Why is the Kia Sportage so popular?
Car changing is a big deal
The Kia Sportage is the UK’s most popular family SUV in 2026 so far, but what is it that draws people to this car? News editor Jamie Edkins has been finding out.
The Kia Sportage recently surpassed half a million sales in the UK, and it’s currently the most popular family SUV on sale. It’s not the most stylish car in its class, nor is it the cheapest or the most exciting, so what makes it such a sales hit?
Well that’s what I’m going to find out. I spent a week with the Sportage to get an idea of what buyers love about it, and here are a few theories I have.
Remember, you can buy a brand new or used car right here on Carwow. And you can sell your car, too. We’re here to help you through every step of your car-changing journey.
1. It’s hugely practical
The Sportage has a huge 592-litre boot, beating the Jaecoo 7 by 92 litres and the Nissan Qashqai by 88 litres. It’s also a nice, square shape with a low load lip, so getting heavy items in and out is
There’s also plenty of space in the rear seats, with loads of legroom and plenty of headroom. Getting three across the rear bench is challenging, but it’s really comfortable with two in the back. You can also get heated rear seats for added comfort on those cold winter mornings.
2. You get a really good warranty
The Kia Sportage comes with a seven-year, 100,000-mile warranty for peace of mind, making them not only a good choice as a new car, but also appealing on the used market because the warranty is transferable between owners.
It also covers quite a lot. The Jaecoo 7 also has a seven-year, 100,000-mile warranty, but things like suspension components and the fuel pump are only covered for three years and 40,000 miles. Kia covers these parts for the full term.
3. It’s well-made and easy to live with
I found the Kia’s interior to feel really solid and high-quality, with no squeaks or rattles and plenty of soft-touch materials. I didn’t even have the top-spec model, which has posher seats and suede-like trim.
The controls are also really easy to use. While the climate settings are on a touch-sensitive panel, you do at least get proper knobs for the temperature. Out on the road, the Sportage feels planted through the bends and reasonably comfy over bumps, if a tad firmer than a Citroen C5 Aircross. It’s a relaxing car to be in and live with.
What’s the catch?
Just because a car is popular, doesn’t mean you should rush out and buy it. There are some drawbacks to consider.
The biggest thorn in the Sportage’s side is ever-increasing competition from new Chinese brands. I’m talking about the Jaecoo 7 specifically, because it’s nipping at the Kia’s rear wheels in the UK sales charts.
The Sportage starts from just over £31,000, whereas the Jaecoo 7 costs a smidge over £29,000 and comes with more kit as standard. For £33,000 you can have a hybrid Jaecoo 7 with adaptive cruise control, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel and wireless phone charging. Spec a Sportage to the same level and you’ll pay over £40,000.
It’s easy to see why buyers might be tempted towards the Jaecoo, even though it’s not as good to drive and the warranty isn’t as comprehensive as the Kia’s.
Thankfully, there are some decent savings to be made through Carwow. You can get a Sportage GT Line S Hybrid with all the toys for £39,000 at the time of writing, saving you around £3,000. That may still be £6,000 more than the Jaecoo, but I reckon it’s worth paying the extra.
You also need to consider leasing prices. Right now, you can lease a mid-spec hybrid Sportage GT Line for £286 per month with an upfront payment of £3,731. This is over three years and 30,000 miles, costing you a total of around £13,800.
An equivalent Jaecoo 7 costs £256 per month with £3,431 up front over the same time and mileage terms, costing you around £12,400 in total. With just £1,400 or £30 per month between the two, I’m taking the Sportage every time.
New deals and leasing offers are popping up all the time, so it’s important to look beyond the list price when shopping for your next car.
The Kia Sportage may not be the most exciting car around, but it’s a really solid and practical family SUV. I can see why over 22,000 people have bought one this year, and why half a million of them have found homes in the UK since it first went on sale in 1995.
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