Is the Kia Sportage a 4x4?
The Kia Sportage 4x4 is an affordable way to get an off-road capable car
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Kia Sportage 4x4
If you’re shopping for an SUV, you’d be forgiven for feeling overwhelmed. We’re right there with you – there are so many on the market that it’s a struggle to know your Kia Sportages from your Tiguans.
That’s especially true if you’re looking for a 4x4 model, as now you’ve got to search for impressive SUVs with four-wheel drive as well.
The Kia Sportage 4x4 is a great all-rounder, and with four-wheel drive available in the plug-in hybrid, full hybrid, mild hybrid and diesel models, you can’t go wrong.
Find out if the Kia Sportage 4x4 is the one for you below.
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Understanding 4x4 and all-wheel drive systems
If you’re new to four-wheel drive systems, you might be tempted by the promise of extra grip, increased performance and the ability to tackle all terrain.
Modern four-wheel drive systems work in slightly different ways depending on the tech, but the long and short is that they send power to all four wheels, rather than just the fronts or rears.
There are also often drive modes to suit different conditions, like the ‘Terrain Mode’ in the Sportage 4x4. This lets you tell the car’s computers if you’re driving on snow, mud or sand so it knows how to give you the most grip.
Clever tech uses the 4WD system to direct the power and control the brakes and gearbox, giving you more control when the going gets tough.
Kia Sportage 4x4 models available
Kia Sportage models with four-wheel drive include:
1.6 GDi ISG
1.6 GDi GT-Line
1.6 GDi ISG GT-Line
1.6 CRdi 48V GT-Line
1.6T GDi GT-Line DCT
1.6 Turbocharged Petrol Hybrid Automatic
1.6 Turbocharged Petrol Plug-in Hybrid Automatic
Performance in off-road conditions
Having all four wheels working together on the Sportage makes it easier to drive on testing terrain, giving you more control and a bit of peace of mind in tough conditions.
You get Terrain Mode as standard for the mud, snow and sand, but the 4WD also works all the time to keep you on the straight and narrow in normal driving.
Our pick? The Kia Sportage 1.6T GDi ISG GT-Line strikes a great balance between sporty and efficient, and it offers promising four-wheel drive tech.
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Benefits of owning a 4x4 Kia Sportage
You might choose to buy a 4x4 Kia Sportage if you live off the beaten track and want something that feels sturdy on country lanes.
They’re also ideal for those who live an outdoorsy lifestyle, as they give you extra grip on muddy campsites and other slippery terrain.
If you’re lucky enough (or unlucky enough) to live somewhere it snows, four-wheel drive will also be helpful in icy conditions.
We’ve also got another guide on ‘Is the Kia Sportage a good car?’ if you want to learn more about this popular SUV.
Safety and stability
The Kia Sportage is one of the safest family cars on the market – Euro NCAP awarded it a full five-star rating in 2022. It scored 87% for adult protection and 86% for children.
Add to that the safety kit you get on a Sportage (driver attention warning, lane-keeping assist, forward collision avoidance and more), and you can feel safe and secure on the road.
That’s all on top of the 4WD system that gives you extra grip and security in all kinds of weather.
Should you choose a Kia Sportage 4x4?
That’s ultimately down to you, but as you can see, there are plenty of reasons the Sportage 4x4 is so popular.
For anyone who gets their car muddy, and is wary of the weather, or just fancies some extra traction and a seven-year warranty – the all-wheel drive Sportage should definitely be on your shortlist.
The 591-litre boot and five-star safety rating make it perfect for families as well.
Take a look at our full range of used Kia Sportage models to find the best deal.