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The newest Kia Sportage is without doubt one of the key causes the Korean model cracked Australia’s prime three manufacturers in 2022.
Whereas already one in all Kia’s extra widespread nameplates regionally, the fifth-generation Sportage was far and away the model’s prime vendor final 12 months, contributing 18,792 items out of the model’s 78,330 registrations for the 2022 calendar 12 months.
That yearly determine represents an enormous 136.4 per cent development on 2021’s consequence, regardless of Kia battling crippling provide shortages of its widespread 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 essential within the line-up.
For 2023 the line-up is far the identical with some minor worth 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 some hundred bucks.
Right here on take a look at we’ve the 2023 Kia Sportage S 2.0D AWD, which mixes the entry-level trim with what’s presently the flagship powertrain within the line-up – at the very least till the Sportage Hybrid arrives in 2024.
At $40,000 plus on-roads it’s extra in step with mid-spec rivals within the phase, although the Sportage even in base trim packs quite a lot of area, options and refinement for the cash. Is it a prime decide like its higher-grade siblings?
How a lot does the Kia Sportage S 2.0D AWD price?
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 take a look at 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 kind of a worth to pay – it’s nearly as a lot because the penultimate SX+ trim stage 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 Lively AWD ($47,600). For equal gas financial 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 take a look at. The GWM Haval H6 Lux Hybrid relies on the mid-spec trim stage, whereas the RAV4 GX is the closest by way of 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 fundamental, 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, in contrast to different variants within the vary.
You get an enormous ol’ T-bar shifter as an alternative of the extra techy shift-by-wire rotary selector within the flagship GT-Line, and there’s even a key barrel ignition as an alternative of push-button begin – #firstworldproblems, nevertheless it’s a rarity nowadays.
Fabric trim adorns the seats and whereas fundamental 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 techniques.
The motive force will get handbook adjustment for the seat and steering wheel, as you’d anticipate, and whereas the appointments are fundamental, adjustment is broad and it’s fairly straightforward to discover a comfy driving place.
Behind the steering wheel is the ‘Primary’ 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 wonderful, however is a little bit fundamental and cheap-looking particularly in comparison with the 12.3-inch digital cluster discovered on the GT-Line.
The central touchscreen is equally fundamental. 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 obtainable from the SX and up can be one of many principal 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 an enormous, 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’ll be able to’t match larger bottles within the doorways…
Australia will get the long-wheelbase Sportage moderately than the shorter physique obtainable in Europe, and in comparison with the previous-generation mannequin that has translated to a welcome bump in rear seat area and boot area.
The Sportage has gone from being one of many extra compact automobiles 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 large physique and comparatively flat bench and flooring means you can seat three throughout in respectable consolation.
Children 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 phase. Drop the rear seats and also you get an enormous 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 provided 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 automated 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 well our decide in case 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 first-rate instance, in the way it provides easy, fairly refined efficiency with glorious real-world gas financial system – particularly when in comparison with the two.0 FWD and 1.6T AWD drivetrains additionally provided.
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 significantly 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 may counsel, with the eight-speed automated 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 by means of its eight cogs with a deal with effectivity and smoothness moderately than outright efficiency in regular driving.
Beneath acceleration the engine stays pretty refined with a rumbly notice that mutes the diesel clatter, and in case you actually plant it the oiler will reply with fairly muscular acceleration. Overtaking on this might be a breeze, because it will get alongside fairly properly in case you hustle it whereas already rolling.
Whereas diesels are higher fitted to the open highway, the Sportage 2.0D fortunately putts round city with out feeling laggy. The dearth of idle cease/begin tech means you’ll hear it rumble at idle in case you’re stopped on the lights or faculty drop-off, nevertheless.
The steering is lighter in weight however is correct and provides good suggestions, which means you’ll be able to pilot the Kia in tight streets with confidence in addition to on the open highway, 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 highway and thru the controls.
