New Kia Sportage Full Review 2026: Still the Best Family SUV?

Vicki Butler-Henderson reviews the updated fifth-generation Kia Sportage, Britain’s best-selling family SUV at the time of filming, to see whether its refreshed design, improved technology and everyday practicality can keep it at the top of the class. At the time of filming, prices ranged from approximately £31,000 to £44,000. Petrol, hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains are available across three trims. Vicki drives the front-wheel-drive Kia Sportage GT-Line S with a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine and seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, priced at just over £40,000. WHAT’S IMPRESSIVE • Large 591-litre boot with up to 1,780 litres available • Independently folding rear seats and a useful dual-height boot floor • Comfortable suspension and reassuring grip through corners • Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto fitted across the range • Kia’s seven-year or 100,000-mile warranty WHAT TO CONSIDER • The petrol model’s performance is leisurely rather than sporty • The seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox works adequately but does not stand out • Some hard plastics disappoint in a car costing more than £40,000 • Buyers wanting greater driver involvement should also consider the Ford Kuga FAMILY PRACTICALITY The petrol Sportage offers 591 litres of boot space, slightly more than the hybrids, and 1,780 litres with the seats folded. Its dual-position floor creates hidden storage or extra height for luggage, while each rear seat folds independently. There is ample rear space for three children, with USB ports, bag hooks and heated outer seats on the GT-Line S. The panoramic sunroof brightens the cabin, although some rear plastics feel hard for the price and the tablet holders can obscure part of the screen. INTERIOR AND TECHNOLOGY Updates include a two-spoke steering wheel, brushed-effect centre console and revised displays. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now standard, while selected connected packages add streaming services and ChatGPT-powered voice assistance. ON THE ROAD The 1.6-litre petrol engine produces almost 150 hp and 250 Nm, reaching 62 mph in 9.4 seconds. Eco, Normal and Sport modes alter its responses, with Vicki preferring Sport for more urgency. A six-speed manual remains available with the non-hybrid petrol engine, while the tested car uses a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox with paddles. Vicki finds the suspension comfortable and the cornering grip perfectly decent. It is an easy-going family SUV rather than an especially involving one. WHEELS AND TYRES Kia offers 17, 18 and 19-inch wheel designs. This Sportage has 18-inch alloy wheels fitted with Continental EcoContact 6 tyres, rated 4.6 out of 5 by thousands of motorists on DriverReviews. VICKI’S VERDICT The updated Kia Sportage remains practical and comfortable. It is not especially fast or engaging, but its space, approachable road manners, technology and class-leading warranty help explain its popularity. Watch the full review to explore the updated Kia Sportage inside and out, see how much family space it offers and find out how the petrol GT-Line S performs on the road. FOLLOW DRIVERREVIEWS Instagram:   / driver.reviews   TikTok:   / driverreviews   Subscribe:    / @driverreviews   About DriverReviews: https://www.driverreviews.com/ CHAPTERS 00:00 Price, engines and introduction to the updated Kia Sportage 01:09 Exterior design and GT-Line S specification of the Kia Sportage 02:20 Boot space and folding rear seats of the Kia Sportage 02:54 Continental EcoContact 6 tyres fitted to the Kia Sportage 03:15 Find the right tyres with DriverReviews 03:54 Interior design, displays and AI technology in the Kia Sportage 05:25 Rear-seat space and family features of the Kia Sportage 06:39 Petrol engine, performance and driving modes of the Kia Sportage 07:39 Manual and dual-clutch gearbox options for the Kia Sportage 08:26 Ride comfort, steering and handling of the Kia Sportage 09:23 Seven-year warranty and final verdict on the Kia Sportage WATCH NEXT Kia EV3 review:    • Kia EV3 GT-Line S Full Review: 2025 World ...   SUV reviews and road tests:    • Small & Mid-size SUV Reviews   ABOUT DRIVERREVIEWS DriverReviews collects verified and unbiased tyre reviews from real motorists, helping drivers make more informed tyre choices through our international retailer and market partners. Looking for tyres or real customer reviews? UK | Blackcircles: https://www.blackcircles.com Germany | DriverReviews: https://www.driverreviews.de Spain | DriverReviews: https://www.driverreviews.es Sweden | DriverReviews: https://www.driverreviews.se Romania | DriverReviews: https://www.driverreviews.ro #KiaSportage #FamilySUV #Kia