Verdict
The Kia Sportage NQ5 is the bigger, newer-generation choice, but it is not a big mechanical step up: both use a 1,999 cc petrol engine, front-wheel drive and a conventional automatic, with the NQ5 only 2 hp and 1 Nm ahead. The RM14,997 gap mainly buys size, with 220 mm more length and a 115 mm longer wheelbase. But the SL Facelift fights back with a much larger 740-litre boot versus 587 litres, so used-car buyers should not dismiss it on practicality alone.
Pick the Kia Sportage SL Facelift if you want the lower-priced Sportage with the bigger 740-litre boot and can live with the shorter 2,640 mm wheelbase.
Pick the Kia Sportage NQ5 if you want the newer-generation Sportage with the larger body, longer 2,755 mm wheelbase and slightly stronger 154 hp engine.
Key differences
- Price: Kia Sportage SL Facelift RM114,642; Kia Sportage NQ5 RM129,639
- Assembly: Kia Sportage SL Facelift CBU; Kia Sportage NQ5 CKD
- Output: Kia Sportage SL Facelift 152 hp/191 Nm; Kia Sportage NQ5 154 hp/192 Nm
- Size: Kia Sportage SL Facelift 4,440 mm long; Kia Sportage NQ5 4,660 mm long
- Wheelbase: Kia Sportage SL Facelift 2,640 mm; Kia Sportage NQ5 2,755 mm
- Boot space: Kia Sportage SL Facelift 740 litres; Kia Sportage NQ5 587 litres
SL Facelift
- Larger 740-litre boot
- Same six airbags
- Same 5-year warranty
- Shorter 2,640 mm wheelbase
- Slightly lower 152 hp output
- No AEB listed
NQ5
- Longer 2,755 mm wheelbase
- Larger 4,660 mm body
- Slightly stronger 154 hp engine
- Smaller 587-litre boot
- Costs RM14,997 more
- No AEB listed
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM114,642✓ | RM129,639 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | C-Segment | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM440 | 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 | 1,999 cc |
| Horsepower | 152 hp | 154 hp✓ |
| Torque | 191 Nm | 192 Nm✓ |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore | 81 mm | 81 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10.5 | 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 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,440 mm | 4,660 mm |
| Width | 1,855 mm | 1,865 mm |
| Height | 1,635 mm | 1,660 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,640 mm | 2,755 mm |
| Weight | 1,479 kg | 1,578 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 55 litres | — |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 740 litres✓ | 587 litres |
| Front Tyre | 235/55R18 | 235/65R17 |
| Rear Tyre | 235/55R18 | 235/65R17 |
| Spare Tyre | Full Size | Space Saver |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Korea (CBU) | 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) with FlexSteer adjustment (Comfort/Normal/Sport) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| EuroNCAP | 5 stars — With 6 airbags and stability control | — |
| ANCAP | 5 stars — With 6 airbags and stability control | — |
| 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 |
| Seatbelt Reminder | — | 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 AC Vents |
| Power Sockets | 2 front | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB Front, 2 USB Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights, Room lamp | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 front, 2 rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | 4.3" Touch-screen with Radio, CD, MP3, AUX, USB, 6 Speakers and Subwoofer | 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 Down |
| Engine Start | Manual Key | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Remote Control Activation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | Passive 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 sensor | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | — | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | — | Backlit Analogue |
| Parking Brake | — | 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
SL Facelift vs NQ5 FAQ
Is the Kia Sportage SL Facelift or Kia Sportage NQ5 better?
The Kia Sportage NQ5 is better if you want the bigger, newer-generation SUV, with more length and wheelbase. The Kia Sportage SL Facelift is better if boot space and price matter more.
What is the price difference?
The Kia Sportage NQ5 costs RM129,639, while the Kia Sportage SL Facelift costs RM114,642. That makes the NQ5 RM14,997 dearer.
Which Kia Sportage has more boot space?
The Kia Sportage SL Facelift has more boot space at 740 litres. The Kia Sportage NQ5 has 587 litres, despite being the longer car.