Kia Sportage models explained
Discover the Kia Sportage model range
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Thinking about your next car and need the Kia Sportage models explained? We can run you through this SUV lineup so you can take your pick.
There are plenty of trims to choose from, including the Sportage 2, 3 and GT-Line. Each trim brings its own features and extras, from the standard level to high-spec options.
Take a look at the full range of used Kia Sportage models to find your perfect fit.
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Read our Kia Sportage review
Kia Sportage models: full list
Kia Sportage 1
The Sportage 1 is an entry-level model that offers value for money from a reliable SUV that’ll suit family life.
It’s planted on 16-inch alloy wheels with black side sill and wheel arch moulding, giving it that proper lifestyle SUV appearance.
You can use Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to hook up your phone to the seven-inch colour touchscreen display and six-speaker audio set-up.
Colour options for Sportage 1 models include the sleek Copper Stone paint as standard and a premium Phantom Black shade.
Kia Sportage 2
Step up to the Sportage 2 model and you’ll get some upgraded features and tech, without too much of a price increase.
The Sportage 2 sits on slightly bigger 17-inch alloys and gets a chrome front bumper insert you won’t find on the entry-level model.
You also get privacy glass for the rear windows, and rain-sensing front wipers for a touch extra convenience.
Paint colours for the Sportage 2 are mostly the same as the 1, with the addition of metallic Dark Penta Metal and Infra Red shades.
Kia Sportage GT-Line
The GT-Line sits between the Sportage 2 and 3, upgrading many of the features on the 2 and adding some nice extras.
First off, the infotainment increases to a 12.3-inch display that includes sat-nav as standard.
There are also LED headlights, an option for larger 19-inch alloys, and a smart cruise control system.
The Sportage GT-Line is also available as a hybrid and plug-in hybrid model. It’s ideal for cutting back on fuel and drives surprisingly well.
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Kia Sportage 3
Scaling up again, the Sportage 3 trim gets those 19-inch wheels as standard, with the option of a panoramic sunroof.
It has a more premium feel than the Sportage 1 and 2 models and adds black cloth and faux leather upholstery inside, plus a heated steering wheel for comfort.
The tech also gets an upgrade with keyless go and blind spot collision warning systems.
Plus, there’s a matching 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster to go with the 12.3-inch infotainment screen also found in the GT-Line.
Kia Sportage 4
As we get closer to the top-of-the-range, the Kia Sportage 4 gets you some impressive extras.
For comfort, there are electrically electrically-adjustable, heated front seats.
Above you will be the panoramic sunroof – now included as standard – and a premium sound system for an air of luxury.
You’ll also get safety features like forward collision assist and a surround-view monitor with sensors and cameras that show an impressive panoramic view around the car.
Kia Sportage GT-Line S
The GT-Line S is the top-range trim that offers the best of the best of the Kia Sportage model range.
Here you’ll get grippy four-wheel drive and more punchy engine options. If you want a genuinely sporty SUV, this is the Sportage to go for.
Memory seats and a hands-free boot opening make this an easy car to live with, and you can pick two-tone paint to stand out from the crowd.
There are some nice styling touches – like suede and leather upholstery, chrome boot sill guard, sports pedals, and black headlining – that really make this feel like a luxe model.
Kia Sportage Launch Edition
Kia also offer a special ‘Launch Edition’ Sportage to celebrate the fifth generation of its best-selling model.
Based on the Sportage 3, the Launch Edition includes features like the 12.3-inch infotainment screen and matching instrument display.
The Launch Edition sits on 18-inch allow wheels, and comes with a single 1.6-litre petrol engine option and a manual gearbox.
They also came with two years' servicing from brand new, so they should be well-maintained from the start.
Kia Sportage petrol, hybrid and electric models
Kia Sportage trims aren’t the only thing to choose from when picking your SUV. There are a fair few engines to weigh up as well.
You can choose from petrol, diesel, and hybrid models, as well as a variety of gearbox and drivetrain set-ups.
Kia Sportage petrol
Each new generation of Kia Sportage has brought a refreshed lineup of engines.
Two versions of the 1.6-litre GDi – the 126hp and the 171hp turbocharged units – are the most popular for petrol-powered Sportages.
Both are easy to drive and can be relied on, but you might prefer the more powerful pick for being a bit of a nippier out of junctions.
Kia Sportage hybrid
The Kia Sportage really comes into its own as a hybrid. It feels peppy with your foot down, and you can expect up to 44mpg combined.
The 1.6-litre T-GDi 48 is a mild hybrid available with a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.
These can also hit 0-62mph in 9.8 seconds, which is a treat for a spacious SUV that could easily feel sluggish.
Kia Sportage PHEV
If you really want to cut back on fuel, the Kia Sportage plug-in hybrid uses a battery and electric motor to supplement your standard engine.
The PHEV uses that same 1.6-litre T-GDi engine to achieve up to 43 miles of electric driving and claims it can achieve up to 252mpg combined if you rely mostly on that electric set-up.
To get from 0-62mph in the Sportage PHEV, you can expect to take 8.4 seconds. It’s a pretty quick SUV all round, while still only emitting 25g/km of CO2 emissions.
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What is the best Kia Sportage model?
The only person who can decide on the best Kia Sportage model is you – which one suits your needs?
Taking a look at your budget and narrowing down your must-haves is a good place to start. If you want something laidback and not too flashy, the entry-level 1 and 2 trims are great value for money and still have plenty of features.
We tend to recommend the mid-range GT-Line and 3 Sportage trims for most people. You get a good mix of comfort features and safety tech, but you’re not paying more for extra fancy bits that you might not necessarily need.
Having said that, a top-range Kia Sportage GT-Line S is never a bad thing. If you want an SUV that’s a real treat and don't mind spending the extra, you can’t go wrong.
It’s the same when it comes to picking an engine. That 1.6-litre petrol set-up is well-rounded and will suit most motorists.
If you’re mourning the loss of a sporty model as you switch to practical SUV life, the extra power from the turbocharged model might help you move on.
The mild hybrids are ideal for saving fuel, and a plug-in hybrid can boost those savings further.
Want an all-rounder that’ll tick boxes for most people? We suggest looking at the Kia Sportage 2 with the 1.6 GDi engine and going from there.
Find a Kia Sportage model at cinch
There are plenty of used Kia Sportage models for sale on our site that have been fully checked over by trained technicians.
Take a look at our range of used Kia Sportages to find the right fit for you.