Car Review Kia Sportage 2016

Review

I bought the Kia Sportage SX Turbo in spring 2019 and have already driven 52,000 kilometers. From the first glance, I was impressed by the updated look of the fourth generation: sharp headlights, a sculpted grille, and a slightly lowered roofline give the crossover a stylish, sporty character. Inside, the cabin is spacious — especially for the driver and front passenger — and the leather seats with heating and ventilation are very comfortable.

The multimedia system connects without lag, and the Harman Kardon audio delivers an almost concert-like atmosphere. The all-wheel drive is handy in icy conditions and on rough country roads, though it’s best to avoid serious off-roading.

During ownership, I’ve had no major breakdowns — just routine servicing and replacement of consumables, with the seven-year warranty adding peace of mind. Fuel consumption is around 11–12 liters in the city and about 8 liters on the highway — acceptable for a turbo engine with AWD.

There are, however, some downsides: sound insulation isn’t great — above 110 km/h you hear tire roar and wind noise, which can be tiring on long trips. The suspension is quite stiff, so potholes and speed bumps are felt clearly, especially with 19-inch wheels. The 503-liter trunk is smaller than some rivals, sometimes lacking space for large family luggage, and the narrow rear window limits visibility, although sensors and the camera help.

Overall, for the roughly $29,000 I paid at purchase, I got a stylish, dynamic, and reliable crossover that handles its main tasks well. If you can live with the stiff suspension and modest trunk space, it’s a solid choice.