The fifth-generation Kia Sportage has been with us since 2021, and after its replace in 2024 the dramatic new face of this top-selling Korean mid-size SUV has had a while to mix in on Australian roads.
Final 12 months’s replace caused some chopping and altering, with the range-opening guide variants axed, further hybrid fashions added, inside tech overhauled, and costs bumped up.
Kia has left most of that unchanged as the brand new 12 months rolls round – these have been solely launched 5 months in the past, in any case – aside from costs.
Some variants are actually costlier than they have been earlier than, together with the 2026 Kia Sportage SX 2.0D AWD on check right here, which is $500 pricier than it was at launch.
Nonetheless, it’s by far Kia’s best-selling mannequin in Australia. With 16,621 deliveries up to now in 2025, the Sportage’s quantity is almost double that of Kia’s second-placed Carnival individuals mover, and locations it fifth in Australia’s hyper-competitive mid-size SUV section.
Furthermore, gross sales of diesel variants (like our tester) are constantly on par with their petrol alternate options, whereas remaining nicely forward of hybrids. All of that definitely appears good on paper, and whereas it’s now mixing into the background, there’s no denying the Sportage is a well-known sight on our roads.
Is it pretty much as good as all that may recommend, and is the diesel the decide of the multi-powertrain Sportage lineup?
How a lot does the Kia Sportage price?
The Sportage SX 2.0D AWD is $500 dearer than it was a number of months in the past, now priced at $46,380 earlier than on-roads.
| Mannequin | Value earlier than on-road prices |
|---|---|
| 2026 Kia Sportage S 2.0 FWD | $38,490 |
| 2026 Kia Sportage SX 2.0 FWD | $40,980 |
| 2026 Kia Sportage S 2.0D AWD | $43,890 |
| 2026 Kia Sportage SX+ 2.0 FWD | $45,580 |
| 2026 Kia Sportage SX 2.0D AWD | $46,380 |
| 2026 Kia Sportage SX 1.6T HEV FWD | $46,450 |
| 2026 Kia Sportage SX+ 1.6T AWD | $47,580 |
| 2026 Kia Sportage SX 1.6T HEV AWD | $49,450 |
| 2026 Kia Sportage SX+ 2.0D AWD | $50,980 |
| 2026 Kia Sportage GT-Line 1.6T AWD | $54,490 |
| 2026 Kia Sportage GT-Line 2.0D AWD | $56,900 |
| 2026 Kia Sportage GT-Line 1.6T HEV FWD | $57,370 |
| 2026 Kia Sportage GT-Line 1.6T HEV AWD | $60,370 |
If you need a diesel on this section, your choices are restricted. The one actual participant is the Mazda CX-60 D50e (from $52,240 earlier than on-roads), although you would additionally weigh up the top-spec Mahindra Scorpio Z8L ($43,990 drive-away till December 31), and even the GWM Tank 300 Lux diesel ($47,990 drive-away).
In any other case, typical rivals come from the same old mid-size SUV cohort. These embody the platform-sharing Hyundai Tucson Elite AWD at $50,850 earlier than on-roads, alongside the Mazda CX-5, Mitsubishi Outlander, and the all-conquering Toyota RAV4.
Every of these 4 SUVs has outsold the Sportage up to now this 12 months.
To see how the Kia Sportage stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability device
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What’s the Kia Sportage like on the within?
There’s an air of sophistication to the Sportage’s cabin, however it doesn’t really feel like Kia has achieved a lot to masks the entry-level undertones of the SX.
For a begin, the clear horizontal strains on the dashboard give the automobile a mature look, and the way in which they seem to proceed throughout the steering wheel is a refined but well-considered contact – even when the offset Kia brand will not be to everybody’s style.
These straight dashboard strains create a pleasant perch for the mammoth display screen housing, which dominates the Sportage’s inside. Not like costlier variants, the SX solely will get one full show, leaving the instrument cluster pared again.
There’s been no compromise on the 12.3-inch infotainment show although, which provides crisp native graphics with comparatively intuitive, multi-menu performance. Wi-fi smartphone mirroring is commonplace, and we had no points with Apple CarPlay in our week with the automobile.
Happily, Kia’s awkward three-screen format hasn’t made its method to the Sportage, which implies you get a devoted – and importantly, clearly seen – local weather management panel under the infotainment display screen. Contact-sensitive as it might be, its devoted buttons and bodily knobs are a very good hybrid between traditionalism and tech.
This helps the Sportage really feel acquainted but contemporary, even should you’ve by no means sat in a brand new automobile constructed after 2020. Equally, the simplified instrument show mimics a standard two-gauge setup and is graphically harking back to previous-gen Kias, such because the Seltos.
