Top 12 Kia Sportage alternatives

The Kia Sportage is a solid choice for a compact crossover SUV. It’s roomy and comfortable and features a sleek design along with plenty of goodies, as standard. But if you’ve taken a look and it’s just not hitting the mark for you, don’t sweat it!

In this article, we’ll explore 12 fantastic cars similar to the Kia Sportage. We list all the important details to help you decide which one might be your match. Let’s get started!

1. Toyota RAV4

Among the best Kia Sportage alternatives is the Toyota RAV4, which is a bit bigger, and you can really feel it once you hop inside. There’s tons of room for passengers to stretch out, and the boot is impressively spacious — perfect for dogs, bikes, or whatever you need for your next adventure.

Thanks to Toyota’s clever hybrid engines, you won’t be dealing with sky-high fuel costs either, despite all that space. As for the driving experience, it’s anything but dull. The RAV4 delivers surprisingly zippy acceleration that makes every drive a bit more enjoyable.

2. Volkswagen Tiguan

The Sportage might just be the go-to choice for an all-round family SUV, but the Volkswagen Tiguan definitely has something to say about that. This SUV has all the classic Volkswagen touches — smooth driving, reliability, performance, and a comfortable, stylish cabin that feels just right.

Like the Sportage, the Tiguan offers plenty of room. It easily fits kids in their car seats and provides cargo capacity for everything from school bags to weekend gear. What really sets the Tiguan apart is how it handles long trips. Overall, it’s better than the Sportage for that extra touch of comfort and class.

3. Mazda CX-5

If the Sportage doesn’t quite give you that high-end feel, you don’t have to dive straight into expensive German alternatives. The Mazda CX-5 is a solid choice. The base trim has soft-touch materials and stylish metal finishes that make it feel more premium than most. And this goes beyond the looks — the CX-5 drives beautifully and strikes a balance between smooth handling and comfort.

Plus, with Mazda’s smart engine tech, you get great performance but don’t sacrifice decent fuel economy. Consider this for a touch of luxury without breaking the bank.

4. Hyundai Tucson

The Hyundai Tucson is an excellent alternative that might share a lot with the Kia Sportage under the surface, but its bold design really sets it apart. Those unique headlights that blend into the grille are unlike anything else on the market. In terms of space and performance, it’s on par with the Sportage — practical and capable. But when you take them both for a spin, the Tucson feels a bit softer and smoother. At the same time, it’s still steady and controlled.

The Tucson’s interior space combines premium materials with a modern design for a really classy vibe. It feels like a step up in quality and style.

5. Honda CR-V

The Honda CR-V is a favourite among compact crossover alternatives and has earned its spot as one of the best-selling vehicles around. Its reasonable starting price makes it attractive. But it’s the spacious interior that really wins people over. There’s plenty of room for passengers in both the front and back, plus a generous boot for all your gear.

It’s not the most exciting car to drive, but the CR-V handles everyday situations with ease. Its all-wheel drive option adds confidence for those rainy days or snowy roads. Plus, it comes loaded with safety and driver assistance features.

6. Subaru Forester

The Subaru Forester is a top choice. Taller adults will appreciate the ample head and legroom, while the generous cargo space makes it easy to haul everything from groceries to sports equipment. Thanks to the standard all-wheel drive, the Forester is perfect for city driving and off-road adventures alike.

Safety is a strong point, too, as it performs well in crash tests and safety ratings. It also comes with helpful standard features like lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and smart headlights. The infotainment system is simple and user-friendly, so you can easily access what you need while on the go.

7. Škoda Karoq

If you’re after excitement on the road, the Škoda Karoq might not be your first choice. But if you want a reliable, well-equipped family SUV that fits smoothly into your routine, this is a solid pick.

The Karoq checks all the boxes for a family crossover. It has a practical design and handy features that make life simpler. The higher driving position gives you great ground clearance, and the overall build feels sturdy and dependable. Inside, it shines with a spacious and practical layout. Buyers will appreciate the comfortable ride, flexible seating, and a roomy boot.

8. Peugeot 3008

Beneath its exterior, the Peugeot 3008 shares a lot with the Sportage, but it’s dressed up with a distinctly French touch. The interior is a big reason for its higher price compared to other options. The design is stunning and offers a welcome break from the bland, minimalist styles found in many modern cars.

If you’re into off-roading, you might be disappointed that the 3008 doesn’t offer four-wheel drive. However, Peugeot’s Grip Control system helps with navigating tougher terrains. There’s plenty of room for passengers in the back, plus a spacious boot that easily handles luggage or a pushchair.

9. Nissan Qashqai

You can’t walk down a street in the UK without spotting a Nissan Qashqai, and it’s easy to see why. This family-friendly SUV offers a wonderful mix of comfort, quality, and easy driving.

The Qashqai is a bit smaller than the Sportage and some of its alternatives, so it might not be the best fit if you have a lot of tall family members. However, the real advantage is that you can often find a used Qashqai at a better price than a comparable Sportage. That means you could end up with a newer or better-equipped Qashqai without stretching your budget too much.

10. Jeep Compass

If you’re looking for an excellent alternative that can tackle off-road adventures, check out the Jeep Compass. Its boxy design gives it a unique style that sets it apart from standard options like the Qashqai. The Trailhawk version adds rugged touches like black cladding and a sturdy skid plate for rough terrain or a busy car boot sale.

With a spacious boot for all your gear, the Compass is practical, too. The back seats work for kids, but taller teens might feel cramped. Up front, there’s decent space and comfy seats, though taller drivers may want a bit more legroom.

11. Ford Kuga

The Kuga is Ford’s answer to the Sportage, and it brings a lot to the table. This SUV is all about practicality and space, with a stylish interior that’s both well-made and easy to navigate.

What really sets the Kuga apart, though, is how much fun it is to drive. You get precise steering and great body control that make tackling twisty roads a joy. Plus, despite its sporty vibe, it doesn’t compromise on comfort. Specifically, it glides over bumps and smooths out rough surfaces like a pro. As far as Sportage alternatives go, every journey is enjoyable.

12. Vauxhall Grandland

If you’re looking for a heart-racing driving experience, the Vauxhall Grandland might not be the first thing that pops into your head, but hear us out. This SUV is surprisingly budget-friendly on the used market. Models in higher trims often go for much less than you’d expect from the competition.

Plus, it offers the same zippy 300hp plug-in hybrid system as the Peugeot 3008 but at a lower price. When you hit the accelerator, it’ll take off from 0 to 62mph in just 5.9 seconds — faster than a lot of sporty hatchbacks and definitely faster than the Sportage.

Conclusion

Don’t be afraid to explore beyond the obvious — you could discover the perfect vehicle that fits your lifestyle and makes every drive a joy. These Kia Sportage alternatives open up a whole new world of possibilities, each with its own unique charm and features. Happy car hunting, and enjoy the ride!