Kia Sportage 2025 Review: Can This Updated SUV Outshine the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid?

The Kia Sportage is a household name, topping sales charts in Australia and globally as Kia’s bestselling SUV. With the 2025 midlife update, Kia aims to keep this family favorite ahead of rivals like the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. Boasting a sharper design, upgraded tech, enhanced safety, and a wider range of powertrains, the 2025 Sportage is ready to impress. But does it deliver enough to dominate the midsize SUV market?

In this detailed review, we’ll explore the Sportage’s facelift, dive into its 13 trim and powertrain combinations, and evaluate its performance, practicality, and value. Drawing from the CarsGuide 2025 Kia Sportage Review and real-world insights, we’ll break down what makes this SUV a contender for families, adventurers, and daily commuters. Let’s hit the road and see if the 2025 Sportage lives up to the hype!

Why the Kia Sportage Matters in 2025

The midsize SUV segment is fiercely competitive, with heavyweights like the Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Tucson, and Mazda CX-5 vying for attention. The Kia Sportage stands out with its bold styling, generous warranty, and versatile powertrain options. The 2025 update refines an already strong package, addressing design, tech, and driving dynamics to stay relevant.

Key highlights of the 2025 refresh include:

• Redesigned Look: New vertical headlights and dynamic DRLs give it a bolder, more modern appearance.
• Expanded Hybrids: All-wheel-drive (AWD) hybrid options broaden its appeal for eco-conscious buyers.
• Advanced Tech: Twin 12.3-inch screens, Kia Connect, and over-the-air updates elevate the cabin.
• Robust Safety: A full suite of driver aids, including highway driving assist and remote park assist.
• Value Proposition: Kia’s 7-year warranty and capped-price servicing remain unmatched.

The CarsGuide review tested the Sportage across city streets, freeways, and rough country roads, praising its versatility but noting areas for improvement. Let’s dive into the details of this updated SUV.

2025 Kia Sportage: Trim Levels and Features

The 2025 Sportage offers 13 trim and powertrain combinations, ensuring there’s a model for every budget and need. The lineup spans four trims—S, SX, SX Plus, and GT-Line—with four engines and five powertrain configurations. Here’s a breakdown of each trim’s key features:

1. S (Entry-Level)

• Price: Starting at ~AUD $32,995.
• Features:
  • 17-inch alloy wheels.
  • LED daytime running lights (DRLs).
  • Power-folding mirrors and roof rails.
  • Cloth seats, power windows, smart key with push-button start.
  • Single-zone air conditioning with rear vents.
  • 12.3-inch infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.
  • 4.2-inch driver display, six-speaker stereo.
• Who It’s For: Budget buyers seeking value and essential tech.

2. SX (Mid-Tier)

• Price: Starting at ~AUD $37,995.
• Features (adds to S):
  • 18-inch alloy wheels.
  • Dual-zone climate control.
  • Built-in navigation.
  • Rain-sensing wipers.
• Who It’s For: Buyers wanting a step-up in comfort and style.

3. SX Plus (Sweet Spot)

• Price: Starting at ~AUD $43,995.
• Features (adds to SX):
  • 19-inch alloy wheels.
  • LED fog lights.
  • Artificial leather seats.
  • Wireless device charging.
  • Heated steering wheel.
  • Harman Kardon premium sound system.
• Who It’s For: Families or tech-savvy buyers seeking premium features without breaking the bank.

4. GT-Line (Flagship)

• Price: Starting at ~AUD $49,995.
• Features (adds to SX Plus):
  • 19-inch black alloy wheels (or 18-inch on hybrids).
  • Dynamic welcome lights, projection headlights.
  • Twin 12.3-inch screens (infotainment and driver display).
  • Power driver’s seat, head-up display.
  • Remote park assist, blind-spot view monitor.
• Who It’s For: Those craving luxury, advanced tech, and top-tier safety.

All models include Kia Connect for remote climate control and over-the-air updates, but lower trims have blanked-out buttons, reminding buyers of what they’re missing. The flagship GT-Line rivals premium SUVs, though it faces price pressure from feature-rich Chinese competitors like BYD or GWM.

