Updated 2020 Kia Sportage goes on sale

The updated Kia Sportage is on sale now with a starting price of £23,445. Changes for 2020 include extra technology, the introduction of a new diesel model with mild-hybrid assistance, and revised trim levels. First deliveries are expected towards the end of the year.

Engines, performance and efficiency

As part of changes made for the 2020 Sportage, Kia has introduced a new turbocharged 1.6-litre diesel engine with a 48-volt mild-hybrid assistance system. This uses a belt-driven starter-generator and a 0.44kWh battery pack located beneath the boot floor.

According to Kia, the mild-hybrid assistance enables the engine to be switched off automatically during coasting and braking, and provides assistance during acceleration to reduce engine load and lower emissions.

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This new powertrain comes with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard with a seven-speed automatic available on the options list. When equipped with a manual, the diesel mild-hybrid Sportage is capable of 0-62mph in 10.8 seconds with a top speed of 112mph. Claimed fuel economy figures for the powertrain are 52.3mpg, regardless of which gearbox you choose, with a claimed CO2 emissions figure of 141g/km.

Elsewhere, the 2020 Sportage carries over the same 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine in two power outputs. The naturally aspirated entry-level unit produces 130bhp and is only available with front-wheel drive, whereas the more powerful turbocharged version produces 174bhp and can be specced with four-wheel drive. Both models are available with a six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic gearbox.

2020 Kia Sportage trim levels, equipment and prices

For 2020, both the entry-level ‘1’ and range-topping ‘4’ trim levels have been discontinued. A new pair of sporty flagship models badged ‘GT-Line’ and ‘GT-Line S’ will top the range, along with the mid-range ‘2’ and ‘3’ models.

The refreshed Sportage comes with an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Kia’s UVO connected services, sat nav and voice control as standard. All models also get Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity.

The entry-level Sportage 2 features heated front and rear seats, dual-zone automatic air conditioning and a leather-trimmed multifunction steering wheel. It also has privacy glass, electrically folding door mirrors, rear parking sensors, automatic windscreen wipers and 17-inch alloy wheels.

Starting from £26,445, the Sportage 3 comes with LED headlights, black plastic bodywork cladding, front parking sensors and a panoramic sunroof. The interior has leather-trimmed seats, a heated steering wheel, an electronic handbrake and a 4.2-inch digital display for the instruments behind the steering wheel.

The new GT-Line model starts at £26,660 and gets a range of sporty styling features over the ‘2’ trim level. The interior gets minor tweaks with a black headlining, a sports steering wheel and aluminium pedals. The exterior features 19-inch alloy wheels, a restyled front grille, LED fog lights and a twin exhaust.

At the top of the range, the new GT-Line S builds on the spec of the GT-Line model. Starting from £30,510, it has a panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats that are also electrically adjustable, wireless smartphone charging, a powered tailgate and a premium JBL stereo system. Upgraded safety tech includes a standard fit 360-degree camera.

Safety

Standard safety kit has been upgraded for 2020, with all cars now fitted with lane-keep assist, high-beam assist and trailer stability assist. Cruise control and a speed limiter also feature, along with a reversing camera.

Want to know more about the Kia Sportage SUV? Read our full in-depth review.