KIA SPORTAGE

This facelifted range-topping 4x4 is an accomplished tow car, writes David Motton

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What's new?

Kia has updated the Sportage with revised looks and more power. The new car more closely resembles Kia's fully electric models, while power for the hybrid model is up to 235bhp. We've been towing with the top-spec 4x4.

What are we looking for?

We want to know if more power has improved the Sportage. How well does it tow, and what is the Kia like to live with?

Towing ability

The latest Sportage is available as a petrol or hybrid car, with a plugin hybrid model joining the range within a few months.

We've been driving the four-wheel drive hybrid, which looks like the pick of the current range for towing.

With a kerbweight of 1733kg, this Sportage has an 85% match figure of 1473kg. That sneaks in just under the towing capacity of 1510kg. Some diesel-powered alternatives, such as the Škoda Karoq 4x4, have higher maximum towing figures.

We matched the Sportage to a Bailey Unicorn Cadiz with a Mass in Running Order of 1335kg, borrowed from Raymond James Caravans in Atherstone.

Thanks to the immediate response from the electric motor and the top-end power of the petrol engine, the Sportage quickly towed up to speed.

The car easily held 60mph on motorway inclines and maintained its pace on hilly country roads. It was only when asked to accelerate hard that engine noise became intrusive.