Verdict
The GAC Emkoo is the stronger buy on paper: it costs RM5,000 less at RM123,800, yet its 1.5-litre turbo makes 175 hp and 270 Nm against the Kia Sportage’s 154 hp and 192 Nm. It also brings a 360-degree camera, adaptive cruise control, autonomous braking and lane-keeping assist, where the Sportage has a reverse camera and passive cruise control. The Kia counters with a slightly longer 2,755-mm wheelbase and a conventional six-speed automatic, but its RM440 annual road tax is RM320 higher than the Emkoo’s RM120.
Pick the GAC Emkoo if you want more power, a 638-litre boot and a far fuller active-safety and convenience kit for less money.
Pick the Kia Sportage if you prefer its conventional six-speed automatic, 2,755-mm wheelbase and narrower 1,865-mm body.
Key differences
- Price: GAC Emkoo RM123,800; Kia Sportage RM128,800.
- Output: GAC Emkoo 175 hp and 270 Nm; Kia Sportage 154 hp and 192 Nm.
- Road tax: GAC Emkoo RM120 per year; Kia Sportage RM440 per year.
- Boot space: GAC Emkoo 638 litres; Kia Sportage 587 litres.
- Wheels: GAC Emkoo 19-inch alloys with 235/55R19 tyres; Kia Sportage 17-inch alloys with 235/65R17 tyres.
- Wheelbase: GAC Emkoo 2,750 mm; Kia Sportage 2,755 mm.
Emkoo
- 175 hp and 270 Nm from the 1.5-litre turbo.
- Autonomous braking, lane-keeping assist and blind-spot information system.
- Powered front seats, ventilated driver’s seat and 360-degree camera.
- At 1,901 mm wide, it is 36 mm wider than the Sportage.
- Only one rear USB port versus the Sportage’s two.
Sportage
- Conventional six-speed automatic transmission.
- 2,755-mm wheelbase, 5 mm longer than the Emkoo’s.
- Two rear USB ports.
- Costs RM5,000 more and has RM320 higher annual road tax.
- 154 hp and 192 Nm trail the Emkoo’s 175 hp and 270 Nm.
- No autonomous braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot information system or adaptive cruise control.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM123,800✓ | RM128,800 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | C-Segment | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM120✓ | RM440 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Dual Variable Valve Timing | 16-Valve DOHC, Naturally Aspirated with Variable Valve Timing |
| Capacity | 1,497 cc | 1,999 cc |
| Horsepower | 175 hp✓ | 154 hp |
| Torque | 270 Nm✓ | 192 Nm |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore | — | 81 mm |
| Compression Ratio | — | 10.8 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 7DCT | 6-Speed Automatic |
| Gears | 7 | 6 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | — | Hyundai |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 8.8 seconds | — |
| Top Speed | 190 km/h | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,680 mm | 4,660 mm |
| Width | 1,901 mm | 1,865 mm |
| Height | 1,670 mm | 1,660 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,750 mm | 2,755 mm |
| Weight | 1,540 kg | 1,578 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 55 litres | — |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 638 litres✓ | 587 litres |
| Front Tyre | 235/55R19 | 235/65R17 |
| Rear Tyre | 235/55R19 | 235/65R17 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Continental EcoContact 6 | — |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Struts |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 19" Two-tone Alloys | 17" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 19" Two-tone Alloys | 17" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | — |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | Manual For Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | — |
| ISOFIX | Available on 2 Outer Rear Seats | Available for 2 Outer 2nd Row Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | — |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | No |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | — |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | Available for all seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | Full LED | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Powered Front Seats with Ventilated Driver's Seat | Manual Adjustment |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding with Manual Recline | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Rear AC Vents | Rear AC Vents |
| Sunroof | Panoramic Glass Roof | — |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB Front, 1 USB Rear | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB Front, 2 USB Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Sun Shade | Panoramic Glass Roof Shade | — |
| Audio | 10.1" Touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, 6-speaker Sound System | 12.3" Infotainment Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and 6 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Driver's Side Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch | Four Windows, Driver Side Auto Down |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control |
| Tiptronic | — | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Powered Boot | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | — |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, 360-degree View Monitor | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Head-up Display | ✓ | — |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Backlit Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 150,000 km✓ | 100,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
| Warranty Notes | 7 Year, 180,000 km Powertrain Warranty | — |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used Emkoo & Sportage for sale
Emkoo vs Sportage FAQ
Is the GAC Emkoo or Kia Sportage better?
The GAC Emkoo is the better-equipped and more powerful choice. It is RM5,000 cheaper, has 175 hp and 270 Nm, plus autonomous braking, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera.
What is the price difference?
The GAC Emkoo costs RM123,800 and the Kia Sportage costs RM128,800, so the Sportage is RM5,000 more expensive. Annual road tax is also RM120 for the Emkoo versus RM440 for the Sportage.
Which has the bigger boot, GAC Emkoo or Kia Sportage?
The GAC Emkoo has the bigger boot at 638 litres, 51 litres more than the Kia Sportage’s 587 litres. Both are five-seat C-segment SUVs with 60:40 split-folding rear seats.