• Well laid-out dashboard works well
• Quality is good on the whole
• Simple controls and good driving position

How is the quality and layout?

The Sportage follows many of Kia’s other models with a greater focus on ‘perceived quality’ of the interiors of its cars. The main dashboard is covered with soft-touch plastic that feels of good quality, although it does look a touch shiny compared with an  equivalent Volkswagen Tiguan or Mazda CX-5.

Search lower down the panels and the plastics get harder and scratchier, but they still feel hard-wearing. Kia has become well-known for its build quality and reliability, and we don’t think you’ll feel short-changed with this interior.

Entry-level models come with pleasingly soft and squishy fabric seats that offer plenty of support as well as comfort, but most versions have leather upholstery. There’s a good amount of adjustment in both front seats – as well as the steering wheel – so those in the front should find it easy to get a good setup.

Those in the back fare well, too, with a rear bench that features a reclining backrest and enough room to stretch out. They also get one USB port and one 12v socket, while heated outer rear seats can be found on higher grade models.

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Infotainment and tech

Some versions of the Sportage have a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system. There’s nothing wrong with it, although it looks a little outdated now in terms of graphics. But we’re pleased to report a speedy processor and responsive screen with clear and intuitive menus to navigate through. Plenty of firms get this so very wrong – including some direct rivals such as the Toyota RAV4 – so it’s refreshing to find one that’s so simple to operate.

A larger 8.0-inch touchscreen can also be found in the Sportage further up the range. This features more up-to-date tech such as voice control, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and built-in sat-nav with Kia connected services. An upgraded eight-speaker JBL sound system is available on selected models, too.

Comfort

• Soft and comfortable seats front and rear
• Excellent ride quality on rough roads
• It’s quiet on the move with little wind noise

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This Sportage’s cabin flexibility, combined with a well-controlled ride that isolates the worst bumps in the road from the occupants, makes for a relaxed car to cover long distances in. There’s quite a lot of road noise intruding into the cabin if you go for the high-spec models with their large 19-inch wheels, but stick with the lower-spec models on 17-inch wheels, and this does wonders for both road noise and ride comfort.

Wind and engine noise aren’t a problem for the most part, though working the engines hard can make for tiresome noise from under the bonnet. However, it’s never unbearable, and this would also be the case in the majority of the Sportage’s rivals.

In normal driving, the 48-volt mild-hybrid 1.6-litre diesel is hushed throughout, with only a distant clatter at motorway speeds. The stop-start system isn’t the smoothest, however, but this is typical with most diesels in this class.