Kia Sportage: SL Facelift vs NQ5
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
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 114,642✓ | RM 129,639 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | C-Segment | C-Segment |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Assembly | CBU | CKD |
| Powertrain | ||
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Engine | 1,999 cc | 1,999 cc |
| Power | 152 hp | 154 hp✓ |
| Torque | 191 Nm | 192 Nm✓ |
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Driven wheels | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance | ||
| 0–100 km/h | 0.0 s | — |
| Top speed | 0 km/h | — |
| Efficiency | ||
| EV range | 0 km | — |
| CO₂ | 0 g/km | — |
| 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 |
| Boot space | 740 L✓ | 587 L |
| Fuel tank | 55 L | — |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 6 | 6 |
| Auto emergency braking | — | — |
| Ownership | ||
| Warranty | 5 | 5 |
| Road tax / year | RM 440 | RM 440 |
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.
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
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.