Compact SUV · 2021–present

Kia Sportage

Bold family SUV with petrol, hybrid and plug-in power

By Adrian, Car Lease Deals UK · Updated 16 October 2026

One of the UK's most popular compact SUVs, the Kia Sportage has distinctive styling and a well-equipped cabin. Petrol, hybrid and plug-in hybrid engines give it a wide spread of efficiency choices.

At a glance

Class
Compact SUV
Body styles
5-door SUV
Generation(s)
5th generation (NQ5)
Years
2021–present
Fuel
Petrol, hybrid, plug-in hybrid
Transmission
6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic, 6-speed DCT (PHEV)
Drivetrain
FWD, AWD on higher trims
Rivals
Nissan Qashqai, Hyundai Tucson, Ford Kuga, SEAT Ateca
Known for
Distinctive styling, roomy cabin and strong efficiency across the hybrid range
Our car scoremid-size SUV
6.8/ 10

A transparent score for the Kia Sportage, worked out from official UK figures, not opinion. Running costs and emissions compare it like for like: same class, same fuel and powertrain.

How we score cars
Running costs6.5

20.0p a mile on the 1.6 T-GDi 147 (MT, 2WD) (39.8 mpg) at current UK prices, lower than 65% of petrol mid-size SUVs on sale

Company car tax6.2

16% benefit-in-kind on the 1.6 T-GDi PHEV, best in range for 2026/27

Emissions6.5

162 g/km on the 1.6 T-GDi 147 (MT, 2WD), lower than 65% of petrol mid-size SUVs on sale

Practicality7.9

587 litre standard boot (seats up)

Performance6.9

0-62 mph in 7.9s on the 1.6 T-GDi HEV (236 bhp)

Powertrain choice8.0

3 powertrains: petrol, hybrid, plug-in

Score for the 2026/27 tax year. It updates automatically as fuel prices, energy prices and tax rates change. See the full method.

Our view

Few rivals in the compact SUV class match the Sportage for design and everyday practicality, and the hybrid and plug-in versions add real efficiency. It is a strong all-rounder.

Our editorial view, separate from the data score above.

Explore the range

Pick a body style, engine and trim. Everything updates together, so you only see combinations that were actually offered.

Body style
Engine
Trim
Sportage 1.6 T-GDi HEV·Standard·SUVHybrid
Power236 bhp
Power
236 bhp
Torque
≈ 265 Nm
0–62 mph
7.9s
Economy
49.5 mpg
CO₂
129 g/km
Standard trim

Trim level in the current range.

5-door SUV

Boot 587 litres (petrol/hybrid), 540 litres (PHEV), length 4.515m. A practical, high-riding family SUV with a wide boot opening, flexible rear seating and a choice of efficient petrol, hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains.

EngineFuelPowerTorque0–62EconomyCO₂
1.6 T-GDi HEVHybrid236 bhp≈ 265 Nm7.9s49.5129 g/km
1.6 T-GDi PHEVPlug-in hybrid242 bhp≈ 350 Nm7.9s235.427 g/km
1.6 T-GDi 147 (MT, 2WD)Petrol147 bhp≈ 253 Nm9.7s39.8162 g/km

Official figures, checked September 2026. Values marked ≈ are approximate.

Plug-in hybrid economy is the official WLTP weighted figure, which assumes the battery is charged regularly. With a flat battery a plug-in hybrid runs mostly on petrol, so real economy is much lower on long journeys. Electric economy is shown in miles per kWh.

See the most economical new cars in the UK

Running costs

27 g/km CO2
Lowest emissions from the plug-in hybrid
49.5 mpg
Combined economy from the self-charging hybrid
7 years
Kia's standard UK manufacturer warranty
Strong
Residual values across the hybrid line-up

Insurance groups and premiums vary by driver, location and history, so these are indicative bands only.

