The new Kia Sportage is undeniably the best generation yet, transforming from an average compact crossover to a top contender in its segment. One of the key factors contributing to its success is its exceptional interior.
First and foremost, the increased size of the Sportage allows for ample legroom in the backseat and a spacious cargo capacity. The rear bench can be adjusted to recline or stand up straight, depending on your needs. Additionally, both the Hybrid and gas-only versions of the Sportage come with a spare tire under the cargo floor. The Sportage’s interior is so roomy that if you’re seeking extra space in a three-row SUV but don’t necessarily need the extra seats, you might want to reconsider. Alternatively, if you prefer a compact SUV that truly feels compact, the Sportage may not be the ideal choice. However, given Americans’ affinity for larger vehicles, those seeking a compact SUV are likely in the minority.
Aside from its ample space, the Sportage boasts a stunning and modern cabin design. Taking inspiration from the Kia EV6, the Sportage features a panoramic curved display housing two high-resolution 12.3-inch screens. The curvature of the display subtly directs the infotainment system towards the driver without obstructing access for the passenger. Kia’s software, known for its responsiveness, adorns the screen with an attractive black-and-purple color scheme. Both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available, although they unfortunately do not support wireless connectivity. The impressive digital cluster offers fluid animations during mode changes, providing various views and colors depending on the selected mode.
Located below the screen is a switchable control panel, a recurring feature in Kia vehicles. This panel allows for seamless transitioning between climate and radio/navigation controls with just a touch of a button. Once you become familiar with its operations, you will appreciate how this system minimizes clutter on the dashboard while maintaining physical controls for frequently used functions. However, as we discovered during our long-term experience with the EV6, continuously adjusting the climate control may result in frequent back-and-forth interactions, becoming a minor inconvenience.
Additionally, we are pleased to find traditional physical controls for heated/cooled seats and a heated steering wheel prominently featured in the center console. There’s no need to navigate through menus to access these functions—they are intuitively positioned for easy access. The Sportage also offers convenient charging solutions with a spacious cubby below the center stack, equipped with multiple outlets, as well as a wireless phone charger. Furthermore, space-saving features include a small rotary shift knob (hybrid and PHEV) that is user-friendly, and cupholders with sliding holders, allowing for versatile storage options.
However, there are areas for improvement in the materials used throughout the Sportage’s interior. The excessive use of glossy piano black plastic in areas that are frequently touched is a minor issue. Within just a few days, the premium-looking interior becomes covered in dust and fingerprints, significantly detracting from its appearance. This issue extends to the center console and all door panels. Kia should consider using alternative materials to cover these high-touch, flat surfaces to avoid the high maintenance required to keep them clean. Additionally, given that the Sportage is likely to be subjected to everyday use by families, scratches on the plastic surfaces will inevitably frustrate those who prefer a pristine-looking car.
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