Kia Sportage GT-Line vs. GT-Line S: which is better?
What are the differences and which is best for you?
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Kia’s Sportage is already one of the best family SUVs money can buy. It’s well-sized, practical, and looks the part, too. But what happens when you through two top trim levels into the mix?
The GT-Line and GT-Line S are the top two trims available on the Kia Sportage, and we’re going to find out the differences and which is better for you.
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Which Sportage model is better?
There’s a wide range of Kia Sportage models on offer, spanning from the entry-level ‘2’ to the top-spec GT-Line S Plug-in Hybrid.
In total, there’s 10 different versions to choose from, but the GT-Line and GT-Line S are always mentioned as the favourites.
Let’s find out which is better.
Kia Sportage GT-Line S vs. Kia Sportage GT-Line: what are the styling differences?
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Look at these two cars side-by-side and you’ll struggle to find any visual differences. Why’s that? Because there aren’t any.
Well, not really noticeable ones, anyway. The main differences you’ll spot on the GT-Line S is that it gets a panoramic sunroof and upgraded LED headlights with a slightly different design than on the GT-Line.
Other than that, they’re identical, and the real changes are inside.
What is it like to drive a Kia Sportage GT-Line S vs. GT-Line?
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When it comes to driving dynamics, the Sportage isn’t exactly a sports car, despite what the name might suggest. What it does get over a low-slung two-door coupe is comfort, and lots of it.
Both versions of the Sportage are powered by the same turbocharged 1.6-litre mild-hybrid petrol engine, with the option of plug-in hybrid (PHEV) technology at an added cost.
If you opt for the more expensive PHEV, you benefit from up to 43 miles of electric-only range, which is handy if you live in – or regularly drive through – a city.
Read our Kia Sportage review
Otherwise, the standard MHEV unit is plenty for most people, producing 204hp and delivering smooth, linear power to the front wheels (or all four if you have an AWD version, which is also an option you’ll pay for).
What technology is in the Kia Sportage GT-Line and GT-Line S?
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So far, it’s just been minor tweaks, but inside is where the real changes begin to occur.
The GT-Line is based on the ‘2’ trim but with sportier styling. This means you get front parking sensors, an engine stop/start button and paddle shifters with DCT automatic versions.
You also get gloss black trim finishes, a black headlining, aluminium pedals, a 4.2-inch digital gauge cluster and a flat-bottomed leather steering wheel.
Step-up to the GT-Line S and you get all the above, plus adaptive cruise control, a 10-way adjustable driver’s seat, ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, an eight-speaker JBL sound system, and a Smart Power Tailgate
Kia Sportage GT-Line vs. GT-Line S dimensions and boot space
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Handily, these two trims are based on the exact same Sportage shape, so no matter which one you go for, you don’t need to worry about it not fitting in your garage.
Kia Sportage 2022 dimensions:
Length: 4515mm
Width: 1865mm
Height: 1645mm
Boot space: 591 litres
GT-Line vs. GT-Line S: which is more reliable?
Because both Kia cars are almost identical underneath, reliability should be the same across the board.
The same goes for both the mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid engines.
Both are mated to the same 1.6-litre petrol engine, and while electrification may be more complicated, it’s more dependable than you may think – with fewer moving parts than in the internal combustion engine.
As far as safety is concerned, the Kia Sportage is as safe as they come, with a full five-star rating following its most recent Euro NCAP safety test.
Adult and child occupant safety scores for the Sportage are especially strong.
Used Kia Sportage GT-Line S vs. used Kia Sportage GT-Line: which should I buy?
If you’re still struggling to decide which Sportage model is right for you, perhaps our short summaries will help.
You should buy a used Kia Sportage GT-Line if...
plug-in hybrid power isn’t on your list
you are on a tighter budget
you don’t need all the fancy gadgets
You should buy a used Kia Sportage GT-Line S if...
you love the latest and greatest tech
you have a little more to spend
a panoramic sunroof is important to you