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By Jonathan Crouch

Kia has evolved the value proposition of its Sportage family SUV with this 'Storm' version. Jonathan Crouch checks it out.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 43

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.

Backgroundword count: 144

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.

Driving Experienceword count: 210

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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