Verdict
At RM117,560 against RM129,639, the Kia Sportage NQ5 asks RM12,079 more than the Kia Sportage QL, and the numbers show where that money goes: size and luggage room. Both are CKD, petrol, front-driven C-segment SUVs with five seats, six airbags, automatic gearboxes and five-year warranties. The newer NQ5 is 180 mm longer with an 85 mm longer wheelbase and a 587-litre boot, versus 466 litres. Mechanically they are very close, with 154 hp plays 153 hp and both have 192 Nm.
Pick the Kia Sportage QL if you want the lower buy-in and can live with the smaller 466-litre boot and shorter 2,670 mm wheelbase.
Pick the Kia Sportage NQ5 if you want the newer generation’s extra body size and much larger 587-litre boot for family use.
Key differences
- Price: Kia Sportage QL RM117,560; Kia Sportage NQ5 RM129,639
- Power: Kia Sportage QL 153 hp; Kia Sportage NQ5 154 hp
- Length: Kia Sportage QL 4,480 mm; Kia Sportage NQ5 4,660 mm
- Wheelbase: Kia Sportage QL 2,670 mm; Kia Sportage NQ5 2,755 mm
- Boot space: Kia Sportage QL 466 litres; Kia Sportage NQ5 587 litres
- Height: Kia Sportage QL 1,635 mm; Kia Sportage NQ5 1,660 mm
QL
- Lower listed price
- Same 192 Nm torque as the NQ5
- Six airbags and five-year warranty
- Smaller 466-litre boot
- Shorter 2,670 mm wheelbase
- Slightly lower 153 hp output
NQ5
- Larger 587-litre boot
- Longer 2,755 mm wheelbase
- Slightly higher 154 hp output
- Costs RM12,079 more
- Fuel economy figure not listed
- Fuel tank capacity not listed
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM117,560✓ | RM129,639 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | C-Segment | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | — | RM440 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-Valve DOHC, Naturally Aspirated with Dual Variable Valve Timing | 16-Valve DOHC, Naturally Aspirated with Variable Valve Timing |
| Capacity | — | 1,999 cc |
| Horsepower | 153 hp | 154 hp✓ |
| Torque | 192 Nm | 192 Nm |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore | 81 mm | 81 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10.3 | 10.8 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 6-Speed Automatic | 6-Speed Automatic |
| Gears | 6 | 6 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Hyundai | Hyundai |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| Rated Economy | 7.9 L/100 km | — |
| Co2 | 182 g/km | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,480 mm | 4,660 mm |
| Width | 1,855 mm | 1,865 mm |
| Height | 1,635 mm | 1,660 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,670 mm | 2,755 mm |
| Weight | 1,499 kg | 1,578 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 62 litres | — |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 466 litres | 587 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 225/60R17 | 235/65R17 |
| Rear Tyre | 225/60R17 | 235/65R17 |
| Spare Tyre | Full Size 17" Alloy | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Hankook Kinergy GT | — |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Struts |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 17" Alloy | 17" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 17" Alloy | 17" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| EuroNCAP | 5 stars | — |
| ANCAP | 5 stars | — |
| 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 |
| ISOFIX | Available for two outer rear passenger seats | Available for 2 Outer 2nd Row Seats |
| Lane-keeping Assist | No | No |
| Seatbelt Reminder | For all seats | Available for all seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Halogen Projector | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | Normal Bulb | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | — | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | ✓ | — |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | — | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Manual Adjustable | Manual Adjustment |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-Folding | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Manual Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Rear Vents | Rear AC Vents |
| Power Sockets | 2 Front, 1 Rear | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB Front, 2 USB Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | Touchscreen with Radio, CD, MP3, AUX and Bluetooth, 8 Speakers | 12.3" Infotainment Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and 6 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows | Four Windows, Driver Side Auto Down |
| Engine Start | Manual key | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Remote Control Activation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | Passive Cruise Control |
| Tiptronic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Electroluminescent Analogue | Backlit Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Handbrake | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited✓ | 100,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
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 cars for sale
QL vs NQ5 FAQ
Is the Kia Sportage QL or Kia Sportage NQ5 better?
The Kia Sportage NQ5 is the stronger family pick on paper because it is larger and has a 587-litre boot. The Kia Sportage QL still makes sense if price matters more than luggage space.
What is the price difference?
The Kia Sportage NQ5 costs RM12,079 more than the Kia Sportage QL, based on the listed prices.
Which one has more boot space?
The Kia Sportage NQ5 has more boot space: 587 litres versus 466 litres in the Kia Sportage QL, a 121-litre advantage.