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2025 Kia Sportage buyer's guide: Picks for the city, suburbs and wilderness
Everything you need to know about the Kia Sportage lineup, with variant recommendations for every lifestyle.
Josh Nevett
About the Kia Sportage
Last updated Dec 18, 2024A facelifted Kia Sportage is on the way, but the 2025 model year (MY25) version of this popular mid-sized SUV remains unchanged.
The MY25 range continues to start at $32,995 before on-road costs for the entry-level Sportage S manual, with the flagship GT-Line HEV priced at $55,420 before on-road costs.
Following the introduction of the Sportage HEV earlier this year, the lineup now includes four powertrains, all with four cylinders: a naturally aspirated petrol, a turbocharged petrol, a turbo-diesel, and a turbo-petrol hybrid.
Although there are no changes for the new model year, recent spy photos suggest an upcoming mid-cycle update will introduce refreshed styling at the front and rear.
The updated model is also expected to feature a third interior screen, enhancing the existing digital instrument cluster and infotainment display.
The Sportage continues to be Kia’s best-selling model in Australia, with 10,474 units sold in the first half of 2024.
This sales performance also positions it as the fourth best-selling vehicle in its segment, trailing only the Toyota RAV4, Mitsubishi Outlander, and Mazda CX-5.
Kia Sportage News
2025 Kia Sportage Reviews
2025 Kia Sportage Price
| Variant | Price From* | Price To* |
|---|---|---|
| S (FWD) | $32,995 | $34,995 |
| SX (FWD) | $35,550 | $37,550 |
| S (AWD) | $40,395 | $40,395 |
| SX+ (FWD) | $42,050 | $42,050 |
| SX (AWD) | $42,950 | $42,950 |
| SX+ (AWD) | $44,050 | $47,450 |
| SX HEV (FWD) | $45,950 | $45,950 |
| GT-LINE (AWD) | $49,920 | $52,920 |
| GT-LINE HEV (FWD) | $55,420 | $55,420 |
*excl. on-roads
All Kia Sportage Pricing
2025 Kia Sportage Specs
See our comprehensive details for the Kia Sportage
2025 Kia Sportage Dimensions
1680mm
1865mm
4660mm
The dimensions shown above are for the base model.
See all 2025 Kia Sportage Dimensions2025 Kia Sportage Boot Space
Rear seats position | Kia Sportage (Size) | Kia Sportage HEV (Size) |
|---|---|---|
Second row up | 542L | 586L |
Second row folded | 1829L | 1872L |
2025 Kia Sportage Gallery
CarExpert High Resolution Photos of the Kia Sportage
2025 Kia Sportage Interior
Upon entering the Sportage, you're welcomed by a modern dashboard design with a centre stack thoughtfully angled towards the driver.
The interface features a thin strip of touch-capacitive controls that can be switched between managing climate and audio functions, supplemented by a pair of physical knobs. However, it’s easy to brush against the touch-sensitive switches accidentally.
The doors have a solid feel, with soft-touch materials used on the tops of the front doors. Unlike the Nissan X-Trail or Mazda CX-5, there is no soft-touch trim on the sides of the centre console, which, along with the lower half of the dashboard, is finished in hard, grainy black plastic. The attractive, leather-wrapped look of the dashboard top contrasts this.
A strip of textured metal-look trim runs across the dashboard, adding a stylish touch.
The seats are upholstered in artificial leather with a quilted design, offering comfort and a premium appearance. The front seats are also heated for added convenience.
The T-bar shifter has a somewhat retro feel but is more satisfying than the rotary dial found in the flagship GT-Line. The steering wheel is large, tactile, and equipped with straightforward controls.
Overall, the interior is attractively presented and arguably one of the most visually appealing in its segment, though some elements fall short of elegance.
The centre console features a noticeable number of grey plastic button blanks, which detract from the otherwise polished look—particularly disappointing given this trim level is just below the top of the range.
The storage options are adequate, with bottle holders in the doors and a fairly deep centre console bin. However, unlike some rivals, like the GWM Haval H6, there is no additional storage shelf under the centre console.
The cupholders in the centre console can be retracted to create a spacious storage area.
The rear seats offer generous space for both children and adults, thanks to one of the longest wheelbases in this segment, providing ample headroom and legroom.
The rear convenience includes two USB-C outlets in the front seatbacks, air vents, map pockets, and a fold-down centre armrest. The Sportage offers three top-tether and two ISOFIX anchor points for child seats.
