Kia Sportage GT-Line 2019 Review
Kia has been on an upward trajectory for a number of years.
The South Korean brand has shed its image of a budget brand and in more recent times emerged from the shadow of its parent, Hyundai, to become a popular brand in its own right in Australia.The question remains though - just how much people will pay for a Kia. As the brand has become more well-known for its quality it has pushed itself further and further upmarket. For the latest Sportage SUV the range is topped by the $47k GT-Line model we’re testing here. That puts it right up at the top end of the market - so how does it stack up?
- Great list of standard features.
- Improved ride.
- Excellent safety package.
- GT-Line now $1700 more expensive
- Driving position feels too high.
- Polarising looks.
Is it right for me?
The GT-Line sits at the top of the Sportage range, coming fully loaded with equipment but at a cost. This is the Sportage for those who want all the goodies you get in a luxury model but in a more affordable package.
Can I afford it ?
Priced from $47,690 (plus on-road costs) the GT-Line with the 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine is the most expensive Sportage you can buy.It may be pricey but it’s competitive against its key rivals. The equivalent Hyundai Tucson Highlander diesel is slightly cheaper at $47,450 but the Ford Escape Titanium diesel is $48,340, Mazda CX-5 Akera diesel is $49,190 and the Toyota RAV4 Cruiser diesel $50,500.
What do you get for your money?
Kia offers plenty of bang-for-you-bucks with the GT-Line loaded to the gunnels with gear.Outside there’s 19-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, daytime running lights and taillights and a GT-Line bodykit that includes a satin chrome finished grille as well as unique side sills and rear bumper.You also get keyless entry and ignition, panoramic sunroof, auto wipers, front and rear parking sensors, wireless phone charging, heated and ventilated front seats, hands-free power tailgate, Bluetooth, navigation with live traffic updates and an premium JBL eight-speaker sound system with digital radio and Android Auto/Apple CarPlay.It also gets a comprehensive safety package that includes autonomous emergency braking with forward collision warning, lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, lane change assist, rear cross-traffic alert and adaptive cruise control.
How much does it cost to maintain?
Kia offers capped price servicing for the first seven years. Service intervals are every 15,000km’s or 12 months (whichever occurs first) and total $3580 for that period.
Is it well built?
Kia’s build quality has improved significantly over the past two decades and the company backs it up with an industry-leading seven-year warranty.
What are the Standout features?
The interior of the GT-Line is a nice place to be as it feels a bit more premium than the lower-spec models and some rivals. Not only does the Sportage look the goods it also feels it with quality fit, finish and materials, plus has an impressive list of standard features like auto tailgate, satellite navigation, heated/vented front seats, auto lights and wipers, wireless phone charging and a leather covered flat bottom steering wheel.
What does it have that others don't?
Kia’s ownership credentials are unbeatable, not only in this type of SUV but across the entire new car market.
How practical is it?
Kia has earned a reputation for thoughtful cabins and the Sportage is a prime example. There’s lots of useful small item storage, cup holders and three 12V outlets as well as a pair of USB charging ports.
Is it comfortable?
As mentioned earlier, the fit and finish of the interior is excellent. It really does elevate the GT-Line above the other Sportage models.As part of this latest update, Kia has introduced a new infotainment system that runs through the 8.0-inch touchscreen integrated nicely into the centre fascia.
Easy in, easy out?
The cabin has room for three adults to sit across the rear seat relatively comfortably so kids aren’t an issue. The back of the rear seats are also adjustable to help find a comfortable position. There’s ISOFIX mounts for child restraints on the outer rear seats, which makes it a good family wagon. The electrically adjustable front seats are supportive and comfortable although I personally would have liked the driver’s seat to go a little lower.
Space and versatility?
The boot measures 466-litres but the wheel arches do eat into the space on the side so the useable load area is relatively square. In saying that, it’s still a good size - as an example, we were able to fit three 55-litre Eskys, four fold-up chairs, a soccer ball and tennis rackets in the cargo area.
What's the engine like?
The 2.0-litre diesel is carried over from the previous model, but that’s no bad thing as it’s a good little oil burner with plenty of torque and is relatively quiet and smooth. The engine is mated to Kia’s new in-house-developed eight-speed automatic transmission. The auto works a treat with the easy pulling power of the engine helping to deliver smooth seamless shifts. It always knows what gear to be in and when and never felt like it had one too many gears like some similar-sized gearboxes do.
How much fuel does it consume?
Kia claims a combined fuel usage of 6.4-litres per 100km which is pretty good. In the real world on our loan of the vehicle we used and average of 8.2L/100km. This was a mixture of freeway and urban driving with four, two and one occupants at times and some gear in the back over a weekend.
Is it enjoyable to drive?
This is a really nice little SUV to drive. Combined with the interior quality, looks and comfort, a strong drivetrain, comfortable ride and good handling and you have a very strong vehicle. Kia as a brand that has come a long way to the point where if you replaced the GT-Line’s Kia badge with a premium brand a lot of people just may fall for it.
Does it perform as you expect?
Kia has done a good job adding a layer of polish and top-notch presentation to an otherwise sensible and good value SUV.It drives well, has a tonne of features, looks good in my opinion and I would genuinely own one. For those still hung up on Kia’s old image of cheaper, lower quality cars the Sportage is a great incentive to take another look at the brand.
2018 Kia Sportage GT-Line Diesel price and specificationsPrice: From $47,690 plus on-road costsEngine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo dieselPower: 136kW at 4000rpmTorque: 400Nm at 1750-2750rpmTransmission: Eight-speed automatic, all-wheel driveFuel use: 6.4L/100km