Verdict
The Kia Sportage 1.6T High 2WD is the sensible buy at RM159,320 because the RM20,000 step to the Kia Sportage 1.6T High AWD mainly buys the 8-speaker Harman Kardon system over the 2WD’s 6-speaker setup. Both use the same 177 hp/265 Nm 1.6-litre turbo, 7-speed dry DCT and are listed with Front Wheel Drive. Safety kit is also aligned, including autonomous braking, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go and a 360-degree camera. Spend up only if the audio upgrade matters.
Pick the Kia Sportage 1.6T High 2WD if you want the same engine, safety kit and listed driveline for RM20,000 less.
Pick the Kia Sportage 1.6T High AWD if the 8-speaker Harman Kardon sound system is worth the extra spend to you.
Key differences
- Price: RM159,320 vs RM179,320, so the Kia Sportage 1.6T High AWD costs RM20,000 more
- Speaker count: 6 speakers vs 8 speakers
- Audio system: 12.3-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto plus 6 speakers vs 12.
- Listed driveline: Front Wheel Drive vs Front Wheel Drive, despite the AWD variant name
- Engine output: 177 hp and 265 Nm vs 177 hp and 265 Nm
1.6T High 2WD
- RM20,000 cheaper to buy
- Same 177 hp and 265 Nm 1.6-litre turbo as the pricier variant
- Same autonomous braking, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control and 360-degree camera
- Gets 6 speakers instead of the 8-speaker Harman Kardon system
1.6T High AWD
- Gets the 8-speaker Harman Kardon sound system
- Two extra speakers over the Kia Sportage 1.6T High 2WD
- Costs RM20,000 more
- No extra power or torque
- Driveline is still listed as Front Wheel Drive
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 159,320✓ | RM 179,320 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | C-Segment | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-Valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Direct Injection and Variable Valve Timing | 16-Valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Direct Injection and Variable Valve Timing |
| Capacity | 1,598 cc | 1,598 cc |
| Horsepower | 177 hp | 177 hp |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 265 Nm |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline | Inline |
| Timing Type | Chain | Chain |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore | 75.6 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10 | 10 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Dual-clutch Automatic (Dry) | Dual-clutch Automatic (Dry) |
| Transmission Name | 7-speed DCT | 7-speed DCT |
| Gears | 7 | 7 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Hyundai | Hyundai |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,660 mm | 4,660 mm |
| Width | 1,865 mm | 1,865 mm |
| Height | 1,660 mm | 1,660 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,755 mm | 2,755 mm |
| Weight | 1,626 kg | 1,626 kg |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 587 litres | 587 litres |
| Front Tyre | 235/60R18 | 235/60R18 |
| Rear Tyre | 235/60R18 | 235/60R18 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | Space Saver |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Chassis | Unibody | Unibody |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Struts | MacPherson Struts |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 18" Alloy | 18" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 18" Alloy | 18" Alloy |
| Front Brakes | Ventilated Disc | Ventilated Disc |
| Rear Brakes | Solid Disc | Solid Disc |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual For Rear Doors | Manual For Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| ISOFIX | Available for 2 Outer 2nd Row Seats | Available for 2 Outer 2nd Row Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | Available for all seats | Available for all seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Power Adjustable Driver's Seat, Manual Adjustable Front Passenger Seat | Power Adjustable Driver's Seat, Manual Adjustable Front Passenger Seat |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding | 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 |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB Front, 2 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 |
| Audio | 12.3" Infotainment Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and 6 Speakers | 12.3" Infotainment Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and 8-Speaker Harman Kardon Sound System |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Driver Side Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Four Windows, Driver Side Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go | Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go |
| Tiptronic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Powered Boot | Powered Boot |
| Parking Sensor Front | 4 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, 360-degree Camera | Yes, 360-degree Camera |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Backlit Analogue | Backlit Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 100,000 km | 100,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM 120 | RM 120 |
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.
1.6T High 2WD vs 1.6T High AWD FAQ
Is the Kia Sportage 1.6T High 2WD or Kia Sportage 1.6T High AWD better?
The Kia Sportage 1.6T High 2WD is better value for most buyers. It costs RM20,000 less while keeping the same 177 hp/265 Nm engine, listed Front Wheel Drive layout, safety kit and 360-degree camera.
What is the price difference?
The Kia Sportage 1.6T High 2WD costs RM159,320, while the Kia Sportage 1.6T High AWD costs RM179,320. The gap is RM20,000.
Does the Kia Sportage 1.6T High AWD get more power or different AWD hardware?
No. Both are rated at 177 hp and 265 Nm, both use a 7-speed dry dual-clutch automatic, and both are listed with Front Wheel Drive.