Once more, the vibe is acquainted and unintimidating. Between the 2 gauges is a straightforward 4.2-inch panel, which could be flicked via utilizing buttons on the steering wheel. It lacks the flashiness of the higher-spec screens, however some might favor its simplicity.
Stripped-back fittings aren’t all used to good impact within the Sportage, although. Our largest gripe with this cabin is the sheer quantity of button blanks, discovered totally on the centre console.
Although the SX isn’t a real base-spec variant, these blanks definitely make it really feel like one. It’s virtually just like the automobile is actively reminding you that you just couldn’t spring for one thing costlier, which takes away from its in any other case well-sorted presentation.
The blanks even overshadow the truth that Kia has achieved away with pesky piano-black trim. Solely uninteresting, sturdy plastic surfaces characteristic within the up to date Sportage, which might look clear and wise if not for the obvious laziness in eradicating options.
Leaning on the door armrest reveals extra base-spec impressions, as there’s no padding to masks the arduous plastic. This makes for uncomfortable long-distance driving should you’re somebody who likes to lounge within the driver’s seat.
In any other case, materials selection is strong. The marginally squashed steering wheel doesn’t fairly float via the fingers (it’s not practically as jagged as an MG tiller could be, thoughts you), however its leather-based end is easy, delicate, and wonderful to carry.
Moreover, its buttons are all completed in uninteresting black plastic, clearly labelled, and satisfying to press. A set of rollers with a tasteful metallic end offset the in any other case utilitarian plastic, and all the things feels strong.
As for the seats, they’re properly padded and really supportive. Whereas they could be a bit slidy given their weak bolstering, there’s a very good vary of adjustment, even when it’s guide within the SX; electrical driver’s seat motion is added with the SX+.
On the centre console you’ll discover the funky T-bar shifter fitted to non-hybrid Sportage fashions (and seen in different Kias just like the K4), together with adjustable cupholders and a phone-sized cubby. There’s no wi-fi cellphone charging till the SX+, however you do get two USB-C ports and a 12V outlet as commonplace.
There’s a fairly sized storage field underneath the padded central armrest, although the door playing cards gained’t maintain massive bottles, not like some rivals. Not essentially a deal-breaker, however it should imply you’ll have to make use of the passenger-side glovebox to maintain bigger containers out of sight.
Shifting to the second row reveals beneficiant leg and head room. It’s simply among the many bigger mid-size SUVs on this division, and when mixed with a serviceable bench seat that may accommodate three adults, you’re left with a sensible and spacious commuter.
There are additionally two rear-facing air vents (albeit with out an additional local weather zone) and USB-C ports on the again of the centre console as commonplace, together with a delicate fold-down armrest when the center seat is unoccupied. In fact, the SX’s spartan theme carries via, however it’s rather less grating than it’s up entrance.
The boot, in the meantime, is a really spacious space. Its 543 litres of on-paper seats-up capability is barely smaller than in a RAV4, however the ground is flat, lengthy, and vast sufficient for virtually something you would throw at it – or in it.
Folding the rear seat backs down reveals a cavernous 1829L of capability, sufficient for bulkier gadgets like TVs or flat-pack furnishings. It’s all very versatile, and also you’d be shocked what can match should you’re intelligent together with your packing.
Higher but, all petrol and diesel Sportage autos get a full-size alloy spare wheel, a key benefit over the hybrids and their inferior space-savers.
| Dimensions | Kia Sportage SX |
|---|---|
| Size | 4685mm |
| Width | 1865mm |
| Peak | 1660mm |
| Wheelbase | 2755mm |
| Cargo capability | 543L (rear seats up) 1829L (rear seats folded) |
To see how the Kia Sportage stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability device
What’s underneath the bonnet?
Considerably distinctive on this section is the Sportage’s 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, which outputs 137kW of energy and 416Nm of torque. All diesel variants are all-wheel drive and have an eight-speed torque-converter computerized.
| Specs | Kia Sportage SX 2.0D AWD |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L 4cyl turbo-diesel |
| Energy | 137kW |
| Torque | 416Nm |
| Transmission | 8-speed auto |
| Drive sort | All-wheel drive |
| Kerb weight | 1653kg |
| Gas financial system (claimed) | 6.3L/100km |
| Gas financial system (as examined) | 6.7L/100km |
| Gas tank capability | 54L |
| Gas requirement | Diesel |
| CO2 emissions | 163g/km |
| Emissions commonplace | Euro 5 |
| Braked tow capability | 1900kg |
Our week with the automobile primarily concerned freeway driving, albeit typically in heavy site visitors. The gas financial system recorded by the Sportage was nonetheless spectacular, giving credence to the actual fact it’s well-suited to a diesel engine.
To see how the Kia Sportage stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability device
How does the Kia Sportage drive?
