Skip advert
Advertisement

Kia Sportage (2010-2015) review - Ride and handling

Kia's Sportage looks good, is sensibly priced and spacious too.

Evo rating
RRP
from £17,500
  • Distinctive looks, plenty of space, excellent warranty
  • Engines outclassed by rivals', ride a bit busy

Ride and handling 

Kia claims the final sign-off for the Sportage’s chassis was undertaken in the UK, underlining how challenging our terrible roads can be. Being a tall, family-orientated crossover don’t expect the Sportage to offer hatchback-chasing agility in the bends. It’s competent enough though, the soft suspension providing a supple ride around town, but getting a bit bouncy when carrying speed on a typical British country road. There’s a fair bit of roll if you’re in a hurry too, but keep it sensible and the Sportage is competent and composed. The power steering is variable in its assistance, being lighter at low speed for manoeuvring, but either way it’s pretty devoid of feel regardless of the speed.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Grip levels are high, while four-wheel drive models add some traction in slippery conditions, but is largely unnecessary otherwise. If you’re looking for a sporty drive then you’ll be better served by a Mazda CX-5, Ford’s Kuga or the Skoda Yeti, but likewise the Sportage doesn’t disgrace itself when compared to other big-selling crossovers like the Nissan Qashqai.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

£15k off Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio super SUV
Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio
News

£15k off Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio super SUV

If you have to have an SUV, a Stelvio QV is acceptable. Now it's being heavily discounted.
8 Jul 2025
MST Mk1 Sports is a more affordable less extreme Ford Escort recreation
MST Ford Escort front
News

MST Mk1 Sports is a more affordable less extreme Ford Escort recreation

Costing a tenth of most made-new classics, the MST Mk1 Sports is comparatively accessible
8 Jul 2025
Mini JCW 2025 review – too feisty for its own good
Mini JCW – front
Reviews

Mini JCW 2025 review – too feisty for its own good

The petrol-powered JCW lives on – for now. But in its latest incarnation, has this supermini survivor become too hardcore?
6 Jul 2025