Kia Sportage 5th-Gen HEV Is Here – First Look Review

Today, Suneel brings another first-look review of the Kia Sportage 5th generation. This review is essential because Kia’s slogan is “Movement That Inspires,” and its tagline for this launch is “Redefining the Legacy.” So, what is this legacy, and how does this new model redefine it? Let’s explore it together.

Sportage History

Kia Lucky Motors launched the Sportage in Pakistan in 2019. Since then, more than 40,000 locally assembled Sportage units have been sold. The customer satisfaction level is high, which is why Kia calls this “Redefining the Legacy.” This new Sportage carries forward that legacy but with significant changes. The only two things common between this and the previous Sportage are:

• The name “Kia.”
• The name “Sportage.”

Other than that, everything else is entirely new, including:

• New Shape
• New Chassis
• New Engine Formation

Variants

The 5th-generation Sportage is being launched in Pakistan with three variants:

• 1.6L Turbo Hybrid (HEV)
• 2.0L Petrol FWD
• 2.0L Petrol Alpha

All three variants are Front-Wheel Drive (FWD). Many people ask whether this model will have All-Wheel Drive (AWD), but Kia has confirmed that all three variants are FWD.

Engine & Performance of Kia Sportage 5th generation

For the 1.6L Turbo Hybrid (HEV) variant, the power figures are:

• 177 HP (Petrol Engine)
• 59 HP (Electric Motor)
• Combined: 227 HP & 350 Nm Torque

These numbers are awe-inspiring for an SUV in this segment.

Exterior Design

Front Design

• Panoramic black grille with a stylish grey garnish.
• Boomerang-style LED DRLs with three individual LEDs and integrated indicators.
• Aggressive diffuser-style bumper with a silver garnish.
• Active radiator flap covers – These open and close automatically for cooling, a feature usually found in electric vehicles.

Side Profile

• 18-inch matte grey alloy wheels (varies by variant).
• Plastic fender flares running along the side, giving a rugged SUV feel.

Rear Design

• Unique LED tail lamps extend to the fenders, unlike traditional SUVs.
• Diffuser-style rear bumper with silver garnish.
• Roof rails in piano black.
• Rear spoiler with a high-mounted brake light.

Body Dimensions & Wheelbase

• The new Sportage L has a longer wheelbase, making it taller, longer, and more spacious than the previous model.
• This version is different from the short-wheelbase versions launched in 2022 in other countries.
• A longer wheelbase results in more legroom for passengers.

Comparison with Rivals

• Suneel compares the Sportage with:
  • Haval H6 (closest competitor in terms of size and technology).
  • Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid (a larger 7-seater SUV).
• Although Santa Fe is longer, the wheelbase of the new Sportage is more significant than the Haval H6 and slightly smaller than the Santa Fe.
• This translates into more rear passenger space, making entry and exit very easy.

Interior 

Dashboard & Infotainment

• 12.3-inch Curved LED Infotainment System – Integrates seamlessly with the instrument cluster, giving a cockpit-like feel.
• Modern AC Vents and Door Handles – Inspired by the exterior DRLs for a stylish touch.
• Dashboard Materials:
  • Hard plastic with stitching details.
  • Piano black, silver, and carbon fiber trim, giving the cabin a premium, refined look.

Center Console & Controls

• Electronic Gear Shifter (Shift by Wire) – A modern gear shifter for easy, precise control.
• Driving Mode Selector – Options for Eco, Smart, and Sport modes.
• Auto Hold – Keeps the vehicle stationary on inclines without needing to keep the foot on the brake.
• Downhill Brake Control – Helps maintain control when going downhill.
• Parking Sensor Buttons – Front, rear, and side parking sensors for safety.
• 360-degree Camera System – Assists with parking and maneuvering in tight spaces.
• Wireless Charger & USB Connectivity Ports – These are for convenient charging and device connectivity.
• Adjustable Cup Holders – Designed to accommodate different bottle sizes.

