Although there are two diesel engine options for the Sportage, they aren’t very potent for the class. The base 1.6-litre engine produces 115 horsepower, matching the power of the Ateca and Karoq’s base 2.0-litre engines but lacking torque. That explains why it takes about 12 seconds for the base diesel Sportage to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph.
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Kia Sportage: Does it come in gasoline?
If you want a vehicle that offers more driving enjoyment, choose the Ford Kuga or Mazda CX-5. The former offers effective full- and plug-in hybrid variants. As was already said, the Nissan Qashqai was once a popular option for families but has perhaps lost some of its appeal as more capable competitors have entered the market. It would also be difficult to suggest either the Honda CR-V or the Vauxhall Grandland in this competitive class. Both are decent options, but some competitors have a more comprehensive bundle.
In addition to standard gasoline and diesel engines, Kia now offers 48V mild hybrid variants of the Sportage. The 1.6 CRDi oil-burner is offered with two output options: a 113 bhp version paired with the six-speed manual ‘box, or a 134 bhp variant paired with the seven-speed automatic. The 148 bhp 1.6 T-GDi petrol engine is available with a six-speed manual gearbox, or a seven-speed DCT automatic transmission.
More power is available in the Sportage hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants, which have 226 and 261 horsepower, respectively. Both vehicles have a six-speed automatic transmission, with all-wheel drive coming standard on the PHEV models.
Due to the manufacturer’s decision to temporarily remove the CRDi models from the price list in order to retain availability of the more well-liked petrol, hybrid, and PHEV powertrains, buyers may currently have a harder time finding a diesel model.
Beginning with the entry-level 2 specification (148 horsepower in gasoline and 113 horsepower in diesel only), trim levels increase up to 3, 4, GT-Line, and GT-Line S. The mid-spec 3 trim, which comes with dual 12.3-inch displays, partly (man-made) leather upholstery, heated seats, and smart cruise control, is perhaps the sweet spot in the lineup.
The Sportage is available from Kia starting at roughly $27,000; however, prices gradually rise, with the highest-spec plug-in hybrid vehicles costing over $40,000. However, when compared to nearby competitors like the Ford Kuga and Skoda Karoq, both of which have more expensive beginning costs, the Sportage is still a decent bargain overall.
Is there a diesel version of the Kia Sportage?
In the 2017 Kia Sportage lineup, there are three different engines, but only this 2.0-liter turbo diesel deserves your full attention.
In contrast to the typically impressive 132kW/265Nm 1.6 turbo petrol and seven-speed dual-clutch auto, which occasionally feels overwhelmed in a family SUV that weighs a few hundred kilograms more than its best application in the Cerato GT hatch, the naturally-aspirated 115kW/192Nm 2.0-litre petrol mill and six-speed auto combo at the entry end of the range is a stressed price leader.
Therefore, this 2.0 turbo diesel with its eight-speed automatic is unquestionably “the pick” for effortless driving where the 2.0 petrol is best left to corporate fleets and the 1.6 turbo petrol at least deserves consideration. However, it comes at a $7000 premium over the 2.0 petrol in the entry S grade and a $3000 premium over the 1.6 turbo petrol in the SX+ and GT-Line trims.
This Sportage is responsive, to the point that it occasionally surprises in its willingness to launch off the line, just like the identically powered Hyundai Tucson diesel I previously spent time with. To its credit, it delivers increasing pull while accomplishing this without feeling uncomfortable.
Big torque provides a sense of security that owners of underpowered vehicles cannot understand. This engine is alluring because it allows for swift acceleration and confident overtaking.
The other drive modes, such as the “Terrain” set, which I haven’t yet tested, are selectable, although they are seldom necessary. Because Normal is sufficient, Sport is not needed and Eco doesn’t provide anything in the way of savings.
The new Sportage significantly outperforms its predecessor in terms of how it behaves on the road, even if the earlier model had few flaws to begin with.
When pushed hard, the eight-speed automatic torque converter, as opposed to the dual-clutch unit available in the larger Sorento, will very sporadically scramble for gears, but for the most part, it is a smooth shifter that Kia can be proud of.
