Kia Sportage review

This is where the latest generation Sportage excels. The interior balances interesting design, useful tech and practicality remarkably well, and as mentioned on the opening page, it’s been treated to a couple of updates as part of the facelift.

Firstly, that new two-spoke steering wheel, similar to that of the EV3, EV4 and EV6, with plenty of physical buttons and rolling switches. The centre console, previously finished in glossy piano black plastic, has been swapped out for a brushed-effect finish, minimising the visual impact of dust and fingerprints. Oh, and the dashboard gets new hidden air vents. Surprisingly similar to those found in BMWs, in fact…

It all very looks very smart, and there’s plenty of common sense in here too. All versions also get some interestingly shaped door handles. Not often we find ourselves complementing door handles on Top Gear, that’s for sure. 

What’s the tech like?

Base spec Sportages get a small 4.3in dial display and a 12.3in central touchscreen, while everything else gets twin 12.3in panoramic displays for maximum screenage, now with more squared-off corners compared to the units in pre-facelift cars.

Despite the space awarded to screens, the Sportage does still get a separate touch panel enabling you to toggle between climate control and the shortcut menu. You need Luke Littler levels of precision to use it on the move, mind. Kia, give us a clickwheel and all will be forgiven. Until then, you’ll find yourself using the centre console beneath (which is otherwise largely a waste of space) to steady your hand.

There are plenty more nice touches, though: spec dependent, you also get USB-C charging ports in the frame of the front seats for those sat in the back, headrests sculpted in such a way that you hang a coat off them, and adjustable cupholders. Clever. 

How comfortable is it?

There’s plenty of space for both front and rear passengers too, though we did find the cabin quite dark – our GT-Line test car had absolutely no colour to it whatsoever, other than the beige steering wheel and similarly coloured seat side bolsters.

In the base petrol, you get up to 591 litres of boot space, or 1,780 litres with the rear seats folded flat. Hybrid editions get 587 and 1,776 litres respectively, on account of the electric gubbins, and the PHEV 540 and 1,715 litres.