Fuel cost for this car

Yearly cost at 10,000 miles on official economy. Petrol 175.3p and diesel 200.0p a litre (UK average, week commencing 12 October 2026); electric 26.32p per kWh charged at home (1 October to 31 December 2026).

Pure 1.6 MT (petrol, 147 bhp)
About £2,002 a year at 39.8 mpg, or 20.0p a mile. Open in the fuel cost calculator
GT-Line S 1.6 (hybrid, 236 bhp)
About £1,610 a year at 49.5 mpg, or 16.1p a mile. Open in the fuel cost calculator

Tax for this car

Road tax and company car tax on official CO2 figures at 2026/27 rates. The expensive car supplement and P11D value depend on the list price, which you enter in the calculators.

Pure 1.6 MT (petrol, 147 bhp, 162 g/km)
Road tax: £1,410 in the first year, then £200 a year. Company car tax: 37% of the P11D value in 2026/27.
GT-Line S 1.6 (hybrid, 236 bhp, 129 g/km)
Road tax: £455 in the first year, then £200 a year. Company car tax: 31% of the P11D value in 2026/27.

Which Sportage suits you

Regular motorway drivers

The hybrid and petrol engines are relaxed and efficient on longer journeys, with confident refinement at speed.

Growing families

A wide cabin, flexible rear seats and a large boot make the Sportage genuinely practical for everyday family life.

Buyers wanting powertrain choice

Petrol, hybrid and plug-in hybrid options mean there's a version to suit different budgets and mileages.

Short-commute plug-in drivers

The PHEV suits those who can charge at home and cover most daily miles on electric power alone.

Best way to get this car

How the main ways to fund a Sportage compare. General guidance only, not financial advice or an offer.

Lease (PCH)

A popular way to access newer Sportage models with fixed monthly costs and no depreciation risk.

PCP

Offers lower monthly payments with an optional final balloon payment, suited to those wanting flexibility at term end.

HP (hire purchase)

A straightforward way to spread the cost while working towards outright ownership.

Subscription

Useful for short-term flexibility, though typically at a higher overall cost than leasing.

Buy outright

Avoids interest and finance charges entirely, best suited to those with sufficient upfront funds.

Leasing vs buying

Leasing
  • ✓A Sportage hybrid or PHEV on a lease means no battery worry at hand-back
  • ✓A plug-in on a term suits a home charger and a short commute
  • ✓Kia's manufacturer warranty is usually long enough to cover a lease
  • ✓A lease is a low-risk way to try hybrid or plug-in power
Buying
  • ✓Petrol and hybrid versions are relaxed enough to keep for years of motorway use
  • ✓A wide rear cabin and flexible seats suit an owner raising a family
  • ✓Equity built in the car can go towards the next purchase
  • ✓Owning avoids contract mileage limits on a family SUV that may cover many school-run miles

Which works out cheaper depends on your annual mileage, how long you keep the car and whether you want to own it. Try the true cost of leasing calculator to compare.

Frequently asked questions

What engines does the Kia Sportage come with in the UK?+

UK buyers can choose from a 1.6-litre turbo petrol producing 147bhp, a 1.6-litre self-charging hybrid with 236bhp, and a 1.6-litre plug-in hybrid producing 242bhp.

Is the Kia Sportage hybrid worth considering?+

The hybrid version returns up to 49.5mpg and emits 129g/km CO2, making it a strong balance of efficiency and performance without needing to be plugged in.

How far can the plug-in hybrid Sportage travel on electric power?+

With official combined economy of 235.4mpg and CO2 emissions of just 27g/km, the PHEV is designed for drivers who can cover most short journeys on electric power alone.

Is the Kia Sportage practical for families?+

Yes, it offers a spacious cabin, flexible rear seating and a boot capacity of up to 587 litres, making it well suited to family use.

What warranty does the Kia Sportage come with?+

Kia provides a 7-year manufacturer warranty in the UK, one of the longest in the industry, which can add reassurance whether buying or leasing.