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.
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.
