2025 Kia Sportage family review: Can it beat the Toyota RAV4 for families?

If you’re shopping for the best family SUV in Australia, the Kia Sportage GT-Line Hybrid should be on your radar. Note: The Sportage recently had an update which is available now in Kia Australia dealerships. There is new all-wheel drive hybrid trims available, a new eight-speed transmission. There a new front and slightly updated rear design, new alloy wheel designs, two new paint options as well as a 12.3'“ infotainment display standard on all variants. To dive into all the new changes you can visit your local Kia Dealership.

As one of the most popular mid-size SUVs for families, it features a striking exterior look, a well rounded safety suite, and impressive fuel efficiency without compromising on space.

You might be thinking, how does it actually perform when you add the real-life challenges of family life—like prams, shopping bags, and multiple car seats? We spent time testing the Sportage Hybrid to find out if it’s the right fit for your next family car.

The MY24 Sportage GT-Line HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle) pairs a 1.6L turbo petrol engine with an electric motor, giving you increased performance and surprising fuel economy—just 4.9L/100km on paper and around 5.0L/100km in our real-world test. That makes it even more efficient than the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, which has long dominated this segment.

The hybrid GT-Line is only available in front-wheel drive, so perfect for city families who want a car that’s got all the mod-cons but still can tackle weekend adventures. Kia’s 7-year warranty adds extra peace of mind for growing families.

Inside, the Sportage Hybrid is packed with family-friendly features. It fits three child seats across the second row, including two rear-facing baby capsules, thanks to its generous width and well-placed ISOFIX and top-tether anchor points. There are rear USB-C ports to keep the kids tech juiced up, rear air vents for comfort, and a door step height that makes getting kids in and out easy.

A small downside and perhaps oversight? No built-in rear window shades, which we’d love to see for those sunny school runs.

The boot is huge—at 586 litres, it swallowed a full-size pram and six shopping bags with room to spare.

Tech-wise, the Sportage GT-Line Hybrid feels more premium than most SUVs in this price range. The 360-degree camera and blind-spot view monitor help with everyday driving, while heated and ventilated seats, wireless phone charging, and leather-suede trim add luxury touches young parents will appreciate.

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Kia Sportage Pros & Cons: What you should know before buying

Pros:

• Can fit three child seats across the second row (including two rear-facing): 3 top tether and 2 ISOFIX ports.

• Fuel efficiency around 5.0L/100km: The hybrid powertrain comes very close to the claimed combined economy and very fuel efficient.

• Packed with luxury features: Heated and Ventilated seats, leather with suede upholstery

• Kia’s 7-year/unlimited km warranty: One of the highest warranty periods between Hyundai, Toyota and Mazda.

• Quiet cabin at low speeds: The hybrid system helps keep engine noise to a minimum

• Low height for boot and door opening: Makes getting prams and items in the boot easier postpartum.

• Still offers a manual transmission: Very few brands still offer the option of a manual transmission

Cons:

• No built-in window shades: A nice to have but rival 5 seater competitors have.

• Value for money: Luxury features for half the price of luxury brands.

• Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto not supported: GT-Line doesn’t have wireless Apple CarPlay.

• Rear doors don’t open to a full 90 degrees: though still wide enough to get in a baby capsule.

• Limited towing capacity: 1,650kg braked for the hybrid, 1900kg for the diesel.

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Kia Sportage price guide – How much does the 2025 Kia Sportage cost?

The MY25 pre-facelift Kia Sportage is available in 13 trim levels, 2 transmission options, three powertrain options and two drivetrain options (2WD and AWD) pricing as follows:

• 2025 Kia Sportage S Manual FWD petrol: $32,995 before on-road costs

• 2025 Kia Sportage S Auto FWD petrol: $34,995 before on-road costs

• 2025 Kia Sportage SX Manual FWD petrol: $35,550 before on-road costs

• 2025 Kia Sportage SX Auto FWD petrol: $37,550 before on-road costs

• 2025 Kia Sportage S Auto AWD diesel: $40,395 before on-road costs

• 2025 Kia Sportage SX+ Auto FWD petrol: $42,050 before on-road costs

• 2025 Kia Sportage SX Auto AWD diesel: $42,950 before on-road costs

• 2025 Kia Sportage SX+ Auto AWD petrol: $44,050 before on-road costs

• 2025 Kia Sportage HEV SX Auto FWD: $45,950 before on-road costs

• 2025 Kia Sportage SX+ Auto AWD diesel: $47,450 before on-road costs

• 2025 Kia Sportage GT-Line Auto AWD petrol: $49,920 before on-road costs

• 2025 Kia Sportage GT-Line Auto AWD diesel: $52,920 before on-road costs

• 2025 Kia Sportage HEV GT-Line FWD: $55,420 before on-road costs (as tested)

(Exact driveway pricing will vary depending on location and registration type; check with Kia Australia or your local dealership for up-to-date costs.) It’s worth noting there is now a new update of this model so pricing doesn’t represent the new Sportage range but rather the model range tested in November 2024.

