Three shortcomings found in the Kia Sportage 1.6T cabin

The new generation of the Kia Sportage was officially launched at the end of last year as a locally assembled unit (CKD), although it actually arrived somewhat late compared to other markets.

With a competitively priced package accompanied by appealing specifications, the Kia Sportage has the potential to be an alternative in a market dominated by Japanese SUVs such as the Honda CR-V and Toyota Corolla Cross.

Based on a short test drive recently, the writer was generally satisfied with what the Kia Sportage offers.

Not all vehicles are perfect in their offerings; there are a few minor weaknesses present in this C-segment SUV.

However, for us, these are minor issues if you can tolerate the shortcomings and prioritize driving satisfaction.

Not Everyone is Fond of the Rotary PRND Dial

The variant we tested is equipped with a 1.6-liter turbo engine paired with a dual-clutch transmission (DCT) and e-shift functionality.

This means it does not come with the conventional gear lever commonly found in other SUV models.

The benefit of using a rotary dial is that it creates a more spacious cockpit appearance, but not everyone appreciates this feature.

Personally, I prefer a physical PRND gear lever, which is easier to control and aligns better with the muscle movements we are accustomed to.

Empty Function Buttons on the Center Console

Located next to the rotary PRND dial, you will notice a cluster of empty function buttons on the center console.

It is unfortunate that these function buttons are not assigned any features, unlike international specifications that offer features like heated steering wheels and heated or ventilated seats.

It appears empty and gives the impression that the Sportage 1.6T is a lower variant.

Climate Control Panel May Be Difficult to Use

Another interesting feature of the Kia Sportage 1.6T is the touch-based climate control panel and infotainment system located below the central air vents.

Essentially, the driver no longer needs to dig through control menus typically embedded in the infotainment screen.

However, it operates using a touch system, and at times it can be a bit difficult to control, especially for drivers with larger fingers.