Top 3 KIA Sportage trims head to head: here’s our winner.

By Farzana Chaumoo 

Your choice of trim level plays a big role in which features and technology systems you can expect to find in your 2019 Kia Sportage.

 

Taking a look at the outrageously-popular compact crossover segment, individuals and families alike have all found a favourite vehicle here. The innovative vehicles to come out of this class gives drivers good ride height, visibility, ground clearance, boot space, light-off-roading ability and comfort all without surrendering a smooth ride, precise handling and good fuel economy. In this crowded class, the Kia Sportage stands out for its bold style, its great reliability and for its value.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in the States listed the 2018 KIA Sportage on their Top Safety Pick list for having some of the most driver-friendly technology and configurability in the class. The compact crossover class, which is said to be known for its “one-size-fits-most” solutions, is challenged by the driver and passenger comfort and convenience in the 2018 Sportage. The latest update to the South African line was done in November 2018 and received a design update along with new engines and new transmissions.

 

Trims

KIA Motors has retained the Ignite specification grade as entry point into the Sportage range, but have enhanced the overall grade to include a raft of standard specification that includes, but is not limited to, air-conditioning (manual), automatic headlamp control (incorporating ‘Welcome Home’ and ‘Escort’ lighting), electric side mirrors with integrated indicator lamps, a centre console armrest with integrated storage box, Bluetooth connectivity, a radio with six speakers, electric windows front and rear, rear park distance control and high performance dampers, to name but a few.

Ignite models feature fabric upholstery, as well as a new leather-wrapped steering wheel with remote controls for audio, telephony and cruise control, and a new leather-wrapped gearshift. Newly designed 16-inch alloy wheels with 215/70 R16 rubber complete the picture, along with standard LED Daytime Running Lights.  

Building on the Ignite specification, the revised Ignite Plus range also includes auto-folding side mirrors and an electrochromatic rear-view mirror on the inside, gaining notably on its exterior appeal with the addition of front fog lamps and stylish new 17-inch wheels shod with 225/60 R17 tyres.

The Sportage EX range makes further progress, with exterior enhancements also including stylish new 17-inch wheels shod with 225/60 R17 tyres. EX models also gain front parking sensors, auto rain-sensing wipers and an Electric Parking Brake with Auto Hold function. Its Bluetooth system incorporates Voice Recognition, and the air-conditioning system is upgraded from manual to automatic. Seats are upgraded to leather upholstery and gain electric adjustment functionality (including adjustable lumbar support).

Notably, the infotainment system is upgraded to include a 7-inch colour touchscreen that incorporates not only the reverse camera display but also Apple CarPlay (Sportage is Android Auto ready).

Included in the EX grade is a singular all-wheel drive model, which also includes an upgrade to sporty 19-inch wheels on 245/45 R19 tyres.

The new Sportage range-topper, the Sportage EX Plus, builds on the EX specification grade and features the same sporty 19-inch wheels as the EX AWD model, as well as a panoramic sunroof. Rear passengers now have access to a USB port, while the driver and front passenger benefit from an upgrade to an 8-inch colour touchscreen that incorporates satellite navigation, the reverse camera display, full Apple CarPlay functionality (Sportage is Android Auto ready), as well as a wireless smartphone charger.

 

Pricing

KIA Sportage 1.6 GDI Ignite (6-Speed Auto)                R379,995

KIA Sportage 2.0 Ignite Plus (6-Speed Manual)           R389,995

KIA Sportage 2.0 Ignite Plus (6-Speed Auto)               R403,995

KIA Sportage 2.0 CRDI Ignite Plus (8-Speed Auto)      R453,995

KIA Sportage 2.0 EX (6-Speed Auto)                            R459,995

KIA Sportage 2.0 CRDI EX (8-Speed Auto)                  R509,995

KIA Sportage 2.0 CRDI EX AWD (8-Speed Auto)         R536,995

KIA Sportage 2.0 EX Plus (6-Speed Auto)                    R499,995

KIA Sportage 2.0 CRDI EX Plus (8-Speed Auto)          R549,995

 

Verdict

It's always a little tricky deciding which trim to spend your money on. It ultimately comes down to how much you're willing to spend vs how badly do you really want all the extras. While the Plus models are usually fully kitted out and offer the most convenience features, the middle trim is usually where good value is offered for the price being asked vs the equipment you are getting. Middle-trim models are equipped with all the necessities and a few nice to haves that you will definitely make use of. Some people pay a premium price for all the extras and never make use of the systems and features. But if you feel the extras won't be just a novelty, then drop your money on the Plus models.

 

Recommended: 2018 KIA Sportage Review