On-demand all-wheel drive rounds out the Sportage diesel’s capabilities, but unlike the Tucson with which it shares so many similarities, the Sportage benefits from Kia Australia’s local ride and handling program, which Hyundai has scaled down since it believes its worldwide tuning is already perfect.
A very refined engine and strong cabin insulation work together to minimize the typical diesel rattling. Along with the GT-Line grade’s already superb inside trim, wind and road noise are well muffled as well, creating a beautifully premium experience.
What type of diesel engine powers the Kia Sportage?
In September 2021, the fifth-generation Sportage with European specifications was unveiled.
[33] In comparison to the normal model, it is 135 mm (5.3 in) shorter in length and 75 mm (3.0 in) shorter in wheelbase. The removal of a glass from the back quarter panel and changes to the front fascia are additional variations. [34]
Kia offers a variety of drivetrains for the European market, including plug-in hybrids, hybrids, mild hybrids, and diesel engines. The PHEV model has a 13.8 kWh lithium-ion battery, a 66.9 kW permanent magnet traction electric motor, and a 1.6 liter four-cylinder T-GDi engine. The total system output is 261 horsepower (265 PS; 195 kW). The hybrid model’s 226 hp is generated by the same T-GDi engine, a 44.2 kW electric motor, and a 1.49 kWh battery (229 PS; 169 kW).
The 1.6-liter T-GDI engine used in the mild hybrid model also generates either 147 horsepower (149 PS; 110 kW) or 177 hp (179 PS; 132 kW). There are two power output options for the 1.6-liter four-cylinder diesel engine: 113 horsepower (115 horsepower; 84 kW) and 134 horsepower (136 horsepower; 100 kW). For the 1.6-liter, a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission is an option, while a 6-speed manual transmission comes standard on all models. The Stop-and-Go system is included with every European model. [35]
Are Kia diesel engines superior to gasoline ones?
1) Diesel will cost a little more to maintain than petrol, but this is countered by distance traveled over 15,000 km annually, use of the air conditioner, full passenger load, luggage, etc.
2) However, due to the nature of the components and the high cost of spare parts, replacement parts, and consumables for the DCT, maintenance and servicing are expensive.
3) In addition, DCT is a premium version, so servicing and spare parts will inevitably be much more expensive than for other models.
4) The DCT variant is for people in the premium market who are ready to pay more for luxury, a sportier driving experience, and greater power output. DCT should not be used if you want to save money; instead, use gasoline or diesel. Kia also earns the highest profit on the DCT version. 5) Having said that, I want to underline that DCT variant servicing and maintenance will be significantly higher, but they won’t be prohibitively expensive, unlike Audi, Skoda, Mercedes, etc. Therefore, test drive a DCT and, if you like it, buy it without hesitation.
1) Choose the diesel if you drive more than 15,000 to 20,000 kilometers annually.
2) Choose gasoline if you drive fewer than 15000 kilometers annually.
3) Regardless of the number of annual kilometers driven, if you are addicted to the torque of diesel, purchase the diesel type.
4) If you are a connoisseur, choose the DCT (7 gear Dual clutch transmission) in turbo petrol to enjoy driving to the fullest extent while being unconcerned with mileage or maintenance expenses.
Special Notes, Before you take a DCT for a test drive, absorb the theory of driving a DCT from Google and get the essence of it.
How does Kia Seltos IVT fare? Is it worth the money in terms of maintenance? I run 40 km every day and a maximum of 14000 km annually. Please advise whether I should choose gasoline or diesel.
Each is excellent. It depends on how you use/run it. Use gasoline or diesel if your running needs are only weekly or daily.
I considered gasoline to be superior, and going forward, everyone will benefit the environment by favoring gasoline over diesel.
Compared to the diesel alternative, petrol has a little bit more power, but you’ll get less mileage.
Diesel, then. You won’t notice that you’re driving a diesel car because the refinement is so amazing.
Why is the Kia Sportage broken?
