2016 Kia Sportage Gen 4

[sparc179]

I'm thinking of getting the 2019 model to replace our aging and not so economical Rav4.

The exterior of this current Gen. appeals to me, kind of a Euro look, despite its many detractors. Is that one of the reasons it's not selling as much as the older Gen. did?

Features for the 2019 version look good also, and it's one of the few small CUVs with an ISOFIX which is one of my requirements.

Any 2018 owners with serious gripes about your Sporty? I would appreciate any feedback. Thanks in advance.

[bloowolf]

I think the drastic design change did not appeal to the pinoy asian taste. Pinoys like a lot of bling on their cars. Asian cars in general are decked with chrome everywhere & aftermarket chrome highlighters, such as chrome door pocket bowls are quite popular. European designs, if you will notice, do not have a lot of chrome on them. Just subtle highlights in the margins of the grill, boot, under carriage & window frame. In many youtube reviews, the tiger grill, which is a corporate design distinction of Kia, is something you either like or loathe. Even the interior is understated. You can’t blame Kia for being too European for an Asian car since the chief designer is a German (formerly from Audi). I guess it really depends on your taste.


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[sparc179]

I think the drastic design change did not appeal to the pinoy asian taste. Pinoys like a lot of bling on their cars. Asian cars in general are decked with chrome everywhere & aftermarket chrome highlighters, such as chrome door pocket bowls are quite popular. European designs, if you will notice, do not have a lot of chrome on them. Just subtle highlights in the margins of the grill, boot, under carriage & window frame. In many youtube reviews, the tiger grill, which is a corporate design distinction of Kia, is something you either like or loathe. Even the interior is understated. You can’t blame Kia for being too European for an Asian car since the chief designer is a German (formerly from Audi). I guess it really depends on your taste.


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I guess I don't have very "Pinoy" taste then, because I actually like the new look exactly for those reasons you stated. Understated, classy, even elegant to a point.

But the main thing that piques my interest are the features and specs stated. I'm just worried about durability, I saw a few horror stories in an FB group.

I hope others can share their experiences. TIA.

[bloowolf]

I guess I don't have very "Pinoy" taste then, because I actually like the new look exactly for those reasons you stated. Understated, classy, even elegant to a point.

But the main thing that piques my interest are the features and specs stated. I'm just worried about durability, I saw a few horror stories in an FB group.

I hope others can share their experiences. TIA.

I own a 2018 SL (acquired Feb last year), the last model CACC sold before Ayala took over & the model has been in existence here since June 2017 pa lang. I haven’t had any issues with it so far, running 11k already. I know that compared to the previous model, there have been tons of improvements, for one being structurally stronger with the use of more HTSS (super steel). The only holdover from the previous model is the engine, which has also been improved somewhat. It is quiet & has a very comfortable ride being a crossover. I prefer crossovers over PPVs anytime. What FB group is that?


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[sparc179]

I own a 2018 SL (acquired Feb last year), the last model CACC sold before Ayala took over & the model has been in existence here since June 2017 pa lang. I haven’t had any issues with it so far, running 11k already. I know that compared to the previous model, there have been tons of improvements, for one being structurally stronger with the use of more HTSS (super steel). The only holdover from the previous model is the engine, which has also been improved somewhat. It is quiet & has a very comfortable ride being a crossover. I prefer crossovers over PPVs anytime. What FB group is that?


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Great! I was hoping for something like this. Thank you for that honest review sir bloowolf. Is that a Gas or Diesel variant? I've already emailed them requesting for a test drive and a quote.

This is the FB group I mentioned: Kia Sportage Owners Club Philippines Public Group | Facebook

Lots of stories about failing A/C systems, suspension problems, electrical issues etc., though none as bad as what I've read in the Tucson owners page. Hihihi. Sorry, couldn't resist the comparison.

Thanks again for the SitRep on your Sporty.

