2016 Kia Sportage Gen 4

**sparc179** · February 9th, 2019 08:16 AM

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** · February 9th, 2019 09:46 AM

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** · February 9th, 2019 09:54 AM

Originally Posted by 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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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** · February 9th, 2019 10:32 AM

Originally Posted by sparc179

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** · February 9th, 2019 11:17 AM

Originally Posted by bloowolf

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** · February 9th, 2019 11:42 AM

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** · February 9th, 2019 12:08 PM

Originally Posted by 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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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** · February 10th, 2019 03:52 AM

Originally Posted by sparc179

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** · February 10th, 2019 07:20 AM

Originally Posted by minicarph

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.