I got to preview the all-new model a few months ago, prior to its launch, but now I got it for a full-on review. On paper, the Sportage has all the ingredients to make a mark, but we’ve all seen how cars that look good on paper actually aren’t remarkable in the real world. So, I was determined to see if it was worth it for Kia to bring back the Sportage in the first place.

Kia lent me the top-of-the-line variant, the SX Turbo Hybrid, and based on looks alone, I think the Sportage can already win some interest. It uses the current Kia design language, which I think suits it well; the front fascia and LED headlight cluster remind me of the sharp and modern look we first saw in the Carnival. In the Sportage, it gives it a very imposing look, especially when the lights are on. I also like how Kia made an effort with the Sportage to try to make it look stylish, especially compared to the rather bland looks of its Hyundai Tucson cousin and the Honda CR-V.

Proportionally, the Sportage is one of the longest in its class; this gives it good legroom for the 2nd-row passengers. Where it beats the rest is the standard cargo capacity of 587 liters (with the seats up), which is the largest volume among its hybrid rivals. Another packaging win for the Sportage is the fact that it’s one of the very few hybrids that was able to offer a low and flat trunk for easier loading, but also integrate a spare wheel despite being a hybrid. If Kia can do it, why can’t the others?

Inside, the Sportage is a mix of its own individuality and designs taken from its siblings. I think the Sportage interior is the right amount of modern without sacrificing ergonomics or common sense. I like how the big digital instrument cluster and infotainment screen are positioned lower and are curved towards the driver, so it eliminates distraction but is easily within view, essential and practical. In terms of features, you get wireless phone mirroring and a decently sounding 8-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. Apart from that, you only get a wireless charging pad and power-adjustable seats.

Interestingly, Kia decided that even this top-trim SX won’t get a sunroof of any sort, plus the noticeable omission of ventilated seats. I’m not particular about either of those features, but it’s worth noting that its competitors at lower and higher pricing brackets have these as standard. I personally didn’t miss them in the Sportage because it had all the essentials anyway.

The Kia Sportage’s party piece is the powertrain; it has a 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-4 gasoline engine paired with an electric motor and a 1.49 kWh lithium-ion battery. Total output is rated at 232 horsepower and 367 Nm of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission that drives the front wheels. It has the complete Kia DriveWise ADAS systems that you’d expect from any top-spec variant.

I wasn’t expecting much from the Sportage in terms of driving, but I was surprised at how nice it is to drive. In city driving conditions, it’s very quiet and smooth. I also like how, in Eco mode, the paddle shifters convert to controls for how strong you want your regenerative braking to be. The 6-speed automatic was also a pleasant surprise for me; we’re so used to new hybrids and PHEVs having 1- or 2-speed transmissions, but the traditional torque converter actually has its benefits. I found the Sportage to be easier to drive with a traditional transmission; it shifts like a normal car and it doesn’t just scream up the revs when you push the engine, an otherwise very engaging driving experience. I would say my one comment on the Sportage’s driving behavior is the way it rides; it’s not uncomfortable by any means, but you’ll notice it leans towards being on the stiffer side.

It also puts you in a position to want to drive spiritedly; the sitting position and height give you the impression you’re sitting in a sedan, and even the overall proportions aren’t too wide or long that you feel you’re actually in a bigger SUV. This made it easy to drive in the city, but on the twisty roads and highway, I was confident when overtaking cars. The driving dynamics were also bolstered by the engine; because of the turbo, there’s more than enough oomph to get the Sportage going. Unlike other hybrids that have no turbo, the Sportage doesn’t rely fully on the battery or EV motor to boost the acceleration. The turbo adds a much-needed dimension of true power, enabling you to overtake easily or maintain highway speed without draining the battery.

Which leads me to the Sportage’s best trait: fuel efficiency. We’re so used to hearing brands peddle PHEVs because they are the most fuel-efficient hybrid systems on the market. While I agree, Kia somehow managed to make the Sportage almost as efficient (if not more) than some PHEVs. In the city, under heavy traffic conditions, it would give me 15-18 km/L easily, and on the highway I was also able to reach an average of 24 km/L. In the week I’ve had it, I’ve driven over 400 kilometers, averaging (in mixed conditions) 21 km/L; the trip computer tells me I have another 400 kilometers to go, meaning in real-world conditions the Sportage can achieve around 900 km on one full charge. Kia claims that it can actually do 1,000, which I think is possible.

So, in summary, the Sportage SX offers space, practicality, performance, and efficiency. Let’s also add value for money to that, because at P 2,098,000, it is the most affordable top-of-the-line variant in its segment, and is actually much more affordable than the CR-V, Tucson, and RAV4 base variants. It’s truly an impressive product, something that I would say is currently my “Car of the Year” choice, a real underdog.