It is intriguing to compare the Kia Sportage GT-Line to the similarly sized Audi Q5 SUV 40 TDi, given that Audi is a well-respected brand for its cabin quality, high levels of luxury, and cutting-edge technology. Even though the Sportage is $20,000 less expensive than the Audi, it surpasses the Audi in terms of amenities and equipment.
Both have eight airbags and an array of active safety systems, but only the Kia includes adaptive cruise control, blind-spot active assist, reversing collision mitigation, speed zone reminder with roadsign recognition, and a fully automated parking assist with remote and front-facing parking camera as standard equipment.
Only the Sportage features heated and ventilated front seats, front seat position memory, a sliding second row, a head-up display for the driver, and rear seat occupancy alert on the inside.
Does the Kia Sportage provide seven seating positions like the Mitsubishi Outlander?
In terms of utility, the class-leading compact SUV is the Mitsubishi Outlander, whose seven-seat arrangement is not equaled by the Sportage. However, when you consider how infrequently those seats are used and how little comfort they provide – they are comparable to occasional seats for tiny children – the Outlander’s advantage is much diminished.
With the third row of seats full, the Outlander has extremely limited space for luggage; 183 liters is just sufficient for a couple of carry-on bags. Even with the seats folded down, the Outlander’s 478-liter cargo space cannot compete with the Sportage’s large trunk (543L).
While it is true that the Sportage lacks even occasional seven-seat capacity, it is also true that the Outlander’s perceived advantage in this area is rarely utilized and comes with drawbacks.
This is a brief explanation for why the 2022 Kia Sportage did not win Drive Car of the Year, as it is superior to all its competitors in every category. It is feasible to locate a vehicle that is comparable to the Sportage in every category, excluding perhaps safety and cost.
There is no other car that can compete with the Sportage when all of its attributes are considered together.
In terms of safety, use, presentation, and value, the Sportage establishes new benchmarks.
In terms of powertrain performance, fuel economy, driving dynamics, and ride quality, the Sportage is indisputably the class leader.
This is why, in our opinion, it is now the greatest mid-size SUV in Australia.
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