Powertrains: Petrol, Diesel, and Hybrid Options

The 2025 Sportage offers four engines and five powertrain configurations, catering to diverse driving needs. Here’s a detailed look at each:

• 2.0L Petrol (Front-Wheel Drive):
  • Power: 115 kW (154 hp), 192 Nm torque.
  • Transmission: 6-speed automatic.
  • Fuel Economy: 8.1L/100km (combined).
  • Fuel Tank: 54L.
  • Best For: Budget buyers with light driving needs.
• 1.6L Turbo Petrol (AWD):
  • Power: 132 kW (177 hp), 265 Nm torque.
  • Transmission: 8-speed automatic (new for 2025).
  • Fuel Economy: 7.5L/100km (combined).
  • Fuel Tank: 54L.
  • Best For: Performance seekers wanting AWD grip.
• 2.0L Diesel (AWD):
  • Power: 137 kW (183 hp), 416 Nm torque.
  • Transmission: 8-speed automatic.
  • Fuel Economy: 6.3L/100km (combined).
  • Fuel Tank: 54L.
  • Best For: Torque-hungry drivers for towing or long trips.
• 1.6L Hybrid (FWD or AWD):
  • Power: 173 kW (232 hp combined), 367 Nm torque.
  • Components: 1.6L turbo petrol + electric motor, 1.49 kWh battery.
  • Transmission: 6-speed automatic.
  • Fuel Economy: 4.9L/100km (FWD), 5.3L/100km (AWD).
  • Fuel Tank: 52L.
  • Best For: Eco-conscious buyers seeking efficiency and power.

The diesel’s torque and the hybrid’s efficiency stand out, with the new AWD hybrid option appealing to buyers in snowy or rugged regions. The 8-speed auto for the 1.6L turbo petrol improves smoothness, though the 2.0L petrol feels underpowered for spirited driving.

Design: A Bolder, More Modern Look

The 2025 Sportage’s facelift brings a striking redesign, split into two aesthetics:

• Lower Trims (S, SX): Updated grille and headlights for a fresh but subtle look.
• Higher Trims (SX Plus, GT-Line): Vertical stacked headlights, dynamic DRLs, and a wider grille create a bold, muscular stance.

The GT-Line’s front end feels powerful yet approachable, avoiding the bulkiness of larger SUVs. The rear features redesigned taillights and a sleeker bumper, enhancing its modern appeal. At 4.52m long, the Sportage balances compact handling with spaciousness, making it ideal for urban and suburban families. Posts on X praise the sharp new design, noting it aligns with Kia’s EV-inspired styling seen in models like the EV3 and EV9.

Interior: Modern Comfort with Some Caveats

Step inside the 2025 Sportage, and you’re greeted by a modern, tech-heavy cabin. The GT-Line’s twin 12.3-inch screens dominate, offering crisp graphics and intuitive menus. A dual-function bar simplifies climate and media controls, reducing screen navigation. Materials like faux wood grain add a premium touch, especially in higher trims.

Cabin Highlights

• Tech: 12.3-inch infotainment with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Kia Connect, and over-the-air updates. The GT-Line’s head-up display and Harman Kardon audio elevate the experience.
• Comfort: Artificial leather seats (SX Plus and up) are supportive, with power adjustments and heating in the GT-Line. Dual-zone climate control (SX and up) keeps everyone comfortable.
• Space: At 175 cm, testers found ample knee room in the rear, though headroom is tight with the panoramic sunroof. Rear vents are standard, but no temperature controls in the GT-Line disappoint.

Drawbacks

• Lower trims (S, SX) feel basic, with blanked-out buttons and no head-up display cutout, signaling cost-cutting.
• Rear materials in the GT-Line feel hard and scratchy, lacking the premium air expected at ~AUD $50,000.
• Road noise creeps in on coarse surfaces, especially with ICE engines, though hybrids are quieter.

Boot Space and Practicality

The Sportage’s boot is a standout for families, offering:

• Capacity: 586L (ICE models), 526L (hybrids, due to battery placement).
• Features: Deep, wide cargo area with a flat floor. Hybrids get a temporary spare wheel, while some ICE models offer a full-size spare.
• Versatility: 60:40 split-folding rear seats expand space to ~1,870L (ICE) or ~1,780L (hybrids).

The boot handles groceries, camping gear, or sports equipment with ease, though the hybrid’s smaller capacity and spare wheel type may deter some buyers. The CarsGuide review praised its real-world usability for family needs.

Driving Experience: Smooth and Planted

The CarsGuide team tested the Sportage across city streets, freeways, twisty roads, and rough country B-roads, offering first impressions of its driving dynamics. While not a comprehensive test of all variants, the results are promising.