There were undoubtedly a number of issues with the Kia Sportage that were sold in the US. Some engine failures were linked to a bad batch of engine bearings, while others were attributed to an oil sump leak that allowed too much oil to leave, starving the engine of oil until it was completely wrecked. The latter issue was resolved by Kia by installing an oil-pressure warning light with a more pro-active trigger-point.
However, making the assumption that the same make and model sold in the USA (or anywhere else) will have the same issues as cars delivered in Australia is risky. Even if they have the same name and emblem, cars from different markets frequently come from various manufacturers and use parts from various sources. To adapt to local conditions and preferences, there are occasionally significant mechanical adjustments made, which can produce quite varied dependability results.
However, some owners have reported issues with the Theta engines found in local Kias, including catastrophic engine breakdowns. Even though the vehicle is only nine years old and has comparatively few miles on it, there is no certainty that Kia Australia will offer financial assistance with the cost of repairs.
Do Kia Sportage issues frequently arise?
This generation’s Sportage has had very few reported issues because it is a well-built vehicle. There have been a few problems with non-engine electrics, mostly with the starting process and the sat-nav system (where installed).
Do Kia SUVs come in diesel form?
Kia is supporting diesel at a time when the majority of other automakers are switching to alternative fuels, at least in their mid-size crossover SUV, the Kia Sorento. Kia has not yet provided many information, but they have stated that the Sorento would offer a diesel engine as an option starting with the 2019 model year.
How excellent is the Kia Sportage diesel?
We had forgotten how exceptional this automobile is, truly standing out in one of the market’s fastest expanding areas. The Sportage now comes with satellite navigation and speed camera warnings, among other features. The most important choice you must make is not whether to purchase the automobile (that is a certainty), but rather whether to choose the petrol or turbodiesel variant, as both are excellent.
The 2.4-liter four-cylinder petrol engine has a fuel consumption rate of 9.2 liters per 100 kilometers and produces 130kW of power and 227Nm of torque. The entry-level Si model has a smaller 2.0-liter petrol engine, but for the purposes of this test, we’re just focusing on the two Platinum variants at the top of the line.
The 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo diesel engine is a powerhouse, producing 135kW of power and 392Nm of torque while consuming only 7.5 liters of fuel every 100 kilometers. It has no power disadvantage over the gasoline engine and dominates it in terms of torque. Because torque is what makes V8s so easy to drive, it is the torque figure that matters.
The 2.4-liter gasoline and 2.0-liter turbodiesel engines each use a six-speed automatic transmission. There are no paddles for changing ratios, thus the driver must manually shift or simply leave the vehicle in D. The gasoline model was too crowded in our opinion.
The gasoline model is rather squeaky. It might be annoying at times to feel like a dog is pulling on the leash. The diesel, in contrast, has a more linear power delivery and is smoother and more laid back. The only time it rattles is when the windows are closed and the car is at idle.
The new 7-inch touch-screen satnav is simple to use and has a variety of functions, including vivid, easy-to-read graphics. For those who are interested, the 1.6-ton, braked van or trailer may be towed by both the gasoline and diesel variants.
Both vehicles have the same features, including leather seats, climate control, a complete complement of airbags and safety systems, as well as rear parking sensors and a reversing camera included into the satnav. The driver’s seat can be cooled off in addition to being electrically adjustable and both front seats are heated.
A 7-speaker audio system with a separate amp and subwoofer is included as well as Bluetooth with audio streaming. There are two power outlets and full iPod compatibility in the front console. The vehicle has LED running lights, 18-inch alloy wheels, 235/55 tires, and a full-sized alloy spare. By the way, the fantastic techno orange paint job costs $520 more.
The diesel model is our recommendation if money is no object. It provides a fantastic balance of power and efficiency. Additionally, diesels are known for being durable, so it’s a present that will keep on giving for years to come.
However, it costs $3000 extra, which may be a deal-breaker for others. If you do the math, you’ll find that it takes them hundreds of miles to break even. But as we’ve already mentioned, they’re both excellent, so we’re confident you won’t find the gasoline engine underwhelming.