Bigger, bolder, more intelligent Sportage impresses – even with the cheapo manual transmission
The 2022 Kia Sportage is a daring departure from the mid-size SUV it replaces in terms of exterior design and, in some ways, even performance. Aussie-tuned suspension, a larger interior and impressive equipment list make the new Sportage a compelling alternative to league leaders like the Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-5. Even in its most basic form – with a manual gearbox – the new Sportage is a convincing SUV with solid aftersales provisions. For an extra $2000 over the bargain-basement entry price, you get an auto transmission and a lot more besides… so who would buy the manual version?
Impressive value for money
The 2022 Kia Sportage represents a coming of age for the Korean brand, a mid-size SUV that will likely win over new-car buyers and potentially retain their loyalty for some time.
Given that it’s based on the same platform (N3) as our Best Mid-Size SUV 2021, the Hyundai Tucson – only more affordable, with a better warranty, Australian chassis tuning and a manual option – this comes as no surprise.
And while the tide is beginning to turn for EVs and more customers are asking “Is there an electric version?”, combustion-powered vehicles like this will continue play a vital role – especially when you compare the price of its EV equivalent, the EV6 ($67,990 plus on-road costs), to this plucky duck ($32,445 plus ORCs).
Beyond the impressive seven-year new-car warranty – bested only by Mitsubishi’s 10 years – the Kia Sportage S manual model represents solid value for money.
It’s fitted as standard with an 8.0-inch central touch-screen with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, a reversing camera and rear parking sensors, LED headlights, DRLs and tail-lights and 17-inch alloy wheels with a full-size alloy spare.
But there’s no proximity smart key, so the key plipper has to be manually clicked to open doors, and the same goes for starting the engine – key in the barrel, no push-button.
In a way it’s a nostalgic trip back in time… but when the kids are screaming in your ear and you can’t unlock the car because your hands are full it’s pretty annoying.
Our test vehicle had the Clear White paint job, which is the only colour that won’t cost extra, with greys, red, blue and black adding $520 to the price. I like it in white but it’s a small price to pay to customise your colour. Only one interior trim is offered – black.
For more of the nitty-gritty and vital info, check out our Kia Sportage – What You Need To Know story.
While the six-speed manual Sportage has a strong warranty, capped-price servicing of $3479 over seven years works out to around $497 per service on average, which is around double the price of a Toyota RAV4.
Buyers also get one-year complimentary roadside assist, which renews annually for up to eight years when you service it with Kia.
More tech for the auto gearbox
If you are one of the rare Aussies who prefers to drive a manual, you’ll have fun in the 2022 Kia Sportage S… but will also have your work cut out.
Sure, the six-speed auto transmission adds $2000 to the price, but it also adds adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, trailer stability assist, adaptive high beam dipping, blind spot collision avoidance assist, rear cross traffic collision avoidance and an electronic park brake with auto hold.
Manual versions still get plenty of safety features as standard, like seven airbags, autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with vehicle, cyclist and pedestrian detection, along with junction/intersection braking assist, a safe exit warning system to avoid dooring cyclists, hill start assist and even lane following and keeping assist, but the auto-only features are worth the extra outlay.
Rear seat USB ports are missing on this bog-standard model-grade, and at the time of writing the Sportage did not have an ANCAP safety rating. But the Kia Sportage S comes with wireless Apple Carplay and wireless Android Auto – something all other model-grades do not.
Engine flavour: weaksauce
While you get a good value machine with the entry-level 2022 Kia Sportage S, the engine is best-described as adequate – and worst described as cr*p.
It lacks thrust and doesn’t make a particularly pleasant sound when revved hard, which is required when travelling up hill, or overtaking, or moving away from standstill…
Generating 115kW at 6200rpm at and 192Nm at 4500rpm, the engine will probably last forever but compared to turbo engines or electric motors, it takes its sweet time getting up to speed.
But the clutch has a clean stroke and actuates beautifully, with a smooth bite, and the gear lever slots in and out of the gates with a satisfying level of engagement.
In terms of fuel efficiency, our week-long evaluation of the front-drive mid-size SUV saw a figure of 11.1L/100km, nowhere near the claimed 7.7L/100km.
Bigger but more balanced
What the 2022 Kia Sportage S lacks in muscle, it makes up for with interior space and driving dynamics, the roomy cabin a significant improvement on its predecessor.
Big and spacious, comfortable and confident, the Kia Sportage is a very polished product and while the black cloth seats don’t exactly exude extravagance, they’re supportive and should be hard wearing.
There’s loads of space for front and rear occupants and despite the full-size spare wheel hidden under the boot floor – and the lack of a powered tailgate – cargo space is generous at 543 litres.
It’s enough space to accommodate a fold-up pram, balance bike and a couple of shopping bags with room to spare.
The boot expands to 1829 litres when you fold the rear seats flat, and boot amenity is pretty good, with bag hooks, a 12V socket and even a decent cargo cover.
Despite the Korean mid-sizer’s increased length, width and height – it’s now just 150mm shy of the bigger Kia Sorento – the Kia Sportage doesn’t feel like a large vehicle to drive.
The ultra-light steering makes tight parking manoeuvres a doddle, while the suspension has enough compliance to keep occupants from feeling big hits on the tyres, whether from poorly maintained roads or rain-gouged pot-holes.
It’s an engaging SUV to punt around the suburbs, partly because of the manual transmission but also due to the Australian-calibrated suspension and steering set-up.
Unlike the atypical Korean tuning (read: ultra-cushy), Aussie versions of this SUV have good body control and sit flat through corners. The end result is a more confident drive that means you won’t feel nervous on twisty roads.
Manual labour
The six-speed manual mid-size SUV is a rare breed, with few car brands even bothering to offer them nowadays. But this is where the 2022 Kia Sportage S does some of its best work – more variants for more people. While some car brands are seeking to simplify vehicle line-ups, Kia is finding friends via choice.
Although this entry-level Kia Sportage is affordable, safe, well-equipped and has a strong warranty, only a tiny fraction of buyers will choose the six-speed manual.
That’s no great surprise when you get so many extra features and improved safety by ticking the box for the $2000 automatic transmission.
How much does the 2022 Kia Sportage S cost?Price: $32,445 (plus on-road costs)Available: NowEngine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrolOutput: 115kW/192NmTransmission: Six-speed manual automatic Fuel: 7.7L/100km (ADR Combined)CO2: 175g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: TBC
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Keyword: Kia Sportage S 2022 Review