The Sportage has lengthy been a strong automobile to drive, and this facelift doesn’t seem to have undermined that popularity.
However should you’ve by no means actually skilled a Sportage, it’s all too simple to miss it in favour of every other mid-size SUV presently on sale in Australia. It’s when you get behind the wheel that its value turns into obvious, and even when it isn’t earth-shattering, you gained’t be disenchanted.
The large shock is the diesel engine underneath the bonnet. Whereas such engines have been extra widespread in passenger vehicles and light-duty SUVs about 10 or 15 years in the past, they appear to have fallen out of style – except you go for a ladder-frame off-road SUV, a ute, or a costlier Euro automobile – regardless of improved functionality and usually higher gas financial system.
Kia talks large by persevering with to supply diesel energy with the Sportage, and it walks the stroll with wonderful all-around efficiency. Torque is the drawcard; there’s loads of it to go round, and it feels comparatively easy in comparison with a petroleum equal.
Agricultural because the engine might sound, it’s easy, and this all-wheel drive powertrain makes a whole lot of sense. Pair it with the competent eight-speed torque-converter auto and you’ve got a really habitable commuter.
The steering, in the meantime, is appropriately weighted and fits an SUV with the manner of the Sportage. It is a product of each the well-tuned setup and a properly sized steering wheel, each working collectively to make sure the automobile works with you in each manner it may.
Diesel energy means there’s no electrical regeneration to fret about both, which supplies you a constantly predictable brake pedal. We solely say this as a result of hybrid vehicles – together with Toyotas – typically mix regenerative and friction braking into the brake pedal, which may make it awkward to brake easily, notably in site visitors.
Regardless of the title, the Sportage isn’t a sporty automobile, which implies all the things we’ve talked about up to now is designed to be unintimidating.
This carries via to the trip, which is noticeably on the firmer aspect however with out being crashy or uncomfortable – Aussie drivers are inclined to favor this method, in order that’s a very good factor.
It makes the Sportage really feel extra assured round turns, whereas staying secure on the freeway. The small-ish 18-inch wheels of the SX (in comparison with 19s on larger grades) assist with consolation, and the additional sidewall rubber additionally helps to insulate highway noise.
That stated, there’s typically a very good baseline for refinement within the Sportage, even when the diesel isn’t fully silent. Wind noise is suitable, and the extent of highway noise gained’t go away you with a headache on longer drives.
The one actual annoyance isn’t unusual for Hyundai Motor Group merchandise: the pace restrict warning. As in every other new Kia, it’ll beep at you incessantly for exceeding the pace restrict by any quantity, however luckily it may be turned off by holding the ‘Mute’ button on the steering wheel.
You’ll have to do that each time you bounce in, however at the least you are able to do it when you’re already shifting.
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We’d be shocked if anybody is sport sufficient to depart this on, because the automobile typically picks up the fallacious pace restrict; for instance, it might mistakenly learn and show a 70km/h off-ramp signal as a substitute of the actual 110km/h restrict on a freeway.
In any other case, we had no points with the Sportage’s security gear, as capabilities like adaptive cruise management work reliably. The SX lacks Kia’s extra superior Freeway Driving Help system, however the one actual omission is navigation-based cruising.
Topping it off is sweet outward visibility, which makes it simple to put the automobile on the highway. It definitely doesn’t really feel small, however having the ability to comfortably see your environment helps construct confidence in drivers used to smaller vehicles.
The SX doesn’t get fancy cameras that provide you with a top-down view when parking, or show views of your blind spots when indicating, however that doesn’t take away from the drive expertise. If something, it makes for a extra analogue affair, which tech-phobic house owners might favor.
To see how the Kia Sportage stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability device
What do you get?
There are 4 trim ranges accessible for the Sportage.
2026 Kia Sportage S tools highlights:
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- Full-size alloy spare wheel
- LED headlights
- LED daytime operating lights
- Energy folding mirrors
- Roof rails
- Rear spoiler
- Material seats
- Premium steering wheel trim
- PVC gear selector
- 12.3-inch infotainment system
- ‘Fundamental’ digital instrument cluster
- 4.2-inch multifunction show
- Kia Join Providers
- Over-the-air updates
- Wi-fi Apple CarPlay
- Wi-fi Android Auto
- Retractable cargo cowl
- Good key with push-button begin
- Distant engine begin
- Single-zone air-conditioning
- 6-speaker audio
- 12V energy outlet – cargo space
- USB-C charger in entrance console
- Rear air vents
Sportage SX provides:
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- House-saver spare wheel (hybrid)
- Rain-sensing wipers
- 2-way driver’s seat lumbar assist
- Premium shift selector (petrol, diesel)
- Dial-type shift selector (hybrid)
- Distant folding second-row seats
- Twin-zone local weather management
Sportage SX+ provides:
- 19-inch alloy wheels – Petrol, Diesel
- Synthetic leather-based upholstery
- Powered driver’s seat adjustment
- Heated entrance seats
- Heated steering wheel
- Wi-fi cellphone charger
- Harman Kardon premium sound system
- Energy tailgate
- Rear privateness glass
Sportage GT-Line provides:
- 19-inch black alloy wheels (petrol, diesel)
- 18-inch alloy wheels (hybrid)
- LED projector headlights
- Dynamic welcome mild
- Reminiscence perform – driver seat
- Energy entrance passenger seat
- Ventilated entrance seats
- Head-up show
- Heated steering wheel
- Dial-type shift selector (petrol, diesel)
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
- Inside ambient lighting
- Panoramic sunroof
- LED inside lighting
- Alloy sports activities pedals
To see how the Kia Sportage stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability device
Is the Kia Sportage secure?
