2023 Kia Sportage S 2.0D AWD evaluation

The most recent Kia Sportage is among the key causes the Korean model cracked Australia’s prime three manufacturers in 2022.

Whereas already one among Kia’s extra in style nameplates domestically, 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 progress on 2021’s outcome, regardless of Kia battling crippling provide shortages of its in style 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 necessary within the line-up.

For 2023 the line-up is way the identical with some minor value changes, as has been in vogue for a lot of the final 12-18 months. At the least with the Sportage, it’s restricted to some hundred bucks.

Right here on check now we 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 – at the 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 lots of area, 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 guide, 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 kind of a value 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 package, 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 embrace the Hyundai Tucson Elite 2.0D AWD ($46,150) and Mazda CX-5 D35 Touring Lively AWD ($47,600). For equal gasoline economic system with out the diesel aspect, there are petrol-electric hybrid 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 might be equal to the Sportage S grade on check. The GWM Haval H6 Lux Hybrid is predicated on the mid-spec trim stage, 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 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, not like 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, but it surely’s a rarity as of late.

Material 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 lots 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 programs.

The motive force will get guide adjustment for the seat and steering wheel, as you’d anticipate, and whereas the appointments are fundamental, adjustment is broad and it’s fairly simple 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 effective, however is somewhat 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 operating an older interface that’s neither as clear nor as responsive because the system in increased 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 primary issues that might 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 possibly can’t match greater bottles within the doorways…

Australia will get the long-wheelbase Sportage quite 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 area and boot area.

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 well-liked driving place, whereas the extensive physique and comparatively flat bench and flooring means you may seat three throughout in first rate consolation.

Children are catered for with outboard ISOFIX anchors and top-tether factors throughout all three rear seats, whereas facilities embrace 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 technology Sportage in five-seat structure.

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

What’s below 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 commonplace 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 definitely our choose in case you can afford it.

Mixed gasoline 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 gasoline tank.

If you happen to’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 guide (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 as of late 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 major instance, in the way it provides easy, fairly refined efficiency with wonderful real-world gasoline economic 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 notably at a chilly idle, but it surely’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 quite 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 way of its eight cogs with a deal with effectivity and smoothness quite than outright efficiency in regular driving.

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

Whereas diesels are higher suited 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, nonetheless.

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 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 dimension 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 visitors in addition to on the freeway, and I actually loved how unfazed the diesel-powered Sportage was in each situation. 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 properly balanced chassis that doesn’t fall over in bends but in addition 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. If you happen to’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 journey 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 properly 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 properly below 2000rpm.

The cabin is properly insulated from engine, wind, and highway noise, with high-speed journey compliance once more proving to be on the increased finish of the category, even with out the assistance of adaptive damping provided by some rivals.

Once more that large automobile really feel lends confidence at excessive speeds and opposed climate circumstances, and the energetic 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 below exhausting 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 properly decked-out for a basey.

Customary adaptive cruise management and Lane Comply with Help mix for semi-autonomous freeway driving, and if the energetic centring perform 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 automobile, and there’s a typical reversing digital camera with rear parking sensors.

For essentially the most fundamental specification, it’s fairly properly lined. Oh, and the LED reflector headlights are a godsend in comparison with the washed out halogens of the earlier technology – plus, auto high-beam does a great job at conserving poorly-lit areas illuminated with out dazzling oncoming vehicles 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 operating 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 Comply with Help
• Lane hold help
• Clever velocity restrict help
• Adaptive cruise management**
• Electrical park brake**
• Reversing digital camera
• Rear parking sensors
• Tyre stress monitoring
• Entrance-centre airbag

**not accessible for guide variants

Is the Kia Sportage S 2.0D AWD secure?

The Kia Sportage wears a five-star ANCAP security score, based mostly on checks 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 susceptible highway person safety, and 74 per cent for security help.

Customary security gear contains:

• 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 Comply with Help (centring)
• Lane hold 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 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 in case you do extra annual miles.

The Sportage 2.0D will set you again just below $2500 over 5 years below 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 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

When it comes to real-world gasoline 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 cut back consumption and emissions, notably for the diesels because the AdBlue injection actually helps to minimise dangerous by-products of the gasoline sort – Kia just isn’t alone on this both, most Japanese and Korean manufacturers nonetheless usher in EU5 powertrains to Australia.

If you happen to’re extra of an urbanite however need essentially the most environment friendly Sportage, subsequent 12 months Kia shall be including the Sportage Hybrid doubtless 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 when it comes to security and tech options, which is completely succesful in all driving environments and provides an ideal steadiness between efficiency, effectivity and refinement.

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

The extent of area and practicality on provide is superb, as is the lengthy guarantee. Service prices are somewhat 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 the same drivetrain are costlier to purchase.

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

Hybrids and EVs are making the headlines as of late, however there’s nonetheless loads 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 prevailing petrol and diesel fashions with the additional advantage of an electrified drivetrain that saves gasoline higher on the town, the place most Sportage homeowners usually tend to spend the majority of their time.

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