[bloowolf]

I am a member of that group. Issues I saw so far are of the older models. None in the new (QL) as far as I know. I am also a member in International Sportage FB groups & they have more reciews of the new ones.
My Sportage is a diesel. I forgot to mention that one reason I like Korean CRDI’s is the high output (hp & torque) squeezed out of a smallish engine. In diesel engines kasi, merging power is important for me rather than the speed since I don’t race. I want to be able to quickly overtake a trike or a jeep in a busy narrow road (like the West Service road in Alabang) & the Kia or Hyundai diesels are more than adequate for this. It is also not a problem when driving up a mountain road like the Bitukang Manok going up to Tagaytay from Talisay, with all it’s twisty inclines (any of you ever tried this road?).


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[sparc179]

I am a member of that group. Issues I saw so far are of the older models. None in the new (QL) as far as I know. I am also a member in International Sportage FB groups & they have more reciews of the new ones.
My Sportage is a diesel. I forgot to mention that one reason I like Korean CRDI’s is the high output (hp & torque) squeezed out of a smallish engine. In diesel engines kasi, merging power is important for me rather than the speed since I don’t race. I want to be able to quickly overtake a trike or a jeep in a busy narrow road (like the West Service road in Alabang) & the Kia or Hyundai diesels are more than adequate for this. It is also not a problem when driving up a mountain road like the Bitukang Manok going up to Tagaytay from Talisay, with all it’s twisty inclines (any of you ever tried this road?).


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Yes sir, mostly from the older generations. I actually haven't seen any complaint posts about the Gen. 4 yet and I'm kind of glad.

I also agree that torque and output are more essential to those of us who need a comfy, yet spacious ride that a small CUV provides. I don't like PPVs either, too bumpy and big for our small roads with tons of pedestrians and small vehicles all trying to cram their way unto one's path.

We take regular trips to Baguio and parts of the north so I'm somewhat familiar to twisties and high-angle overtaking. But the other things that make the Sporty appealing to me right now are the great FC, safety and comfort for my family. My wife recently gave birth to our first born, so my needs and priorities for features in a car have changed dramatically.

Thanks again for the great input.

[minicarph]

Any 2018 owners with serious gripes about your Sporty? I would appreciate any feedback. Thanks in advance.

At the new price range, parang short changed ka sa sportsge in terms of body size. I mean the tucosn crdi is as big as the 2007 to 2009 Santa Fe, a mid size SUV.

The CRV diesel is also bigger coz of the inclusion of the third row.

Para ka lamang lang ng onti sa hrv or subaru xv or maybe the same. Its really small looking.

If i gonna spend with same amount of money, better get the bigger car na para sulit.

[sparc179]

At the new price range, parang short changed ka sa sportsge in terms of body size. I mean the tucosn crdi is as big as the 2007 to 2009 Santa Fe, a mid size SUV.

The CRV diesel is also bigger coz of the inclusion of the third row.

Para ka lamang lang ng onti sa hrv or subaru xv or maybe the same. Its really small looking.

If i gonna spend with same amount of money, better get the bigger car na para sulit.

Good thing you mentioned that, its size and dimensions are actually perfect for our garage because it is one of the few CUVs which will fit in with 4 other cars. Sakto na lang kasi ang space, kaya isa yan sa mga pinipili ko.

Also, I already mentioned, I don't like PPVs/ Mid-sized variants, malikot masyado suspension at di ko naman kailangan ang 7-seater. Makitid pa mga kalsada samin, prone sa gasgas at bunggo pag malapad ang sasakyan. Personal experience.

At this point, I'm looking at either the Sporty or the new Forester, I don't mind not having a turbo, high speed is not a requirement. Safety, comfort and good FC is right now.

Thanks for the suggestions though.

[minicarph]

kaya lang pag lumabas ka nasa garahe nyo at nasa roads ka na, maliit ka pa din tignan

[sparc179]

kaya lang pag lumabas ka nasa garahe nyo at nasa roads ka na, maliit ka pa din tignan

I don't mind at all kasi sanay nako. Rav4 owner since 2006, halos parehas lang laki at haba nila.

