Verdict
The NQ5 costs RM11,240 more, but that money buys a 587-litre boot rather than 466 litres, a 2,755-mm wheelbase against 2,670 mm and LED projector headlamps. Its 154 hp is only 1 hp ahead of the QL’s 153 hp, while both make 192 Nm through a six-speed automatic and front-wheel drive, so output is not the reason to upgrade. The QL counters with a full-size 17-inch alloy spare and a five-year unlimited-mileage warranty; the NQ5 warranty is five years or 100,000 km. For family carrying, the NQ5 has the clearer advantage.
Pick the Kia Sportage QL if the lower RM117,560 entry price, unlimited-mileage five-year warranty and full-size alloy spare matter more than extra cabin length and boot space.
Pick the Kia Sportage NQ5 if you want the 121-litre larger boot, 85-mm longer wheelbase, LED lighting and modern smartphone-connected infotainment.
Key differences
- Price: Kia Sportage QL RM117,560; Kia Sportage NQ5 RM128,800.
- Size: QL is 4,480 mm long with a 2,670-mm wheelbase; NQ5 is 4,660 mm long with a 2,755-mm wheelbase.
- Boot space: QL 466 litres; NQ5 587 litres.
- Lighting: QL halogen projector headlamps and bulb taillamps; NQ5 LED projector headlamps and LED combination taillamps.
- Infotainment: QL touchscreen with CD, AUX, Bluetooth and eight speakers; NQ5 12.3-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and six speakers.
- Warranty and spare: QL five years/unlimited mileage with full-size 17-inch alloy spare; NQ5 five years/100,000 km with space-saver spare.
QL
- Five-year unlimited-mileage warranty.
- Full-size 17-inch alloy spare wheel.
- Rated fuel consumption of 7.9 L/100 km.
- 466-litre boot is 121 litres smaller than the NQ5’s.
- Halogen projector headlamps and bulb taillamps instead of LED units.
- Manual air-con and older touchscreen audio setup.
NQ5
- 587-litre boot and 2,755-mm wheelbase.
- LED projector headlamps, LED taillamps and LED daytime running lights.
- 12.3-inch infotainment with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, wireless charger and four USB ports.
- Five-year warranty is capped at 100,000 km rather than unlimited mileage.
- Space-saver spare replaces the QL’s full-size 17-inch alloy spare.
- 1,578 kg kerb weight is 79 kg higher than the QL’s 1,499 kg.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM117,560✓ | RM128,800 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | C-Segment | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | — | RM440 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-Valve DOHC, Naturally Aspirated with Dual Variable Valve Timing | 16-Valve DOHC, Naturally Aspirated with Variable Valve Timing |
| Capacity | — | 1,999 cc |
| Horsepower | 153 hp at 6,200 rpm | 154 hp at 6,200 rpm✓ |
| Torque | 192 Nm at 4,000 rpm | 192 Nm at 4,500 rpm |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline 4 | Inline 4 |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore × Stroke | 81 mm × 97 mm | 81 mm × 97 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10.3 | 10.8 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 6-Speed Automatic | 6-Speed Automatic |
| Gears | 6 | 6 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Hyundai | Hyundai |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| Rated Economy | 7.9 L/100 km | — |
| Co2 | 182 g/km | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,480 mm | 4,660 mm |
| Width | 1,855 mm | 1,865 mm |
| Height | 1,635 mm | 1,660 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,670 mm | 2,755 mm |
| Weight | 1,499 kg | 1,578 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 62 litres | — |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 466 litres | 587 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 225/60R17 | 235/65R17 |
| Rear Tyre | 225/60R17 | 235/65R17 |
| Spare Tyre | Full Size 17" Alloy | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Hankook Kinergy GT | — |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Struts |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 17" Alloy | 17" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 17" Alloy | 17" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| EuroNCAP | 5 stars | — |
| ANCAP | 5 stars | — |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 6 (Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain) | 6 (Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain) |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | — |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for rear doors | Manual For Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| ISOFIX | Available for two outer rear passenger seats | Available for 2 Outer 2nd Row Seats |
| Lane-keeping Assist | No | No |
| Seatbelt Reminder | For all seats | Available for all seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Halogen Projector | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | Normal Bulb | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | — | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | ✓ | — |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | — | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Manual Adjustable | Manual Adjustment |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-Folding | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Manual Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Rear Vents | Rear AC Vents |
| Power Sockets | 2 Front, 1 Rear | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB Front, 2 USB Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | Touchscreen with Radio, CD, MP3, AUX and Bluetooth, 8 Speakers | 12.3" Infotainment Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and 6 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows | Four Windows, Driver Side Auto Down |
| Engine Start | Manual key | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Remote Control Activation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | Passive Cruise Control |
| Tiptronic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Electroluminescent Analogue | Backlit Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Handbrake | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited✓ | 100,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used cars for sale
QL vs NQ5 FAQ
Is the Kia Sportage QL or Kia Sportage NQ5 better?
The Kia Sportage NQ5 is better for space and newer equipment, thanks to its 587-litre boot, longer 2,755-mm wheelbase and LED lighting. Choose the QL for its unlimited-mileage warranty and full-size spare wheel.
What is the price difference?
The Kia Sportage NQ5 costs RM11,240 more than the Kia Sportage QL: RM128,800 versus RM117,560.
Which Sportage has the better warranty and spare wheel?
The Kia Sportage QL does. It has a five-year unlimited-mileage warranty and a full-size 17-inch alloy spare, while the NQ5 has five years or 100,000 km of cover and a space-saver spare.
