Kia Malaysia recently invited members of the media to explore its latest offering in Malaysia: the Kia Sportage. The 5th-generation Kia Sportage has been available globally since 2021 and has been well-received in various markets. However, in Malaysia, the Sportage arrives a little late, entering a competitive segment dominated by a wide variety of Chinese-made SUVs. Does the Kia Sportage stand a chance? Let’s find out from our first impressions.
On the day of the media drive, Kia Malaysia prepared up to 10 units of the Kia Sportage for us to experience. Each car accommodated four media members, and we were given the opportunity to drive the SUV through national highways, back roads, and the iconic Genting pass. My group started with the base-spec Kia Sportage. This variant, priced from RM148,999, is powered by a 2.0L naturally aspirated engine paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The engine produces 154 hp and 192 Nm of peak torque, sending power to the front wheels. 
We began the drive from Kia’s 3S Flagship Center in Glenmarie, heading toward the Gombak Shell station. During this initial leg on the highway, we experienced how the vehicle performed in cruising conditions. Almost immediately, we noticed the impressive cabin insulation—wind and road noise were well-suppressed, creating a serene driving environment. Thanks to the thicker 17-inch tires on the 2.0L variant, the suspension and tire combination effectively absorbed road imperfections, enhancing ride comfort. 
At our first driver change point, the second driver took over, navigating the fast, sweeping roads of the Karak Highway. The Sportage impressed us with its handling, remaining stable and composed through the curves. It tackled corners confidently, with road imperfections barely affecting the vehicle’s stability, showcasing its prowess in dynamic driving scenarios. 
Our next stop was at Kampung Baru Bukit Tinggi, where we switched drivers again to tackle the back roads to Bentong. This was my turn to take the wheel, as I wanted to evaluate the Sportage’s handling. On the back roads, the standout feature was the suspension, which excelled at absorbing road imperfections. Even on damaged and uneven roads, the SUV minimized vibrations from reaching the cabin, ensuring a smooth ride. 
Additionally, during the back-road drive, I noticed the Sportage’s strong braking performance. The brakes were responsive and capable of slowing the SUV down confidently without drama. Even on uneven surfaces, the braking system instilled confidence, making the driving experience safe and controlled. 
After the back-road section, we headed to Janda Baik for lunch, with the fourth driver taking the wheel from the Bentong exit. During this stint, the driver commented that the 2.0L engine felt slightly underpowered during hard acceleration. To be fair, this powertrain is better suited for smooth and gradual driving. When driven this way, the engine delivered power seamlessly, providing a comfortable and refined driving experience. 
Post-lunch, we swapped into the 1.6L turbocharged variant with front-wheel drive. This version produces 177 hp and 265 Nm of torque, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. Stepping into the turbo variant, the interior immediately felt more modern and premium compared to the 2.0L base variant. The drastic upgrade in materials and design made the base model’s interior appear slightly dated.
For this leg, the route took us up to Goh Tong Jaya via the usual Genting-Karak stretch. All four of us quickly noticed that the 1.6L Turbo variant rode firmer than the 2.0L model, likely due to its thinner tires, which transmitted more vibrations into the cabin. Performance-wise, however, the 1.6L turbocharged engine felt noticeably more powerful. Unfortunately, I could only observe this difference from the passenger seat as I had to leave early due to unforeseen circumstances.
In conclusion, the Kia Sportage left a positive impression during this media drive. As a daily driver, the 2.0L variant is likely to appeal to buyers seeking comfort and practicality, especially for family use. It’s worth noting that the 2.0L also has a premium variant with a more modern interior. However, for those on a budget, the base-spec Sportage offers all the essentials of a modern SUV. On the other hand, if you’re looking for more power and performance, the 1.6L turbocharged variant is an excellent option.
Want to know more about the Kia Sportage? Stay tuned for the full review on Carsick.my 