Instrument Cluster & Driving Modes

• 12.3-inch Instrument Cluster – Displays key information such as:
  • Speedometer
  • Fuel range
  • Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
  • Engine temperature
• Driver Attention Warning – Alerts you if your grip on the steering wheel decreases, signaling potential driver fatigue.
• Driving Modes:
  • Eco Mode – Optimizes fuel efficiency with a blue theme.
  • Smart Mode – Adjusts the vehicle’s performance dynamically with a red theme.
  • Sport Mode – Enhances engine and steering response with a checkered flag theme.

Seating & Passenger Comfort

• Interior Color Scheme – Each variant comes with different color options:
  • The Hybrid variant features a red & black two-tone combination.
  • Leatherette upholstery replaces leather for sustainability.
• Driver’s Seat: 8-way power adjustment heated seat, 2-way lumbar support, and memory function for ultimate comfort.
• Passenger Seat: 8-way power adjustment heated seat (No lumbar support or memory function).
• Rear Seat Passengers – Equipped with:
  • Dedicated AC vents
  • High-power USB charging ports
  • Foldable armrests with cupholders for added convenience.
• Heated steering for more comfort in winter

Climate Control & Other Features

• Infotainment System Integration – Includes vehicle settings and voice commands for a seamless experience.
• Dual-zone Climate Control – Allows the driver and passenger to set different temperatures.
• Touch-sensitive Control Panel – Switches between climate and media controls for ease of use.
• Auto-dimming Rearview Mirror – Automatically adjusts to prevent glare from headlights behind you.
• Panoramic Sunroof – Adds to the airy and open cabin feel.
• LED Reading Lights – Activated by touch for convenience and efficiency.

Storage & Boot Space

• Auto Boot Opening System – Convenient system for easy access to ample storage space.
• 60/40 Split-Folding Rear Seats – Increases cargo capacity when needed.
• Spare Wheel:
  • The Hybrid variant comes with a donut-style spare wheel.
  • Other variants are equipped with a full-size spare wheel.

Advanced Safety Features (ADAS) in Kia Sportage 5th generation

Airbags & Safety Systems

• 6 Airbags – For enhanced protection in case of a collision.
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) – Alerts the driver when the tire pressure is low.
• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) – Automatically applies brakes when it detects an impending collision with a vehicle ahead.
• Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist (BCA) – Prevents side collisions by monitoring the blind spots.
• Pre-fill or Partial Braking – Prepares the vehicle for braking when an emergency situation is detected.
• Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) & Lane Following Assist (LFA) – Helps maintain the vehicle within its lane and follows lane markings for safety.

Cruise Control & Parking Assist

• Smart Cruise Control (SCC) maintains a safe distance from the vehicle ahead and adapts the speed, working from 0 to 180 km/h.
• Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA) – Detects cross-traffic while reversing and applies the brakes if necessary.
• Surround View Monitor (SVM) – Provides a 360-degree view of the area around the vehicle.
• Rear View Monitor with Dynamic Guidelines – Offers dynamic guidelines to help with reversing.
• Parking Sensors (Front, Rear & Side) – Includes all-around parking sensors to prevent collisions during parking.

Additional Safety Features

• Driver Attention Warning (DAW) – Alerts the driver if signs of fatigue or distraction are detected.
• High Beam Assist (HBA) – Automatically dims the high beams when it detects oncoming traffic and readjusts after they pass.
• Safe Exit Warning (SEW): This warns passengers if a vehicle is approaching from behind while they are opening the doors.
• Reverse Parking Collision Avoidance Assist (PCA) – Prevents collisions while reversing by automatically applying the brakes if an object is detected.

Final Thoughts

Suneel commented on the quiet drive of the Hybrid variant: “Like any other hybrid, this car is super silent. Right now, it’s in EV mode, and there’s no engine noise at all!” For those interested in buying the new Sportage, he suggests selling their old car through PakWheels for the best resale value and quick upgrade.