The 2025 Kia Sportage L (long-wheelbase version) brings enhanced space and modern styling to the compact SUV segment in the UAE. Positioned for families and tech‑savvy drivers, it impresses with its increased cabin room, advanced driver assistance features, and sleek road presence. This version continues to elevate Kia’s benchmark for value and comfort.
Engine & Performance
The Sportage L offers two petrol turbocharged engines across variants. A 1.5‑litre turbocharged inline‑four delivers 197 HP and 253 NM of torque through an 8‑speed automatic transmission, driving the front wheels. A more powerful 2.0‑litre turbo variant produces 263 HP and 353 NM, paired with the same 8‑speed automatic but adds all‑wheel drive. The smaller engine achieves around 12.7 KM/L, while the 2.0‑litre remains competitive at close to 14.3 KM/L under mixed driving. Both deliver smooth power delivery and quiet refinement, though acceleration is briskest in the 2.0‑litre AWD variant (0–100 KM/H in about 8.1 seconds).
Exterior
The extended Sportage L stretches nearly 4,660 mm in length with 80 mm extra rear legroom and 7 MM more headroom than the standard model. Its longer silhouette includes rearward extended C‑pillar windows and longer rear doors. The front fascia features Kia’s signature tiger‑nose grille flanked by full LED headlights and DRLs. Wheel options vary by trim: 17‑inch alloys on LX, 18‑inch on EX, and 19‑inch styles on SX trims. The X‑Line appearance package adds a darker, star‑chain grille and rugged cladding. A panoramic sunroof, roof rails, and powered tailgate appear on higher variants, adding both visual appeal and practicality. The rear is accented by a connected LED tail-light bar and an integrated spoiler for a sporty stance.
Interior
Inside, the cabin is spacious and modern. The second row offers class‑leading legroom (around 1,050 MM) and headroom (about 1,000 MM), with cargo capacity at approximately 543 litres behind the rear seats. Fold down the rear seats, and that expands considerably. A large, curved dual‑display setup dominates the dashboard: a 12.3‑inch touchscreen paired with a similarly sized digital cluster. Standard features include wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, wireless charging, dual front USB‑C ports and ambient lighting in upper trims.
EX and SX grades add semi‑leather (EX) or full leather upholstery (SX), ventilated and heated front seats, a powered driver seat with memory, and power folding mirrors. The SX trim includes a Harman Kardon premium audio system and advanced ADAS like adaptive cruise control with stop‑and‑go, blind‑spot collision‑avoidance, lane‑keeping and following assist, forward collision avoidance, and surround‑view monitor. Twin‑zone climate control, mood lighting, and rear USB‑C charging ports enhance passenger comfort.
Driving Experience & Usability
The Sportage L steers with a slightly weighted, refined feel. Ride quality is supple over paved roads, while the longer wheelbase enhances stability. The 2.0‑litre AWD model offers smoother acceleration and confident highway performance. Terrain modes adjust throttle and chassis response for different road types. While the entry trims are efficient and city‑friendly, some drivers on forums note the acceleration of the smaller engine lacks urgency for overtaking at speed. Others mention occasional seat comfort concerns over long drives and minor infotainment quirks in mid-level variants.
Safety & Technology
Standard across trims are six airbags, ESC, TPMS, front and rear parking sensors, and a rear‑view camera. Higher‑spec trims add surround‑view monitor, blind‑spot avoidance, and lane‑following systems for enhanced safety. Steering wheel controls, an electric parking brake, shift‑by‑wire driving dial, and smart key entry are also featured.
Price In The UAE
Prices begin at approximately AED 99,650 for the Sportage L LX 1.5T. The LX 2.0T is AED 113,400, while the 1.5T SX costs AED 138,500. The range‑topping 2.0T SX reaches around AED 149,100. The Sportage L is available in six variants, offering a broad spectrum of specifications and pricing to suit family, commuting, and tech‑focused buyers.
Verdict
The 2025 Kia Sportage L represents a compelling value proposition in the UAE compact SUV market. With generous rear space, solid safety kit, refined ride, and well‑integrated infotainment, it addresses many expectations of modern family drivers. While the base 1.5‑litre engine can feel modest under load, the 2.0‑litre AWD unit delivers more confident acceleration when needed. Kia’s long warranty and feature-packed trims make this model one of the best-balanced, accessible SUVs in its class for GCC buyers.
