Best SUV under $40,000
Kia Sportage AWD SLi
Winners and scores
The Kia Sportage is a solid, all-round package that is not only competitively priced, generously equipped and extremely competent, but also affordable to own and operate.
A five-year unlimited kilometre warranty is included, plus capped price servicing for five years and a free 24/7 roadside assistance program.
Sportage is comfortable, relatively space efficient and easy to live with. The cabin has an invitingly modern presentation with all the switches and controls laid out in a logical fashion, while the instrumentation is clear and simple to read at a glance.
The steering column features reach as well as tilt adjustment and the SLi driver’s seat has plenty of adjustments, including lumbar support.
The 2.4-litre petrol engine, which produces a handy 130 kW of power at 6000 rpm and 227 Nm of torque at 4000 rpm, is coupled to a smooth-changing, six-speed automatic and delivers good performance.
Kia has put a lot of work into refining the suspension for Australian conditions, and has done a good job with the ride. The handling is ideally set up for city and suburban use, which is where most Sportages will spend the majority of their time.
Sportage’s on-demand AWD system, with a diff-lock, hill-start and hill-descent modes, does a reasonably good job off road, though ground clearance is limited.

Manufacturer’s List Price: $32,990
Kia Sportage AWD SLi - Criteria out of 10
Value for
Money |
Rating |
Pricing |
4C |
Depreciation |
5M |
Running Costs |
9H |
Fuel Consumption |
3C |
Warranty and dealer access |
5H |
Insurance |
8L |
Standard Features |
8M |
Design and
Function |
Rating |
Safety |
9C |
Environment |
8C |
Comfort |
8H |
Space |
7M |
Practicality |
9H |
Ergonomics |
9H |
Build and Finish |
8H |
On the
Road |
Rating |
Performance |
7M |
Ride |
7M |
Handling |
7H |
Braking |
7H |
Smoothness and Quietness |
7L |
Off-road ability |
7M |
Note: Level of weighting importance for each score: L = Low, M = Medium, H = High, C =
Critical.