Kia Sportage 2025 review

As far as generational evolutions go, the transformation of the Kia Sportage from the 1990s to now has been a textbook rags-to-riches tale.

From terrible handling and an appalling ANCAP crash-test performance back in 1997 to this, the fifth-generation Sportage (launched in November 2021) that has become the brand’s top global seller and both a critical and commercial hit.

By deciding to offer the fifth-gen (NQ5) Sportage in two different wheelbase/body lengths to suit different markets, along with a full deck of drivetrain types, Kia has nailed the zeitgeist for mainstream medium SUVs.

And in Australia, its breadth of variant choice, vast interior space and suitability to our roads has resulted in well-deserved popularity – a best-ever sales performance (22,210 units) and a Top 10 finish in 2024.

Being the last remaining mainstream medium SUV available as a diesel (in all four trim levels) has helped as well, with the flagship GT-Line Diesel AWD currently ranking number one in variant popularity among the Sportage family – hence why the GT-Line has received considerable attention in this MY25 mid-life facelift.

Across-the-board changes include more geometric front-end styling and wheel designs, a cleaner interior aesthetic with a new dashboard (and the removal of cheap gloss-black finishes), latest-gen infotainment, a new electric steering tune, Kia Connect app connectivity with over-the-air updates, an eight-speed auto for the 1.6 turbo-petrol, new AWD variants for the more powerful Hybrid drivetrain, extra equipment in all trim levels, and new colours (Heritage Blue and Wolf Grey).

Visually, it’s easy to identify the facelifted Sportage from front on because it loses the boomerang-shaped DRLs of the old model and switches to stacked vertical lighting instead – as debuted on the electric EV9 and since featured on the facelifted Sorento large SUV.

Pictured: the Sportage S

Variant-specific upgrades include three-cell LED headlights, push-button start, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, an emergency SOS button, and front parking sensors for the entry-level Sportage S – starting at $37,990 (before on-road costs) as a 2.0-litre six-speed auto (the six-speed manual has been discontinued).

Sportage SX scores wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto (only the S had this before), as well as the above additions and a new AWD option for the SX Hybrid, while the SX+ gains 19-inch machined alloy wheels, wireless phone charging, a heated steering wheel, and highway driving assist.

Pictured: the Sportage SX hybrid

The GT-Line builds on that with new black 19s (except for the Hybrid, which has 18s), four-cube LED headlights, dynamic welcome lighting, a head-up display, an AWD Hybrid option, and remote smart park assist for all GT-Line drivetrains.

Yet the most significant update to the fifth-generation Sportage – particularly if you enjoy driving – is its new Australian-developed electric steering tune.

Pictured: the Sportage GT-Line hybrid

Owing to development/travel restraints during Covid, the fifth-gen Sportage previously featured the global EPS tune, not a specific Australian tune to complement its Aussie suspension componentry. And while this steering change for MY25 seems belated, it has definitely been worth the engineering effort.

The Sportage’s revised steering delivers crisper, more consistent feel – with less muddiness than before – and changes direction with greater effortlessness, despite being more communicative.

It now blends seamlessly with the way the car handles and ensures that the Sportage remains one of the most rewarding and sophisticated medium SUVs to drive.

While drivetrain changes have been minimal, our favourite – the Hybrid – has been given the most attention.

There are now two AWD versions to supplement the front-drive SX and GT-Line Hybrids, and the powertrain itself now produces 173kW (up 4kW) and 367Nm (up 17Nm). Combined fuel consumption remains at 4.9L/100km for the FWD, or 5.3L/100km for the new AWD.

Effortlessly responsive without being shove-you-in-the-back quick, the Hybrid is easily the smoothest and most sophisticated Sportage powertrain on offer.

Locating its 37.5kg lithium-ion battery beneath the rear seat seems to underline that impression, making the Sportage Hybrid the best-balanced handler as well, while suffering minimal weight penalty.

Given that the front-drive Hybrid (wearing 18-inch wheels with 235/60R18 Nexen tyres, regardless of trim level) already has decent traction, the AWD version only really elevates itself in challenging driving or poor weather conditions.

That said, Kia expects the AWD to account for 60 percent of Australian Hybrid sales, and for the Hybrid variants to deepen their model-split penetration – previously 20 percent for the front-drive-only MY24 Hybrid.

The torquey 137kW/416Nm 2.0-litre turbo-diesel AWD, tied to a nicely polished eight-speed torque-converter automatic, carries over from before, meaning strong grunt and a decent 6.3L/100km combined fuel figure.

The ageing 115kW/192Nm 2.0-litre multi-point-injected petrol also lives to see another day – despite Kia admitting “its days are numbered globally” – though it’s so well-calibrated that it feels superior to many Chinese turbo-petrol offerings.

While the 2.0-litre six-speed manual has been canned, the six-speed auto seems mostly adept at choosing the right gear, as well as ringing everything it can from the engine when necessary, though its below-par 8.1L/100km combined fuel number betrays the engine’s age.

The 132kW/265Nm 1.6-litre turbo-petrol AWD remains unchanged for outputs but gains an eight-speed torque-converter automatic in lieu of a seven-speed dual-clutch (just like the MY23 Seltos did in late-’22) – promising a broader ratio spread and potentially greater durability.

Yet it feels little different to before – smooth but ultimately lacklustre, with a not-so-wonderful 7.5L/100km combined fuel-consumption figure using 91 RON regular unleaded (as with all Sportage petrols).

While the updated Seltos received a boost to 146kW and a useful refinement uplift, the 132kW Sportage 1.6T remains mired in conservatism, and its foot-flat performance reflects that.

Kia Australia is yet to work out what to replace the fleet-friendly 2.0-litre with, though it does have the option of adding a less expensive front-drive version of the 1.6-litre turbo in a lower spec level.

However, the more likely option is an entry-level Sportage S Hybrid, providing it can access enough volume from the Korean plant that also sends Sportage Hybrids to the US.

As for the rest of the car, the Sportage remains as appealing as ever, only more so thanks to its prettier styling and sweeter steering for MY25.

There’s an abundance of room and vision inside its all-charcoal cabin – meaning a dash of colour really wouldn’t go astray – as well as a tonne of boot space, particularly in the Hybrids with their space-saver spare wheels (and 586 litres).

Regular Sportages offer 543 litres but also full-size alloy spares, which Aussies love.

Some of Kia’s rather irritating active-safety systems remain, such as slightly overkeen lane-keep assist and steering assistance, especially with adaptive cruise control activated, though you can disable them with steering-wheel buttons.

And you can silence the speed-limit assistance by holding down the steering wheel’s volume dial to mute it.

That said, this is little different to the increasing number of Chinese medium SUVs aiming for max spec for minimal dollars, minus any polished finessing.

What sets the locally tuned Kia Sportage apart from these competitors is the smooth sophistication of its overall calibration, the easy driveability of its multiple powertrains, and the overwhelming dynamic excellence of its Australian-developed suspension and steering.