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Kia has added to the value proposition of its NQ5-era Sportage with this high-value 'Storm' model, which slots in between the strong-selling 'GT-Line' versions. If you're after a mid-sized mainstream brand combustion-powered family SUV, it might need to be on your shopping list.
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Detailed ratings
Medium-Sized Family Hatch-Based SUVs
Background
Much of Kia's seismic transformation into a major UK brand can be attributed to one model, the Sportage mid-sized SUV. Hardly anyone noticed when the very first MK1 NB version was launched back in 1993, but the sales momentum gathered pace through subsequent generation models launched in 2004, 2010 and 2015.
The current NQ5-era car introduced in 2021 has continued this trend since launch. But quite a lot's happened since then, with all-new segment rivals introduced from Volkswagen, Vauxhall, Peugeot, Citroen, Jeep and Toyota, as well as heavily revised models from Ford and Nissan in this segment. Along with an updated version of the car that shares all this Kia's engineering, the Hyundai Tucson. Hence the need for the NQ5-era Sportage to get a far-reaching update, announced in Summer 2025. And to improve its value proposition with versions like the 'Storm' model, featured here.
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Range data
| Min | Max |
| Price | 34395 | 37895 |
| CO2 (g/km) | 147 | 147 |
| Max Speed (mph) | 119 | 119 |
| 0-62 mph (s) | 9.9 | 9.9 |
| Combined Mpg | 43.5 | 43.5 |
| Min | Max |
| Length (mm) | 4540 | 4540 |
| Width (mm) | 1865 | 1865 |
| Height (mm) | 1650 | 1650 |
| Boot Capacity (l) | 562 | 587 |
| Power (ps) | 148 | 235 |
Driving experience
There are no longer any un-electrified Sportage models, with the entry point for Sportage 'Storm' customers occupied by the 48V mild hybrid turbocharged 1.6-litre four cylinder petrol unit that most customers want. This sends 148bhp to the front wheels via either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual clutch auto gearbox. 0-62mph takes 9.9s en route to 119mph. As usual with a mild hybrid set-up, the electrical system can't ever power the car solely by battery, but it does power some of the ancillaries, including the start/stop system.
Ideally with your Sportage 'Storm', you'd stretch to the full-Hybrid version, which unlike the base powertrain does get some changes as part of this facelift, upgraded by 28bhp to 235bhp, courtesy of a more powerful electric motor. As before, this is paired to a six-speed automatic transmission driving the front wheels.
Perhaps a touch ironically given the model name, this Sportage isn't particularly 'sporty' to drive - there's something that hasn't changed - but if you're a typical prospective customer, you won't be too bothered about that. You sit quite high, the ride's a fraction on the firm side and body roll's quite well controlled, though not to the point where you might be encouraged to test out the car's handling limits.
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Design and build
This Storm spec is identifiable by its premium paint and 18-inch wheels. Otherwise, it's the usual Sportage package. If you found the styling of the original version of this NQ5-era MK5 Sportage divisive, you still will. The unusual 'Opposites United' design theme remains, but has been brought into line with the look of Kia's EV range of electric models. There's a pair of vertical LED headlights with stylised 'star point' daytime running lights that blend into the grille.
Inside, there's a thin-framed 12.3-inch central touchscreen which accommodates multiple Bluetooth devices, so you can for instance use Google Maps on one while streaming music from another. There's also an AI-powered voice control function. Below the touchscreen is a panel of touch-sensitive switches that deal with either media functions or climate controls.
Surprisingly at this level in the range, you don't get a full digital instrument screen; just a small 4.3-inch display with digital instruments on either side.
In the rear, there's decent rear passenger space thanks to the 2,680mm wheelbase length. Out back, luggage space varies with your chosen drivetrain, from 562-litres in the conventional petrol model to 587-litres in the Hybrid. To extend this, there's a convenient 40:20:40 rear seat back split. With everything folded, boot space varies from 1,751-litres (petrol model) to 1,776-litres (Hybrid).
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Market and model
'Storm' spec for Sportage customers sits between 'GT-Line' and top 'GT-Line S'. Which means a starting point for the 1.6 T-GDi model of just over £34,000, £500 more than the 'GT-Line' version. The 'Storm' Hybrid costs just under £38,000. 'Storm' spec comes as standard with a host of premium features including 18-inch alloy wheels, LED lighting, and premium paint
Plus there are the usual mid-level 'GT-Line'-spec features, which include LED front fog lamps and rear combination lamps, rear privacy glass, a gloss black finish for the radiator grille, side sills and wheel arch body mouldings, plus body-coloured door and radiator upper garnishes, and a chrome skid plate front and rear.
Inside there's plush suede and leather upholstery, a contrast-coloured sports leather steering wheel with perforated inserts, a black headliner, sports pedals and door garnishes. Plus at this level, there's keyless entry with a start button, driver's lumbar support and cruise control with a speed limiter (upgraded on DCT auto models to Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go functionality and Kia's 'Highway Driving Assist' semi-autonomous drive system - more on that later).
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Cost of ownership
Let's get to the WLTP figures. The 48V mild hybrid version of the company's 1.6 T-GDI Smartstream petrol engine puts out 147g/km of CO2 and officially returns 43.5mpg on the combined cycle. The full-Hybrid HEV petrol model improves that showing to just under 130g/km - and manages around 50mpg.
As usual with Kia, there's a 7 year or 100,000 mile warranty which, since it can be passed from owner to owner, should help the impressively strong residual values. You might want to note that roadside assistance cover is limited to one year, but you do get a long 12 year bodywork warranty. Maintenance costs can be kept down by opting for Kia's 'Care-3' or 'Care-3 Plus' servicing packages, which offer a fixed-cost and inflation-proof servicing plan for the first three or five years, something which can also be passed on to subsequent owners.
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Summary
These days, this Sportage no longer sells just on value and equipment, in the way it did a decade ago. People choose this NQ5-era car because it looks advanced and because of its media conductivity and cabin quality. But one thing has remained constant; the value proposition and the brand's impressive seven year warranty; Kia hasn't forgotten these core sales attributes.
As for this 'Storm'-spec package, well it's probably not enough to make you choose this Sportage if you weren't already quite interested in one before. But if you were, it now gives you another reason to prefer this Kia over its many talented competitors. The looks of this current generation model might still divide opinion and the 48V drivetrain still isn't really cutting-edge, but overall, this Sportage still ticks a lot of boxes. And in a world increasingly full of all-electric Kias, it'll still play a key role in the brand's immediate future.
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