Kia Sportage alternatives: cars you could buy instead of this family favourite

Kia’s Sportage has been around for over 30 years in one form or another. It was in the family SUV segment before the family SUV segment was, well, a segment, which means over its five generations it’s been refined to suit the needs of humans big and small - be that with better connectivity, comfort, performance, or efficiency. Plenty of families out there are smitten with their Sportages. 

Not everyone’s the same, though, and that means the Kia Sportage isn’t the number one choice for all. While it’s a good looking car, its pointy, sci-fi-esque styling might not be to everyone’s taste as, compared to what some are used to, it can be a little extreme on the eye. Those looking for an exciting steer won’t enjoy the fact it’s not the most thrilling car to drive either.

While the Sportage boasts an impressive infotainment screen, some processes on it can take a little longer than you’d hope, or they’re a touch confusing if you’re not used to the ins and outs of the system. That won’t sit easily with some people. 

Read on, and learn about five new alternatives to the Kia Sportage, followed by five used cars that might fill a Sportage-shaped hole on your drive.

Nissan Qashqai

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The Nissan Qashqai has been around for almost two decades, and is a firm family favourite. It comes with bold looks, space for everything a family could possibly need on a journey, a range of specs to choose from, and all the tech you could possibly ask for. Passengers will appreciate the stellar ride refinement across the board, while the Qashqai is a looker inside and out thanks to its wonderful design and use of quality materials. 

Volkswagen Tiguan

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The latest Volkswagen Tiguan is a fine car to look at - not quite as futuristic or pointy as the Sportage, which will play into its favour for some. Build quality is up there with the best, and thanks to a wide range of engines families should easily be able to find something to suit. There’s a trim level to fit a variety of budgets, too, while the boot is more than ample for most families. 

Audi Q4 e-tron

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On the more premium end of things sits Audi’s EV Q4 e-tron. Boasting an interior with excellent build quality, a smart infotainment system, and practicality that’ll more than suit most buyers, it’s a big box ticker. It’s a looker, too, which helps deliver that all-important kerb appeal, and its range is more than respectable so drivers needn’t worry about running out of juice on the school run. 

Hyundai Tucson

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A firm favourite at Auto Express, the Hyundai Tucson is an incredibly talented car. It’s won the Auto Express Mid-Size SUV of the Year award more than once thanks to its practicality, excellent drive, wallet-pleasing efficiency, tech, and looks. Hyundai’s done its best to move the Tucson’s game forward with a more premium offering. Keep an eye on prices of the plug-in hybrid model though - it can be a touch spendy. 

Mazda CX-5

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If you’re after a mid-size SUV that drivers will enjoy, the Mazda CX-5 might just be the right car. Comfy and refined, Mazda’s got form when it comes to making cars that also handle well, no matter the size or shape. The CX-5 might not be the most competitive for tech or practicality, but its petrol and diesel motors are efficient and offer strong enough performance.

Used Kia Sportage Alternatives

Being a popular car, the used market for Sportages isn’t exactly small. A car with a couple of years under its belt can be had for as low as £17,000 if you keep your eyes peeled, though you can spend more for something newer and shinier without much effort. Where there are used Kias, there are also other used cars… Here are five options you could go for instead. 

Peugeot 3008

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The Peugeot 3008 might not be the freshest cat out there, but if something ain’t broke it doesn’t need fixing - right? Good to drive, refined, practical, and striking to look at, it’ll suit plenty of people. Just check whether you get on with its driving position and older infotainment. 

Ford Kuga

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The third generation Ford Kuga does plenty of things rather well. Being a modern Ford it drives wonderfully, which’ll please plenty, and its choice of engines - especially the ultra frugal plug-in hybrid - will suit most people. Where the Sportage is angular and exciting, the Kuga… isn’t, which, depending on what you’re into, is either a huge win or a crushing disappointment. 

Skoda Karoq

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Skoda’s mix of value, and ‘simply clever’ features is a surefire win for a lot of buyers in today’s market. The Skoda Karoq comes with heaps of space, an off-road ready pack for people who live on or near slightly muddy fields, and some decent engine choices. However, a lack of hybrid power might put some off.

Dacia Duster

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Potentially a leftfield choice, the Dacia’s Duster is a bit of a used car bargain. Less luxury and more utilitarian, you get a lot of space for your money, along with the sort of toys you need, but not necessarily the ones you might want. It’s not the best to drive, nor the most exciting, but you can take it anywhere and be sure it’ll cope effortlessly.

SEAT Ateca

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SEAT’s first go at an SUV was a good one. The Spanish firm’s commitment to smart design and useful practicality helps the Ateca shine in a competitive segment, while its engines are great, and it's good to drive - although its rather firm ride may be at odds with buyers who are prioritising family comfort. A large boot and decent passenger space add to a solid overall package.

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