I spent loads of time commuting to and from the CarExpert Melbourne workplace in heavy site 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 suggest the diesel as my prime decide 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 effectively 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 on the lookout for essentially the most participating 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 experience and dealing with program that tailors its new merchandise to our roads, and like different fashions within the firm’s steady the Sportage feels very effectively suited to native roads and situations.
The place the Sportage 2.0D actually comes into its personal is on the freeway, the place it fortunately hums away in eighth gear effectively beneath 2000rpm.
The cabin is effectively insulated from engine, wind, and highway noise, with high-speed experience compliance once more proving to be on the larger finish of the category, even with out the assistance of adaptive damping provided by some rivals.
Once more that massive automotive really feel lends confidence at excessive speeds and adversarial climate situations, 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 onerous 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 effectively decked-out for a basey.
Customary adaptive cruise management and Lane Observe Help mix for semi-autonomous freeway driving, and if the lively centring perform is an excessive amount of you’ll be able to 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 automobile, and there’s an ordinary reversing digital camera with rear parking sensors.
For essentially the most fundamental specification, it’s fairly effectively coated. 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 an excellent job at retaining poorly-lit areas illuminated with out dazzling oncoming automobiles at evening.
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
- ‘Primary’ 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 preserve help
- Clever velocity restrict help
- Adaptive cruise management**
- Electrical park brake**
- Reversing digital camera
- Rear parking sensors
- Tyre stress monitoring
- Entrance-centre airbag
**not obtainable for handbook variants
Is the Kia Sportage S 2.0D AWD protected?
The Kia Sportage wears a five-star ANCAP security ranking, primarily based on exams by Euro NCAP in July 2022.
It scored 87 per cent for grownup occupant safety, 87 per cent for baby occupant safety, 66 per cent for weak highway consumer safety, and 74 per cent for security help.
Customary security tools consists of:
- 7 airbags incl. front-centre
- Adaptive cruise management
- Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)
- Pedestrian, Bike owner detection
- Junction help
- Blind-spot help
- Clever velocity restrict help
- Lane Observe Help (centring)
- Lane preserve help
- Rear cross-traffic help
- Rear parking sensors
- Reversing digital camera
Sportage GT-Line provides:
- AEB in reverse
- Blind Spot View Monitor
- Distant Good Park Help (2.0D)
- Encompass-view cameras
How a lot does the Kia Sportage S 2.0D AWD price 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 in case you do extra annual miles.
The Sportage 2.0D will set you again slightly below $2500 over 5 years beneath Kia’s capped-price servicing schedule, which is on the pricier facet when you think about the Hyundai Tucson with the identical drivetrain asks for $1875 for upkeep over the identical interval in case 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 per week of combined 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 cut back consumption and emissions, significantly for the diesels because the AdBlue injection actually helps to minimise dangerous by-products of the gas kind – Kia is just not alone on this both, most Japanese and Korean manufacturers nonetheless usher in EU5 powertrains to Australia.
In case you’re extra of an urbanite however need essentially the most environment friendly Sportage, subsequent 12 months Kia might be including the Sportage Hybrid possible 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 provides you a crossover that covers all of the bases by way of security and tech options, which is completely succesful in all driving environments and provides an incredible steadiness between efficiency, effectivity and refinement.
For these wanting household transport that’s protected and easy, the Sportage S received’t go away you wanting for a lot except you need among the niceties provided additional up within the vary. It’s in any other case bought the important thing stuff coated, which loads of rivals within the phase nonetheless don’t.
The extent of area and practicality on provide is great, as is the lengthy guarantee. Service prices are a little bit excessive particularly when the mechanically an identical Hyundai Tucson is cheaper to service, however except you’re prepared to take a punt on a Chinese language model, rivals with an analogous drivetrain are dearer to purchase.
Whereas this Sportage S 2.0D AWD has just about all the things 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 can 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 homeowners usually tend to spend the majority of their time.
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