• Ride Quality: The suspension glides over imperfections, with minimal body roll even on twisty roads. It feels solid and planted, rivaling the Mazda CX-5 for composure.
• Steering: Updated for 2025, the steering is direct and confidence-inspiring at high speeds but feels overly sensitive at low speeds, requiring adjustment.
• Powertrains:
  • Diesel: The 2.0L diesel’s 416 Nm torque is a “peach,” delivering effortless acceleration and towing capability (up to 1,900kg braked).
  • Hybrid: The 173 kW hybrid (FWD or AWD) offers punchy performance and excellent efficiency (4.9–5.3L/100km), ideal for long trips.
  • Petrol: The 1.6L turbo petrol (132 kW) feels lively with the new 8-speed auto, while the 2.0L petrol (115 kW) is adequate but lacks excitement.
• Refinement: Road noise is noticeable on coarse surfaces, and ICE engines are audible under hard acceleration. Hybrids are quieter, but EVs like the Kia EV5 remain the benchmark for silence.

The overspeed warning, a common annoyance, can be muted by holding the volume control—a welcome feature. Overall, the Sportage handles diverse conditions well, though it’s not as refined as premium rivals like the Audi Q5.

Safety: A Comprehensive Suite

The 2025 Sportage is packed with safety features, earning a 5-star ANCAP rating:

• Standard (All Trims):
  • Seven airbags, including a center airbag.
  • Autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with junction sensing.
  • Blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, lane-follow assist.
  • Rear-view camera, speed limit monitoring, SOS button.
• SX Plus and Up:
  • Highway Driving Assist (adaptive cruise control with lane centering).
• GT-Line:
  • Remote park assist for tight spaces.
  • Blind-spot view monitor, rear-view monitor.

The 7-year unlimited-kilometer warranty, 7-year capped-price servicing, and 8-year roadside assistance (with Kia servicing) add peace of mind. Servicing costs for hybrids total ~AUD $4,510 over 7 years, with intervals at 12 months/10,000km (turbo petrol, hybrid) or 15,000km (other engines).

Top 10 Reasons to Buy the 2025 Kia Sportage

Top 5 Reasons to Avoid the 2025 Kia Sportage

Comparison Table: 2025 Kia Sportage vs. Rivals

The Sportage’s hybrid efficiency and warranty give it an edge, but the RAV4’s reliability and lower price are strong competitors.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Bold, modern design with striking vertical headlights.
• Efficient hybrid options (FWD and AWD).
• Torque-rich diesel for towing and long drives.
• Spacious boot and family-friendly interior.
• Comprehensive safety suite and 7-year warranty.
• High-tech cabin with twin screens (GT-Line).

Cons

• Lower trims feel basic with blanked-out buttons.
• Rear materials lack premium quality in GT-Line.
• Road noise on coarse surfaces.
• Steering feels overly sensitive at low speeds.
• Hybrid boot space and spare wheel are less practical.

Buying Guide: Is the 2025 Kia Sportage Right for You?

The 2025 Sportage caters to diverse buyers, but here’s how to choose:

• Budget Buyers: The S trim offers value with essential tech and safety (~AUD $32,995).
• Families: The SX Plus balances features and price (~AUD $43,995), with artificial leather and premium audio.
• Luxury Seekers: The GT-Line (~AUD $49,995) delivers top-tier tech and style but faces competition from Chinese SUVs.
• Eco-Conscious Drivers: The hybrid (FWD or AWD) is the pick for fuel savings and performance.
• Towing Needs: The diesel’s 1,900kg capacity suits caravans or trailers.

Pro Tip: Test drive the diesel and hybrid to compare torque and efficiency. Check servicing costs on Kia’s website for long-term budgeting.

FAQs About the 2025 Kia Sportage

Conclusion: Does the Sportage Outshine Its Rivals?

The 2025 Kia Sportage is a compelling midsize SUV, blending bold design, advanced tech, and versatile powertrains. The diesel’s torque, hybrid’s efficiency, and GT-Line’s premium features make it a strong contender, though lower trims feel basic, and road noise is a drawback. Compared to the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, it offers more powertrain variety and a longer warranty but faces stiff competition in refinement and price.

For families, commuters, or light towers, the Sportage delivers value and practicality. The SX Plus trim and hybrid powertrain are our top picks for 2025. Ready to explore the Sportage? Visit a Kia dealer for a test drive, share your thoughts in the comments, or follow us on X for more car reviews. Let’s find your perfect SUV!

Author Bio: CarsGuide is an automotive journalist with 12 years of experience reviewing SUVs, sedans, and electric vehicles. they tested cars across Australia’s diverse terrains, from urban streets to outback trails, ensuring practical advice for buyers.