Kia Sportage (2024) Review: The Practical, Stylish SUV
Written by: Motorwatch
Published on September 27, 2024 - 5 mins
The Kia Sportage has long been a favourite in the UK SUV market, and the 2024 model continues this trend with modern styling, plenty of tech, and a comfortable ride. Whether you’re looking for family practicality or a stylish runaround, the Sportage offers a lot for its price point. Let’s break down why this car is worth your attention.
Driving Experience: 7.5/10
The 2024 Kia Sportage offers a pleasant driving experience but doesn’t aim to be the most thrilling SUV on the market. The suspension is set up more for comfort than agility, meaning it handles bumpy roads smoothly but doesn’t feel particularly sporty when you push it through corners. However, for most everyday drivers, the Sportage will be more than adequate.
You can choose between several powertrains, including petrol, diesel, and hybrid options. The hybrid version is especially appealing for those looking to save on fuel costs while reducing their carbon footprint. The petrol engines offer decent performance, though they aren’t as punchy as some rivals in the same class.
Interior & Comfort: 8/10
Step inside the 2024 Kia Sportage, and you’ll be greeted by a high-quality interior. The materials used are soft-touch and feel premium, particularly in the higher-spec models. The dashboard has a modern layout with two large digital screens—one for the driver’s display and another for the infotainment system.
Space is generous in the front and rear seats, making it an excellent choice for families. The rear legroom is particularly impressive, and the boot offers a healthy 591 litres of space, which increases to over 1,700 litres with the seats folded down. This makes the Sportage one of the more practical options in the compact SUV category.
Technology & Features: 8.5/10
Kia has loaded the 2024 Sportage with tech, even at the entry level. The infotainment system is intuitive and comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. Higher trims get additional features like a panoramic sunroof, heated seats, and wireless phone charging. Kia’s safety systems, like lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control, are also some of the best in class, making it a very safe car for families.
One standout feature is the hybrid model’s regenerative braking system, which helps recharge the battery when slowing down. It’s a clever addition that enhances the overall efficiency of the car.
Running Costs: 8.5/10
The hybrid and diesel versions of the 2024 Kia Sportage offer excellent fuel economy for an SUV of this size, with the hybrid version returning around 50-55 MPG in real-world conditions. Insurance costs are reasonable, and thanks to Kia’s industry-leading 7-year warranty, long-term ownership costs should be lower than many competitors.
For those looking to save on fuel bills, the plug-in hybrid model is particularly appealing, offering the ability to drive short distances purely on electric power.
Conclusion: Should You Buy One?
If you’re after a stylish, practical, and tech-packed SUV, the 2024 Kia Sportage is an excellent option. It may not be the most dynamic to drive, but it makes up for that with its comfort, spacious interior, and range of efficient engines.
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