2022 Kia Sportage S Diesel review

South Korean brand’s new family-focused SUV has plenty of must-have features and could help reduce your fuel bills.

The new Kia Sportage range is vast with a wide disparity in prices, we take the cheapest diesel version for a spin to see if its worth your money.

Here is everything you need to know about the Kia Sportage S Diesel.

VALUE

The Kia Sportage has three engine choices.

The new Sportage arrived late last year but Kia has already increased prices. In the case of the diesel-powered S model we tested, the price has increased roughly $1500 to $44,200. The diesel costs roughly $5500 more than the cheapest petrol version but, aside from the extra grunt and better fuel efficiency, it has a more sophisticated 8-speed auto and all-wheel drive, with specific off-road driving modes. The S is the base model in the range and misses out on quite a few luxuries. You have to turn a key to start it, the wipers aren’t automatic, there’s no built-in satnav, the centre screen is smaller and there are plenty of blank squares where buttons exist on the more expensive models. The S does, however, have one advantage over more expensive models. In a quirk of product planning it has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Other models require a cord. The Kia’s warranty is above average at seven years/unlimited km but its capped price servicing is relatively expensive at $2512 over five years.

The S grade gets a fairly basic interior layout.

COMFORT

The Kia’s cloth seats are comfortable and provide good back support, while rear passengers have a decent amount of leg and head room, as well as their own aircon vents. Unfortunately the luxuries don’t extend to USB ports in the back. Penny pinching means there is no padding on the driver’s arm rest, which is annoying on longer trips. The boot is generous, easily swallowing a couple of golf bags or suit cases. A full-size spare means luggage space won’t be compromised if you get a flat tyre. The S model has smaller, higher profile tyres than other Sportages, which translates to better comfort over pockmarked city streets and backroads. Road and tyre noise aren’t overly intrusive.

The diesel is thrifty and has plenty of grunt.

SAFETY

Kia is to be commended for including all the vital driver assist technology as standard across the range. It can detect potential collisions with cars, cyclists and pedestrians and apply the brakes automatically to avoid an accident or mitigate the damage. It will also keep you from wandering out of your lane and keep tabs on your blind spot. Rear cross-traffic alert warns you if a car is passing when you’re reversing out of your drive.

ON THE ROAD

It costs a premium, but the diesel engine is easily the pick of the three power units in the Sportage range. It is better suited to family duties and towing, with more low down grunt than both petrol units. The eight-speed auto is also smoother shifting than the dual-clutch unit in the turbo model, making for more serene progress in traffic. Kia has done a good job of keeping the diesel rattle out of the cabin, while the fuel efficiency was impressive in a mix of city and freeway driving. Overtaking is effortless at speed and the torque of the engine means there’s no need to hunt for gears when confronted with steep inclines. The rest of the driving experience is equally fuss-free. The Sportage cushions its occupants well and remains composed over bumps and through corners.

The diesel also comes with all-wheel drive as standard.

VERDICT 3.5/5

The Sportage is comfortable, safe and composed on the road, although price increases mean it’s no longer the value pick in the segment.

ALTERNATIVES

Hyundai Tucson Elite, from about $49,800 drive-away. Shares the same diesel engine and 8-speed transmission. More expensive but more equipment.

Mazda CX5 Touring Active, from about $50,200 drive-away. Great balance of comfort and cornering ability, but more expensive and cabin feels a little outdated.

Toyota RAV4 hybrid, from about $44,400 drive-away. Benchmark in the class. Exceptional fuel economy, good to drive but more expensive.

KIA SPORTAGE S DIESEL VITALS

Price: About $44,200 drive-away

Warranty/servicing: Seven years, unl’td km, $2512 over five years

Engine: 2.0-litre turbo diesel, 137kW and 416Nm

Safety: Six airbags, auto emergency braking, lane-keep and blind-spot assist, radar cruise, rear cross-traffic alert

Thirst: 6.3L/100km

Luggage: 543 litres