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Kia Sportage engine options: Diesel

The 2025 Kia Sportage comes with four powertrain, two drivetrain, and two transmission options:

• 1.6L 4-cylinder turbo petrol hybrid: 169kW combined power & 350Nm combined torque

• 1.6L 4-cylinder turbo petrol: 132kW of power & 265Nm of torque

• 2.0L 4-cylinder petrol: 115kW of power & 192Nm of torque

• 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo diesel: 137kW of power & 416Nm of torque

The 2025 Kia Sportage GT-Line Hybrid comes with a single hybrid powertrain option, pairing a 1.6L turbo petrol engine with an electric motor, delivering a combined output of 169kW and 350Nm of torque. Power goes to the front wheels which is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, which is the only configuration available in the hybrid range.

On the road, the hybrid system feels smooth, as you’d expect from a hybrid or electric car. Putting your foot down, you can feel there’s an instant surge of power from the electric motor when taking off, and then the turbo petrol engine joins in seamlessly—there’s no largely obvious transition between the two. In fact, we needed to check the power flow display on the dashboard to see what’s actually driving the car most of the time as the car was fairly quite.

We drove the Sportage mostly around Melbourne—city traffic, school runs, and short freeway stints. It handled these environments comfortably. Merging onto freeways was made easier thanks to the combined hybrid power, and stop-start traffic is where the system shines the most, saving fuel and reducing idle time. The official fuel figure is 4.9L/100km, and in real-world conditions, we averaged around 5.0L/100km, which is impressive for a mid-size SUV.

Noise levels are well insulted. Around town, the cabin remains quiet, and while there’s a subtle hybrid whine when reversing which is I think part of the safety tech, it’s otherwise unintrusive. The engine sound under load isn’t particularly noticeable over no load.

We didn’t tow during our test, but the Sportage Hybrid is rated for 1,650kg braked towing, which should cover small trailers or lightweight camping setups. If you’re after serious towing or off-road performance, this front-wheel drive hybrid won’t be the right fit. And that’s worth noting—Kia doesn’t offer an AWD option for the hybrid variant in Australia, which might be a dealbreaker for some.

Overall, the powertrain is best suited for families doing mainly city driving with the occasional weekend road trip. It’s efficient, responsive, and backed by Kia’s 7-year warranty, making it a practical choice for those prioritising fuel economy and day-to-day usability.

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Is the Kia Sportage fuel-efficient?

The 2025 Kia Sporage offers four engine options, and with them, three different official fuel consumption figures:

• 1.6L 4-cylinder turbo petrol hybrid: 4.9L/100km combined (as tested). Our figure 5.0L/100km

• 1.6L 4-cylinder turbo petrol: 7.2L/100km combined

• 2.0L 4-cylinder petrol:– Manual 7.7L/100km combined and Auto 8.1L/100km combined.

• 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo diesel: – 6.3L/100km combined

During our real-world test of the Sportage GT-Line Hybrid, we averaged 5.0L/100km over a week of mostly city driving with some freeway stints. That result is almost spot-on with Kia’s official claim of 4.9L/100km, which is well received given we carried a full family load of car seats, prams, and shopping bags throughout the test.

The hybrid system makes the biggest difference in stop-start traffic, where the electric motor handles most low-speed work, and the petrol engine only kicks in when extra power is needed. Transitions between electric and petrol were smooth, and regenerative braking helped recapture energy during city runs. The car also includes a stop/start system, further reducing idle fuel burn.

So how does this compare to rivals?

• Mazda CX-5: 6.9L–8.2L depending on the engine

• Toyota RAV4 Hybrid: 4.7L claimed, with real-world figures around 5.7L in our previous test

• Hyundai Tucson Hybrid: 5.3L (Hybrid), 6.7L–8.1L for other variants

This puts the Sportage Hybrid at the efficient end of the segment—especially when compared to non-hybrid competitors—while delivering a little more real-world consistency than the RAV4 Hybrid during our test period.

