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With R$ 20,000 Off, The Mid-Size SUV Becomes More Appealing, But Still Faces Important Issues Regarding Its Mechanical Setup And Market Positioning.
The Kia Sportage 2025 Mild Hybrid arrives with an undeniably bold design and a tech-savvy interior. After a R$ 20,000 price cut, the question arises: Does this drop make the SUV a worthwhile purchase, or do its points of concern, such as the controversial transmission, still weigh heavily on the decision?
An SUV That Stands Out in The Crowd
If beauty were the only criterion, the Kia Sportage would be a strong contender for best mid-size SUV. Its design is unlike anything seen on the streets. The front end, featuring its boomerang-shaped lighting, divides opinions, but it’s undeniable that the car stands out. It’s a shame that, despite its modern look, the turn signals use conventional bulbs, not being 100% LED.
At the rear, the design remains pleasant. The trunk is one of its strong points, with electric opening and generous 562 liters of capacity measured up to the deck. The space is well-lined and includes a 12V socket. An interesting detail is that there is no spare tire, just a repair kit, which maximizes the compartment.
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1.6 Turbo Engine And Mild Hybrid System
Under the hood, the Kia Sportage houses a 1.6 Turbo Direct Injection engine, powered solely by gasoline, delivering 180 horsepower and 27 kg of torque at just 1,500 rpm. This engine works in conjunction with a 48V Mild Hybrid System (MHEV).
It’s important to understand that this system does not directly drive the wheels, as in a conventional hybrid. Its function is to assist the combustion engine, allowing for the “coasting mode”, where the engine can be turned off for brief moments to save fuel. The consumption figures stand at 9.5 km/l in the city and 13.5 km/l on the highway.
Performance And The Controversial Dual-Clutch Transmission
Weighing 1,574 kg, the SUV has good agility, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in around 9 seconds. However, the most critical point of the setup is the automated seven-speed dual-clutch transmission with dry operation.
Although Kia claims to have made improvements, this type of transmission has a history of problems in the market, causing distrust. When it works perfectly, shifts are extremely quick, but the risk of future maintenance is a factor that weighs against it.
Sophisticated Interior Filled With Technology
Inside, the Kia Sportage impresses. The finish combines soft-touch materials and leather. The space is excellent, especially in the rear seat.
The embedded technology is a differentiator. The multimedia center is fast, features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an innovative interface that alternates media and air conditioning controls. The instrument panel is digital and displays the blind spot image on the screen when signaling. The list of equipment includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistant, panoramic sunroof, and front seats with heating and ventilation.
Is R$20,000 Less Enough?
The launch price of the Kia Sportage was R$ 287,000, considered high for a mild hybrid. With difficulties in sales, the brand applied a R$ 20,000 discount, reducing the price to R$ 267,000.
Despite the decrease, the price remains high. It’s an amount that places it in direct competition with SUVs from other categories, including plug-in hybrid models. The reduction makes the deal more interesting, but does not solve the cost-benefit issue. The car is beautiful and well-equipped, but the transmission and price still pose significant barriers for many consumers.
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