Kia Sportage NQ5 Diesel GT-Line (2021-2026)

A strong all-round family car with lots of tech, creature comfort features, space and AWD – Kia’s build quality has stepped up dramatically over the past few years. Weighted doors, tight tolerances of trim pieces and higher quality materials all add to the increased level of build quality. Major touch point plastics are soft and squidgy, with the cheaper plastics being placed lower down and out of the way of interaction. Priced from… Read more

$52,370 before on-road costs, the Kia Sportage GT-Line will be the most expensive version of this medium-sized SUV you can buy.

The way the Sportage is priced is towards the top-end against its competitors in this trim, but there's a good reason for it. You’re simply not missing a single feature or option.

From heated/cooled automatic front seats through to a swath of tech and safety features, the Sportage has it all.

What it doesn’t have is a hybrid model to compete with the wildly popular Toyota RAV 4 hybrid - we’re hoping to see that model land here later this year.

For now, top of the range means AWD and a turbo diesel motor and every feature Kia can throw at you, apart from rear heated seats.

The most impressive warranty in the industry goes to Kia. The Sportage comes with Kia’s 7 year/unlimited kilometre warranty and capped price service period. That capped price servicing totals $3672 over 7 services (usually completed yearly).

External noise rarely becomes an issue in the new Sportage, thanks to thicker glass and heavy amounts of sound deadening in the doors.

Tyre noise and wind noise are distant, unless you start to corner the Sportage like you’re driving the twin turbocharged Kia Stinger.

What is apparent is that distinct turbo diesel tractor sound that this motor makes when you’re deeper in the throttle.

Under the bonnet of this particular Kia Sportage is a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder diesel motor, producing 137kW and 416Nm respectively.

Power is sent through an eight-speed automatic transmission and to all four wheels via an all-wheel drive system.

The new Sportage isn’t going to win drag races, but it is brisk in putting its power to the ground. In Sport mode, you actually feel as if the Sportage has some pace to it.

A slick experience is had when interacting with this eight-speed automatic. I’m a fan of the rotary knob to select a gear - it’s easy to use and quick to respond.

The same can be said for how this car changes its gears; there’s never a moment where the Sportage doesn’t know what gear to be in.

The longer wheelbase version of the Sportage is the only flavour of Sportage we get here in Australia. That’s what makes this generation of Sportage feel so much more premium to ride in than its predecessors. A longer and more stable wheelbase combined with a soft yet responsive suspension tune generates a comfortable ride.

Diesel efficiency is the reason why you’re buying this over the petrol engine options the new Kia Sportage offers.

6.3L per 100km is the claimed combined figure for diesel consumption. I saw figures hover around 9-10L per 100km during my test. What was interesting was that over 200km of driving, I didn’t even see the fuel gauge fall from full.

The show piece of the new Kia Sportage is its all-new interior. It’s just as striking as that unique exterior design.

The dual 12.3-inch displays are the party piece in here. They’re the largest screens fitted to a Kia SUV - even bigger than the 10.25-inch displays found in the Kia Sorento.

They function no differently to other Kia displays, however the sheer size and placement really lifts the cabin feel from economic choice to a desirable daily driver.

Customisable accent lighting, leather and Alcantara seats and a distinct centre console design all play a part in making the Kia Sportage look and feel like a well thought out product.

Against its competitors, the new Sportage’s interior is a clear winner for its visual engagement and slick execution. If you’re cross-shopping, you’re going to remember this interior as a standout reason why you might consider buying one of these.

Boot space with all seats up is 543L, and if you fold the seats in a 60:40 split, you’ll receive a total of 1829L of boot space. Thanks to that longer wheelbase, you won’t be stressing about a lack of boot space. Additionally, a flat load floor and larger boot entry makes this a very practical choice for hauling cargo.

Comfort is found in every seat in this car. Second row passengers are treated to plenty of knee, feet and head room. In addition to that, there are plenty of USB ports to charge, and large rear windows to allow for plenty of air flow.

I really enjoyed my time with the new Sportage, and see it as an excellent option for the daily drive and reliable road trip option.

However, I am excited for future variations of the new Sportage which have already debuted in the US, including a hybrid powertrain and a unique off-road focused trim.

*Disclaimer - I work for ProductReview as their independent car and motorbike expert. I borrow new cars and motorbikes from manufacturers and owners to review. I am not paid or incentivised by these brands to post reviews. I write and create content to provide insight and information about any new or used vehicle I can get my hands on.