Unlike large diesel SUVs, there’s no AdBlue to worry about here, but keep in mind hybrid servicing schedules can differ slightly from petrol-only models. Kia’s capped-price servicing program applies to the Sportage HEV, and fuel requirements remain simple: regular unleaded petrol, so there’s no need for premium.

Kia Sportage Interior & Space: How practical is it for families?

When it comes to family SUVs in Australia, the Kia Sportage GT-Line Hybrid stands out for its premium interior design and practical layout.

Inside, the cabin feels more upmarket than many mid-size SUV competitors like the Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-5. Features such as heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a panoramic sunroof, and Kia’s signature 12.3-inch curved infotainment display make this SUV feel closer to a luxury model than many everyday brands. The leather-appointed seats with suede accents look great, though parents should note that suede can be trickier to clean compared to full leather.

Tech is a major selling point for families. The infotainment system is large and easy to use, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto included (wired only), plus wireless phone charging. There’s also Harman Kardon premium audio. For safety and convenience, the 360-degree camera and blind-spot view monitor in the instrument cluster are standout features—particularly when parking in tight spaces or navigating busy two minute pick up.

Practicality is just as important as tech, and the Kia Sportage interior delivers here. Storage options include a spacious centre console for wipes and snacks, cup holders, and large door bins that fit 1L drink bottles. Families will appreciate clever touches like iPad holders on the back of the front headrests, which also double as bag hooks, and USB-C charging ports within easy reach of the second row.

The big question for many parents is: Can the Kia Sportage fit three child seats across? The answer is yes—just.

During our test, we installed a Maxi-Cosi Mico Plus capsule rear-facing of course, a Mother’s Choice Focus - a forward facing harnessed booster seat, and a Maxi-Cosi Pria LX in rear-facing mode. For three across, it’s easier to use the seatbelt rather than ISOFIX on all three seats, as the extra flexibility helps fit wider car seats.

There are two ISOFIX points and three top tether anchors, giving families plenty of configuration options. Rear door openings aren’t quite 90 degrees but are wide enough to comfortably load a capsule. Access is straightforward, and for most families with two kids in rear-facing seats and one in a booster, the Sportage offers a practical setup.

Second-row space is generous for children, and features like rear air vents, USB-C charging ports, and seatback pockets make everyday use easier. With two rear-facing car seats, legroom in the front row drops. If you’re tall this might be a deal breaker.

The boot space in the Kia Sportage Hybrid is 586 litres, making it one of the most practical mid-size SUVs for families. It comfortably swallowed a full-size pram plus five or six shopping bags, with room left for smaller items. There are also thoughtful touches like cargo hooks, a retractable boot cover, and manual release levers for the rear seats. The boot opening is wide and can be powered, with remote operation via the key.

Visibility from the driver’s seat is generally good, and when the boot is fully loaded, the 360-degree camera and blind-spot monitor make maneuvering safer and easier. Overall, the Kia Sportage GT-Line Hybrid offers a great mix of space, storage, and family-focused design.

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Kia Sportage Boot Space & Storage: How much can it fit?

• With 5 seats up: 586L

When choosing the best family SUV in Australia, boot space is one of the biggest priorities – at least for us—and the Kia Sportage GT-Line Hybrid delivers impressive practicality for a mid-size SUV.

The Kia Sportage’s boot size is 586 litres with the rear seats in use, making it one of the better options in its class for families who need everyday usability without upgrading to a large SUV.

During our real-world Kia Sportage Hybrid review, we tested the boot with a Maxi-Cosi Mali full-size pram and still had space for five grocery bags. The wide boot opening and low loading height make lifting heavy items like prams, kids bikes, and travel bags easy, which is a huge advantage for parents managing kids and cargo at the same time.

The Sportage GT-Line Hybrid boot includes practical family features like cargo hooks, a retractable boot cover, and remote second-row seat releases (manual, not powered). The layout provides plenty of flexibility for short family weekend trips, grocery hauls, or everyday errands. The boot cover is well-designed and slides easily into place—avoiding the frustrating jams that some other SUVs suffer from.

A power tailgate is standard on the GT-Line, making loading and unloading convenient when your hands are full with a pram or shopping bags. It can be opened via the key, a kick-foot or by the button on the tailgate itself, adding extra convenience for busy parents.

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Kia Sportage Safety Features: Is it a safe family car?

The 2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid comes equipped with a strong suite of active safety features and advanced driver assistance systems, most of which are standard across the range. This makes it one of the most safety-focused options in the mid-size SUV category—ideal for families with young children.

