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Daily Telegraph
13 hours ago
- Automotive
- Daily Telegraph
Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Review: Specs, price and efficiency
Don't miss out on the headlines from Motoring. Followed categories will be added to My News. Kia has introduced Australia's most loved mid-size SUV in four powertrains, four trim levels, 12 variants, and nine colours from Clear White to a slick new Wolf Grey and Heritage Blue. With options ranging from a $37,990 (plus on-road-costs) front-wheel drive 2.0-litre petrol to a GT-Line AWD hybrid ($60,000 plus-on-road costs). There's no shortage of choice, with the line-up including a 2.0-litre petrol, 1.6-litre turbo petrol, a 2.0-litre turbo diesel (AWD only) or a 1.6-litre hybrid, in either front or all-wheel drive, and across four trim levels (S, SX, SX+ and GT-Line). The auto giant has also kept the diesel, which means its one of the only brands offering it among its direct competitors, following the exit of the Hyundai Tucson, Mazda CX-5 and Volkswagen Tiguan. MORE:Car prices set to plummet Kia's Sportage line-up offers something for every Aussie drive. Picture: Supplied MORE:EOFY 2025 ultimate motoring guide for car sales The exterior has had some tasteful updates including new front and rear bumpers, restyled LED headlights and a revised LED tail-light signature. Every variant now gets a two-spoke steering wheel which feels a little chunky for someone with small hands but looks great. Plus a 12.3-inch infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Wireless phone charging is now included from SX+ upwards. The GT-Line now features a curved 12.3-inch digital driver display, ambient mood lighting and heated rear seats. MORE: Bad news for electric vehicles in Australia A new two-spoke steering wheel design gives the cabin a modern edge. Picture: Supplied MORE:Aussies stunned by Chinese ute While the GT-Line grabs headlines, it's a little pricey, asking for over $60,000 in hybrid AWD form, that's $13,000 more than the base petrol S. That's why the SX+ hits the mark, priced at $47,080 (plus on-road costs) for the turbo petrol AWD, it comes with 19-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats and steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, Harmon Kardon premium audio, wireless phone charging and smart key and hands-free power tailgate. While the diesel still appeals to many buyers and the base petrol remains the most affordable entry point ($37,990), new emission regulations mean the petrol may be on its way out, which makes the Hybrid the sweet spot. The Hybrid is now offered in SX and GT-Line trims and for the first time you can opt for either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. MORE:How Apple will take over your car The Kia Sportage Hybrid SX stands out as the smart pick of the range. Picture: Supplied MORE: World's ugliest car brand reborn I tested the hybrid and was genuinely impressed by how well it handles everyday driving. The 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine with a 44.74kW electric motor delivers a combined 173kW and 367Nm, the most powerful configuration in the Sportage line-up. Around town, it's calm and composed, with the electric motor doing most of the heavy lifting at low speeds. Acceleration is smooth and surprisingly punchy when you ask for it. It's paired to a six-speed automatic transmission and feels refined. The hybrid claims 4.9L/100km combined for FWD and 5.3L/100km for AWD, real world figures weren't far off. Boot space is generous with 586 litres (seats up) and 1827L with seats down, perfect for families. There's also a full size spare wheel in petrol and diesel models. Kia Sportage SX 1.6T HEV AWD. Picture: Supplied Safety is consistent across the board with all trims offering Kia's full suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including AEB with junction assist, lane following assist 2, and blind spot collision avoidance. Verdict The Kia Sportage offers plenty of choice for Aussie families, whether you want petrol, diesel or hybrid, front-wheel or all-wheel, basic or luxurious, there's something for every buyer. Just be ready to do your homework. If you want something under $50k, efficient with plenty of technology and comfort, I'd opt for the hybrid FWD (1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine with electric motor), trim level SX for approximately $46,450 plus on road-costs, certainly seems like the sweet spot. Originally published as Kia Sportage line-up expands but one variant and trim hits the mark
Car and Driver
21-05-2025
- Automotive
- Car and Driver
2026 Honda HR-V Starts at $27,595 and Adds a Larger Touchscreen
The 2026 Honda HR-V is getting a variety of minor updates that mirror those given to the 2026 Honda CR-V. The main updates include a new 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The HR-V's prices are slightly higher for the new model year, now ranging from $27,595 for the front-drive LX to $32,945 for the AWD EX-L. Honda says the HR-V subcompact SUV is the most popular SUV in America among Gen Z shoppers. Apparently, that claim isn't good enough for Honda, because for the 2026 model year, the brand is making several changes to the HR-V to help increase popularity with young buyers. That said, the majority of the changes are incredibly minor. From the outside, the 2026 car looks practically identical to the 2025 version. The only clues are two new paint colors (Solar Reflection Metallic and Boost Blue Pearl), new wheel designs for all three trims, and new black badging on the tailgate of Sport models. Solar Reflection is available on the LX and EX-L, while Boost Blue is only available on the Sport trim. Honda Inside, updates to the 2026 HR-V are tech-focused and closely mirror those added to the 2026 Honda CR-V. That means a new 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. That screen is also two inches larger than last year. There's new front footwell lighting too, silver steering-wheel spokes, and a new climate-control knob for the EX-L. Lastly, privacy rear glass now comes standard on all three trims. Honda Honda While they're higher than last year, pricing changes for the 2026 Honda HR-V are similarly minor. The front-wheel-drive LX now starts at $27,595 (up from $26,795). The front-drive Sport model runs $29,395, and the range-topping EX-L starts at $31,445. All-wheel drive can be added to each of the three trims for an additional $1500. According to Honda, 2026 models are already on sale. Jack Fitzgerald Associate News Editor Jack Fitzgerald's love for cars stems from his as yet unshakable addiction to Formula 1. After a brief stint as a detailer for a local dealership group in college, he knew he needed a more permanent way to drive all the new cars he couldn't afford and decided to pursue a career in auto writing. By hounding his college professors at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, he was able to travel Wisconsin seeking out stories in the auto world before landing his dream job at Car and Driver. His new goal is to delay the inevitable demise of his 2010 Volkswagen Golf. Read full bio
