Verdict
The 1.6T High 2WD asks RM19,681 more than the 2.0G High 2WD, and the money goes into the powertrain: 177 hp and 265 Nm from a 1.6 turbo with a dry dual-clutch auto, versus 154 hp and 192 Nm from a 2.0 with a conventional automatic. It also cuts yearly road tax from RM440 to RM120. Space and safety do not move: both are 4,660 mm long, have a 587-litre boot, six airbags and AEB. If you do not need the extra shove, the 2.0G is the tidier buy.
Pick the Kia Sportage 2.0G High 2WD if you want the lower entry price, a conventional automatic and the same cabin space, boot capacity and safety basics.
Pick the Kia Sportage 1.6T High 2WD if you will use the extra 23 hp and 73 Nm, and like the RM320 lower yearly road tax.
Key differences
- Price: RM139,639 for the 2.0G High 2WD vs RM159,320 for the 1.6T High 2WD
- Engine: 1,999 cc petrol in the 2.0G High 2WD vs 1,598 cc petrol in the 1.6T High 2WD
- Power: 154 hp in the 2.0G High 2WD vs 177 hp in the 1.6T High 2WD
- Torque: 192 Nm in the 2.0G High 2WD vs 265 Nm in the 1.6T High 2WD
- Transmission: conventional automatic in the 2.0G High 2WD vs dry dual-clutch automatic in the 1.6T High 2WD
- Road tax: RM440 a year for the 2.0G High 2WD vs RM120 a year for the 1.6T High 2WD
2.0G High 2WD
- RM19,681 cheaper to buy
- Conventional automatic gearbox
- Same 587-litre boot, six airbags and AEB
- 154 hp is down on the 1.6T’s 177 hp
- 192 Nm is well short of the 1.6T’s 265 Nm
- Higher RM440 annual road tax
1.6T High 2WD
- Stronger 177 hp output
- Much higher 265 Nm torque
- Lower RM120 annual road tax
- Costs RM19,681 more
- Dry dual-clutch automatic instead of a conventional automatic
- No extra boot space, airbags or warranty
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 139,639✓ | RM 159,320 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | C-Segment | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-Valve DOHC, Naturally Aspirated with Variable Valve Timing | 16-Valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Direct Injection and Variable Valve Timing |
| Capacity | 1,999 cc | 1,598 cc |
| Horsepower | 154 hp | 177 hp✓ |
| Torque | 192 Nm | 265 Nm✓ |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline | Inline |
| Timing Type | Chain | Chain |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore | 81 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10.8 | 10 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Dual-clutch Automatic (Dry) |
| Transmission Name | 6-Speed Automatic | 7-speed DCT |
| Gears | 6 | 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 | 1,578 kg | 1,626 kg |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 587 litres | 587 litres |
| Front Tyre | 235/65R17 | 235/60R18 |
| Rear Tyre | 235/65R17 | 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 | 17" Alloy | 18" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 17" 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 | 8" Infotainment Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and 6 Speakers | 12.3" Infotainment Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and 6 Speakers |
| 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 | 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 440 | 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.
2.0G High 2WD vs 1.6T High 2WD FAQ
Is the Kia Sportage 2.0G High 2WD or Kia Sportage 1.6T High 2WD better?
The 1.6T is mechanically stronger, with 177 hp, 265 Nm and RM120 annual road tax. The 2.0G is better value if 154 hp and 192 Nm are enough, because space, six airbags, AEB and warranty are unchanged.
What is the price difference?
The 1.6T High 2WD costs RM159,320, which is RM19,681 more than the RM139,639 2.0G High 2WD.
Do they have different space or safety equipment?
No. Both are five-seat, front-wheel-drive C-segment SUVs measuring 4,660 mm long, with a 2,755 mm wheelbase, 587-litre boot, six airbags, AEB and a five-year warranty.