The 2026 Kia Sportage boasts a five-star ANCAP security ranking, primarily based on testing carried out by sister organisation Euro NCAP on the pre-facelift mannequin in 2022.
| Class | Kia Sportage |
|---|---|
| Grownup occupant safety | 87 per cent |
| Youngster occupant safety | 87 per cent |
| Weak highway person safety | 66 per cent |
| Security help | 74 per cent |
Normal security tools consists of:
- 8 airbags, incl:
- Good Cruise Management 2
- Autonomous Emergency Braking
- Pedestrian, bicycle owner detection
- Junction help
- Blind-spot help
- eCall with SOS button
- Entrance and rear parking sensors
- Clever pace restrict help
- Lane centring
- Lane-keep help
- Multi Collision Brake
- Rear cross-traffic help
- Reversing digicam
- Tyre strain monitor
Sportage SX+ provides:
- Freeway Driving Help
- Navigation-based semi-autonomous freeway mode
- Adaptive cruise management
- Lane centring
Sportage GT-Line provides:
- Reverse Autonomous Emergency Braking
- Blind-spot view monitor
- Encompass-view digicam
To see how the Kia Sportage stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability device
How a lot does the Kia Sportage price to run?
Kia backs its Australian lineup with a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee. Servicing for diesel Sportage fashions is required each 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first.
| Servicing and Guarantee | Kia Sportage 2.0D AWD |
|---|---|
| Guarantee | 7 years, limitless kilometres |
| Roadside help | 12 months (then service-activated as much as 8 years) |
| Service intervals | 12 months or 15,000km |
| Capped-price servicing | 7 years |
| Common annual service price over 7 years | $556.29 |
| Whole capped-price service price | $3894 |
Particular person capped-price service prices for diesel Sportage fashions are detailed under:
| Service | Value |
|---|---|
| 12 months, 15,000km | $371 |
| 24 months, 30,000km | $597 |
| 36 months, 45,000km | $458 |
| 48 months, 60,000km | $864 |
| 60 months, 75,000km | $418 |
| 72 months, 90,000km | $742 |
| 90 months, 105,000km | $444 |
For context, Sportage fashions fitted with the 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine require servicing each 12 months or 10,000km, as do hybrids.
In comparison with the segment-leading RAV4, for which Toyota provides 5 years of capped-price servicing, the Sportage is costlier to service. Each have the identical service intervals, however over 5 years Kia’s challenger totals $2708 to service, whereas the RAV4 prices simply $1350.
The CX-5, in the meantime, prices $3193 over seven years, and the Outlander prices $2740.
To see how the Kia Sportage stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability device
CarExpert’s Take Kia Sportage
Kia has achieved a very good job of updating the Sportage to maintain up with the instances, with out compromising something that made the pre-facelift model a powerful selection within the mid-size SUV world.
Highlights embody robust inside tech, up to date to match each different new Kia, which avoids the ergonomic shortfalls we’ve seen in a few of Kia’s latest electrical autos, just like the EV5. We’re glad that the three-screen association (infotainment-climate-instruments) hasn’t but been carried over to the Sportage.
Kia’s stylish inside design language makes this SUV really feel all of the extra premium from behind the wheel. Don’t overlook that surprisingly good diesel both, which is the right powerplant whether or not you need to use the Sportage as an easy runabout, or a long-distance tourer.
Issues just like the swarm of button blanks aren’t ideally suited, neither is the pace restrict warning, even when there’s a workaround for the latter. They don’t smash the expertise, however those that don’t like being reminded they’re in a budget-minded SUV would possibly favor a costlier Sportage.
That stated, when you might get extra gear in a petrol-powered front-drive SX+, the all-wheel drive SX is nice, notably should you’re not too bothered by flashy gear and the newest hybrid tech. The diesel makes it even higher.
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