After three generations, Kia has transformed from a manufacturer of dull vehicles to a producer of stylish cars. The third generation of the Kia Sportage was a significant success, lasting six years in the market. Therefore, it is only natural that they would develop a new model to achieve even greater success. This vehicle is crucial for Kia, possibly their most important car of the year. Let us share the details of our experience.

Event Overview

Kia Middle East, in collaboration with Al Majid Motors, organized a full-day event featuring luxurious hotels, delicious food, and numerous cars to test drive. We were divided into two groups:

The first group drove the Sportage with a 2.0L front-wheel drive engine.
The other group tested the model with a 2.4L four-wheel drive engine.

I was part of the front-wheel drive group.

Exterior Design of the 2016 Kia Sportage

2016 Kia Sportage Exterior Design

At first glance, the design of the Kia Sportage appears to have evolved rather than changed dramatically. Some aesthetic details have been altered, but the overall shape and sloping roofline remain consistent with the previous generation. Most significant changes are found in the front and rear sections.

The rear lights remind me of those on the S Class vehicles.
The rear design recalls the look of the 1 Series.

Overall, the rear appearance is attractive and well-constructed.

Looking at the car from the front, it feels like a blend of two different vehicles. The headlight design resembles that of the Porsche Cayenne, while the overall front appearance is reminiscent of the Nissan Juke. The front design is not exceptional, and Kia may update it soon based on feedback.

Interior of the 2016 Kia Sportage

2016 Kia Sportage Interior

The interior is where the Kia Sportage 2016 excels and differentiates itself from its predecessor. The cabin feels more spacious, thanks to a 30mm longer wheelbase. While this may not seem substantial on paper, you will notice the difference when seated in the second row, as there is more legroom, and entering and exiting the vehicle is easier than in the older Kia Sportage.

According to Kia, the cargo space has increased by 26L compared to the previous model, which is a significant improvement. Upon inspecting the trunk, I was confident that it would appeal to most potential buyers.

You might also be interested in checking out our experience with the Kia Carnival.

Another positive aspect is the build quality of the interior. The cabin has a luxurious feel, with high-quality materials used throughout. You will notice soft-touch plastics everywhere, and the buttons are of good quality. There are no rattling sounds, and the engine remains quiet when the vehicle is stationary. Additionally, road and wind noise is minimal, thanks to high-quality insulation. We must commend Kia for this impressive development.

The Kia I drove came equipped with all the features I expected, including leather seats, parking assistance, a panoramic roof, seat cooling, a blind-spot monitoring system, climate control, a TFT touchscreen, navigation system, and Bluetooth connectivity. It even had heated rear seats.

Overall, I was very pleased with the interior, and I believe consumers will also be very satisfied.

Driving the 2016 Kia Sportage

2016 Kia Sportage Engine

The Kia Sportage I drove was equipped with a 2.0L front-wheel drive engine, providing 150 horsepower and approximately 200 Nm of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. There is also a 2.4L four-wheel drive version available, but I will only discuss the 2.0L model.

Driving experience was quite good. When you sit inside, you might have certain expectations based on its price, but once you start driving, the car surprises you. The first thing you notice on the road is its rigidity. It feels solid and instills confidence while driving. However, bear in mind that the 2.0L engine may feel a bit sluggish and has a strange vibration when it hits the redline RPM. But for those purchasing a Sportage, performance is likely not the top priority, making this point less significant. This is a family vehicle designed to get you from point A to point B comfortably, and much of the enjoyment comes from the enhanced steering. Yes, the upgraded steering system offers excellent responsiveness, especially on winding roads. However, it may provide a bit of feedback during turns that could slightly annoy the driver, but that is to be expected, right?

Overall, considering this class and price, the 2.0L engine will meet the owner's needs and is comparable to the Toyota RAV4 and CX-5. If the engine doesn’t suit you, there is also a turbocharged 1.6L option available.

Summary of the 2016 Kia Sportage Experience

Summary of 2016 Kia Sportage Experience

The 2016 Kia Sportage is an outstanding vehicle in every regard. If you are tired of the usual car designs and seek a modern, youthful SUV that comfortably accommodates around five people, your search ends here. If you own an older Sportage, we recommend upgrading to this model; it truly deserves the attention.