly excessive particularly when the mechanically similar Hyundai Tucson is cheaper to service, however except you’re keen to take a punt on a Chinese language model, rivals with the same drivetrain are costlier to purchase.

Whereas this Sportage S 2.0D AWD has just about every little thing you want for $40,000, the $2550 step as much as the SX with the identical drivetrain may be very attractive, particularly because it brings such fascinating gadgets like a bigger, larger decision 12.3-inch touchscreen with navigation, dual-zone local weather management, entrance parking sensors and driver lumbar help.

Hybrids and EVs are making the headlines nowadays, however there’s nonetheless so much to like a few good diesel nonetheless. Kia will add a Sportage Hybrid in 2024 if that’s extra your jam. This may provide all the identical nice traits of the present petrol and diesel fashions with the additional benefit of an electrified drivetrain that saves gas higher on the town, the place most Sportage house owners usually tend to spend the majority of their time.

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