The boot includes a 12V outlet and handy levers to fold down the rear seats. While the seats don’t fold completely flat, they provide a substantial 1829L of cargo space when lowered or 543L with the seats up.
In a refreshing nod to practicality, the Sportage includes a full-sized alloy spare wheel, unlike the tyre mobility kits and space-saver spares standard in many modern vehicles.
2025 Kia Sportage Infotainment
The semi-digital instrument cluster is clear but awkwardly arranged. The basic central screen contrasts sharply with the unusual purple displays on either side.
To use Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, you’ll need to plug in your phone as the Sportage hasn't yet adopted Kia’s latest-generation infotainment system; it uses a USB-A connection, though there is a USB-C port adjacent to it. For some reason, Android Auto doesn’t utilize the full screen.
While wireless smartphone mirroring isn’t available, the Sportage’s infotainment system is user-friendly. It includes features like a voice memo app and Quiet Mode, which plays audio only through the front speakers to avoid disturbing sleeping passengers in the rear.
2025 Kia Sportage Fuel Economy
| Kia Sportage | Fuel Type | Combined |
|---|---|---|
| GT-LINE (AWD) | Unleaded Petrol | 7.2 L/100km |
| GT-LINE HEV (FWD) | Premium Unleaded-Electric Hybrid | 4.9 L/100km |
| S (AWD) | Diesel | 6.3 L/100km |
| S (FWD) | Unleaded Petrol | 8.1 L/100km |
| SX (AWD) | Diesel | 6.3 L/100km |
| SX (FWD) | Unleaded Petrol | 7.7 L/100km |
| SX HEV (FWD) | Premium Unleaded-Electric Hybrid | 4.9 L/100km |
| SX+ (AWD) | Diesel | 6.3 L/100km |
| SX+ (FWD) | Unleaded Petrol | 8.1 L/100km |
Cost of ownership
What are the running and servicing costs of a Kia Sportage?
Servicing is required every 12 months or 15,000km.
2.0L Petrol | 2.0L Turbo-diesel | 1.6L Turbo-petrol | Hybrid | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 year/15,000km | $323 | $348 | $331 | $353 |
2 years/30,000km | $513 | $539 | $580 | $714 |
3 years/45,000km | $391 | $418 | $430 | $423 |
4 years/60,000km | $705 | $792 | $791 | $1042 |
5 years/75,000km | $363 | $391 | $372 | $398 |
6 years/90,000km | $664 | $677 | $722 | $856 |
7 years/105,000km | $385 | $415 | $681 | $716 |
Total | $3344 | $3580 | $3907 | $4502 |
How does the 2025 Kia Sportage drive?
Our expert take on Kia Sportage drivability.
There are four powertrain options available with the Sportage, spanning petrol, diesel, and hybrid.
Powertrain | 2.0L petrol four-cylinder | 2.0L turbo-diesel four-cylinder | 1.6L turbo-petrol four-cylinder | 1.6L turbo hybrid four-cylinder |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Engine power | 115kW | 137kW | 132kW | 132kW |
Engine torque | 192Nm | 416Nm | 265Nm | 265Nm |
Electric motor power | – | – | – | 44kW |
Electric motor torque | – | – | – | 264Nm |
Total system power | – | – | – | 169kW |
Total system torque | – | – | – | 350Nm |
Transmission | 6-speed manual/6-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic | 7-speed dual-clutch auto | 6-speed automatic |
Drive type | Front-wheel drive | All-wheel drive | FWD or AWD | Front-wheel drive |
Should you buy the 2025 Kia Sportage
Is this the right car for you? Out experts buy or not guide.
Most mid-sized SUV buyers are unlikely to seek high performance, but even within this subdued segment, the Sportage’s base powertrain falls short. In SX+ trim, this model represents the highest price point for a Sportage equipped with the least inspiring engine.
The 2.0-litre engine is underpowered, noisy, and inefficient, making it the weakest powertrain in the lineup. This detracts from a highly appealing package, as the Sportage stands out with its spacious interior, distinctive styling, and impressive warranty.
While the 1.6T has flaws, it’s a clear upgrade for an additional $2000, offering all-wheel drive and improved fuel efficiency. For those open to diesel, the SX 2.0D is another strong option at just $900 more, and the SX Hybrid at $1900 extra is even better.
Though the diesel and hybrid SX models might lack some luxury features, they deliver a far more enjoyable driving experience.