[minicarph]

Pero sayang nman same price lang makakadrive ka na ng mas malaki

[sparc179]

Pero sayang nman same price lang makakadrive ka na ng mas malaki

Makaka-drive nga ako ng malaki, hindi naman kasya sa garahe namin kasama 4 pa na sasakyan. At ayaw ko na man talaga mid-size. Olats din. LoL.

Anyway, user's preference. Everything is subjective and personal anyway. LoL.

[bloowolf]

This just came to mind. When I bring my son back to the dorm in the Ubelt, I see mga Starex vans, Ford explorer, Fortuner etc parked on the sidewalk outside the homes of the owners. Mas malaki pa sasakyan kesa bahay. I just shake my head. Pinoy nga naman, willing to spend for the image but not for the necessity.


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[uls]

image is everything

hehe

[yubby24]

image is everything

hehe

And low DP is life.

[Trippin]

At this point, I'm looking at either the Sporty or the new Forester, I don't mind not having a turbo, high speed is not a requirement. Safety, comfort and good FC is right now.

Thanks for the suggestions though.

Honda CRV-S gas is what you're looking for. And the new Forester looks good, too.

kaya lang pag lumabas ka nasa garahe nyo at nasa roads ka na, maliit ka pa din tignan

Napaghahalata pag oovercompensate mo carps.

[sparc179]

Honda CRV-S gas is what you're looking for. And the new Forester looks good, too.

I've actually shortlisted my choices to either the Sporty or the Fozzie, the Eyesight Tech looks like it good be the ticket for the wifey's agreement. I may be the head of the household, but she is the CEO, CFO, Judge, Jury and Executioner all in one. (She's quite handy with a rifle too ).

I can't consider the new CRV because of its width, halos magkasing-lapad lang sila ng mga Forty, Mu-X and other mid-sizers. Again, hindi sya kakasya sa garahe namin (may 4 na sedans pa kasi, sa mga kapatid ko), sobrang sikip na pag lalabas ka ng sasakyan inside the garage.

What's holding me back on the Fozzie are the expensive parts and maintenance services.

What's holding me back on the Sporty is it doesn't have the safety features of the Fozzie.

Having a young child (our one and only) changes one's priorities.

[bloowolf]

I've actually shortlisted my choices to either the Sporty or the Fozzie, the Eyesight Tech looks like it good be the ticket for the wifey's agreement. I may be the head of the household, but she is the CEO, CFO, Judge, Jury and Executioner all in one. (She's quite handy with a rifle too ).

I can't consider the new CRV because of its width, halos magkasing-lapad lang sila ng mga Forty, Mu-X and other mid-sizers. Again, hindi sya kakasya sa garahe namin (may 4 na sedans pa kasi, sa mga kapatid ko), sobrang sikip na pag lalabas ka ng sasakyan inside the garage.

What's holding me back on the Fozzie are the expensive parts and maintenance services.

What's holding me back on the Sporty is it doesn't have the safety features of the Fozzie.

Having a young child (our one and only) changes one's priorities.

How about the Mazda CX5 diesel? This was on my shortlist before, but what kept me from it was it being too expensive. I had a budget then & I wanted to pay in cash so I went for the Kia.


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[sparc179]

This just came to mind. When I bring my son back to the dorm in the Ubelt, I see mga Starex vans, Ford explorer, Fortuner etc parked on the sidewalk outside the homes of the owners. Mas malaki pa sasakyan kesa bahay. I just shake my head. Pinoy nga naman, willing to spend for the image but not for the necessity.


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That's a big factor for me, I would never leave my car out in the rain and sun if I have a choice of using a well covered garage. Acid rain is real, especially in metropolitan areas.

Lots of times I would even opt to use my bike or scooter instead of the car so I don't have to worry about parking, traffic and damage to the car in places where it can be disadvantageous to bring one. Like the local wet market and the barangay hall, where parking is non-existent.

Yup, small CUV for me. It just works.