Standard safety features include:

• Autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian, cyclist, and junction assist

• Lane keeping assist (LKA) and lane following assist (LFA)

• Blind-spot collision avoidance assist (BCA) with rear cross-traffic collision avoidance (only on automatic models)

• Rear view camera with dynamic guidelines

• Rear parking sensors

• Driver attention alert (DAA+) with lead vehicle departure alert

• Safe exit warning (SEW)

• Intelligent speed limit assist (ISLA)

• Multi-collision braking

• ISOFIX anchor points: 2 in the second row

• Top tether points: 3 across the rear seat

• Trailer stability assist (only on automatic models)

• Haptic steering wheel feedback

The GT-Line variant adds premium safety features like:

• 360-degree surround view monitor with 3D mode

• Blind-spot view monitor (BVM) integrated into the instrument cluster

• Parking collision avoidance assist (PCA)

• Electrochromic rear-view mirror

The Kia Sportage Hybrid holds a 5-star ANCAP safety rating, which applies across the entire range.

From a real-world perspective, these systems worked as expected during our test. The 360-degree camera and blind-spot view monitor were particularly useful in tight carparks and during school drop-offs, while adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist made freeway driving less stressful. Alerts and warnings are clear without being overly intrusive, though the speed sign recognition system can feel a little too eager at times—an observation for parents planning a lot of school zone driving.

For families installing multiple car seats, the ISOFIX and top tether anchor points are easy to access, and the cabin layout supports secure installation without major compromise on space. Features like safe exit warning provide extra peace of mind when pening doors near traffic, and the rear occupant alert is a helpful reminder to check the back seat when exiting.

Want to save money? Baby and Car uses a trusted network of dealerships Australia-wide to find you the best price for your next brand new car. With tailored Australian-based support, it’s free to get a quote. Find out more here.

Kia Sportage vs Mazda CX-5 vs Toyota RAV4: which one is best for families?

• Best for Fuel Efficiency: Toyota RAV4 based on manufacturers testing however in real world we found the Kia Sportage HEV was more fuel efficient at 5.0L/100km

• Best for Cargo Space: Kia Sportage (586L)

• Best for Luxury & Comfort: Kia Sportage

• Best for Towing: Mazda CX-5 (2000 braked on the 2.5L turbo models)

• Most affordable to service: Toyota LandCruiser Prado ($270 per service for 5 years)

• Longest warranty: Kia Sportage (7 years, unlimited km)

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Should You Buy the Kia Sportage in 2025? Final verdict

The 2025 Kia Sportage GT-Line Hybrid is one of our top options in the mid-size SUV category for families in Australia. It combines hybrid fuel efficiency, practical interior space, and advanced safety technology in a package that feels premium without stretching too far into luxury SUV prices.

For families, the highlights are clear: a large 586-litre boot that fits a full-size pram and 6 shopping bags, seating that accommodates three compact child seats across the second row, and thoughtful features like headrest level rear USB-C ports, rear air vents, a two-material upholstery. The power tailgate, 360-degree camera, and blind-spot view monitor add real-world convenience which after giving back we really missed.

On the road, the hybrid powertrain delivers strong efficiency, averaging around 5.0L/100km in real-world testing, which rivals the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and outperforms the hybrid Hyundai Tucson sibling and non-hybrid competitors like the Mazda CX-5. If you’re looking for a AWD Hybrid you’ll have to look at the newer model – which we will have through the garage later this year.

Kia’s 7-year warranty is another factor that will appeal to value-driven households looking for long-term ownership confidence. Servicing isn’t too bad but not the cheapest in the segment. Each engine option has a different price for servicing so before buying you can look at servicing costs here.

There are a few compromises to note. The absence of an AWD option in this hybrid year range means it’s not the best fit for regular off-tarmac trips, and the lack of built-in rear window shades feels like a missed opportunity for a family-focused SUV. However, these are minor drawbacks in an otherwise well-rounded package.

If you’re searching for a fuel-efficient, family-friendly SUV with plenty of space for car seats and prams, the Kia Sportage GT-Line Hybrid deserves to be on your shortlist. It’s a smart choice for parents who need practicality, advanced safety features, and low running costs without stepping into a full-size SUV.

Want to save money? Baby and Car uses a trusted network of dealerships Australia-wide to find you the best price for your next brand new car. With tailored Australian-based support, it’s free to get a quote. Find out more here.

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