Kia Sportage 2022 review
Overview
The fifth-generation Sportage went on UK sale in December 2021 for the 2022 model year, priced from £26,745, and it was the most ambitious Sportage Kia had ever built. Sharper styling, a tech-heavy cabin and a properly electrified engine range — including the headline 1.6 T-GDi full hybrid with 229PS (226bhp) — moved it from value SUV to genuine class contender. UK trims were 2, GT-Line, 3, 4 and GT-Line S, with a 265PS plug-in hybrid and a 136hp mild-hybrid diesel also offered.
The hybrid is the pick: 350Nm of torque, 0–62mph in around 8 seconds and 48.7mpg officially, with the smooth torque fill that makes town driving effortless. Inside, the dual 12.3-inch curved displays borrowed from the EV6 give it one of the class's most modern cabins, and even the entry '2' trim came with LED headlights, a reversing camera, Apple CarPlay and the full collision-avoidance suite. A 5-star Euro NCAP rating and a boot that holds 587 litres in hybrid form complete the family case.
The used angle is where the Sportage really shines. Kia's 7-year/100,000-mile warranty follows the car, not the first owner, so a 2022 car can still carry manufacturer cover into late 2029 — exceptional peace of mind that no rival matches. Top-spec cars were pricey new (£38k–£40k+), which is exactly why they are such strong used buys now.
Downsides? The ride is firmer than rivals, especially on 19-inch wheels, and the non-hybrid petrols are not particularly economical. The PHEV's boot shrinks to 540 litres and used supply is patchy. But as a used family SUV with big warranty cover, big boot and genuinely premium feel, the 2022 Sportage is hard to beat — go for the hybrid, and the GT-Line if your budget stretches.
UK price from: £26,745
Specifications
| Engine | 1.6L 4-cylinder turbo petrol + electric motor (1.49kWh) |
| Power | 229 PS (226 bhp) combined |
| Torque | 350 Nm |
| 0-62 mph | 7.7-8.1 seconds |
| Top speed | 120 mph |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic |
| Drive | Front-wheel drive (AWD available) |
| Fuel economy | 48.7 mpg combined (WLTP, FWD) |
| CO2 emissions | 132 g/km (FWD) |
| Boot space | 587 litres (hybrid) |
| Insurance group | Group 24 |
| Euro NCAP | 5-star (tested 2022) |
| Warranty | 7 years / 100,000 miles |
Features
- Dual panoramic curved display: twin 12.3-inch screens (cluster + infotainment) with Multi-Mode control panel
- Harman Kardon premium sound system on 4 and GT-Line S trims
- 360-degree surround-view monitor plus Blind-Spot View Monitor in the cluster
- Remote Smart Parking Assist — park and unpark from outside via the key fob
- Full ADAS suite even on entry 2 trim: smart cruise, forward-collision avoidance, Highway Driving Assist
- Panoramic sunroof, head-up display, ventilated front seats and tri-zone climate on GT-Line S
- Heated leather seats front and rear, heated steering wheel, powered tailgate, wireless charging
- Kia Connect with 7 years of free connected services and OTA updates
Common parts & prices
| Part | Price (GBP) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Front brake pads (set) | £44.99 | Typical UK pattern-part price |
| Oil filter | £12.99 | Typical UK pattern-part price |
| Cabin pollen filter | £14.99 | Typical UK pattern-part price |
| Front wiper blades (pair) | £21.49 | Typical UK pattern-part price |
| 12V battery (AGM) | £129.99 | Typical UK pattern-part price; stop-start hybrid needs AGM |
| Engine air filter | £14.99 | Typical UK pattern-part price |
Pros
- 7-year/100,000-mile warranty transfers to the next owner — running until ~2029 on 2022 cars
- Genuinely roomy cabin and big boot: 587 litres in hybrid form
- Full hybrid is quiet, smooth and realistically frugal at 45–48mpg
- Premium-feeling interior and generous standard kit even on base trim
- 5-star Euro NCAP with 87% adult occupant protection
Cons
- Top trims were pricey new (£38k–£40k+) — good news for used buyers though
- Ride is firmer than rivals, especially on 19-inch wheels
- Non-hybrid petrols are not very economical on the motorway
- PHEV loses boot space (540L) and used supply is patchy
