Verdict
At RM114,642, the Kia Sportage SL Facelift undercuts the Kia Sportage NQ5’s RM128,800 by RM14,158 while retaining a 1,999 cc petrol four-cylinder, six-speed automatic and front-wheel-drive layout. The NQ5 gets more daily-use kit, including LED lighting, rear air vents, keyless start and a 12.3-inch touchscreen, while its 2,755 mm wheelbase is 115 mm longer. Yet the SL has the more useful 740-litre boot, a full-size spare and a five-year unlimited-mileage warranty. For a Malaysian used-car buyer, those are tangible savings and ownership advantages.
Pick the Kia Sportage SL Facelift if you want the lower purchase price, a 740-litre boot, full-size spare and unlimited-mileage warranty.
Pick the Kia Sportage NQ5 if you want the longer 2,755 mm wheelbase and substantially newer cabin, lighting and convenience equipment.
Key differences
- Engine output: SL Facelift 152 hp and 191 Nm; NQ5 154 hp and 192 Nm.
- Length: SL Facelift 4,440 mm; NQ5 4,660 mm.
- Wheelbase: SL Facelift 2,640 mm; NQ5 2,755 mm.
- Kerb weight: SL Facelift 1,479 kg; NQ5 1,578 kg.
- Boot space: SL Facelift 740 litres; NQ5 587 litres.
- Warranty mileage: SL Facelift five years/unlimited km; NQ5 five years/100,000 km.
SL Facelift
- 740-litre boot and full-size spare tyre
- Five-year unlimited-mileage warranty
- Lower purchase price
- Manual air-con and no rear air vents
- 4.3-inch audio unit lacks Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Bluetooth
- Halogen projector headlamps and bulb taillamps
NQ5
- 12.3-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- LED projector headlamps, LED daytime running lights and LED taillamps
- Keyless push-button start, electronic parking brake and rear air vents
- 587-litre boot is 153 litres smaller
- Space-saver spare instead of a full-size wheel
- Warranty is capped at 100,000 km
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM114,642✓ | RM128,800 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | C-Segment | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM440 | 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 | 1,999 cc |
| Horsepower | 152 hp at 6,200 rpm | 154 hp at 6,200 rpm✓ |
| Torque | 191 Nm at 4,700 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 | 10.5 | 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 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,440 mm | 4,660 mm |
| Width | 1,855 mm | 1,865 mm |
| Height | 1,635 mm | 1,660 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,640 mm | 2,755 mm |
| Weight | 1,479 kg | 1,578 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 55 litres | — |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 740 litres✓ | 587 litres |
| Front Tyre | 235/55R18 | 235/65R17 |
| Rear Tyre | 235/55R18 | 235/65R17 |
| Spare Tyre | Full Size | Space Saver |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Korea (CBU) | 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) with FlexSteer adjustment (Comfort/Normal/Sport) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| EuroNCAP | 5 stars — With 6 airbags and stability control | — |
| ANCAP | 5 stars — With 6 airbags and stability control | — |
| 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 |
| Seatbelt Reminder | — | 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 AC Vents |
| Power Sockets | 2 front | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB Front, 2 USB Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights, Room lamp | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 front, 2 rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | 4.3" Touch-screen with Radio, CD, MP3, AUX, USB, 6 Speakers and Subwoofer | 12.3" Infotainment Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and 6 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Driver Side Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Four Windows, Driver Side Auto Down |
| Engine Start | Manual Key | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Remote Control Activation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | Passive 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 sensor | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | — | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | — | Backlit Analogue |
| Parking Brake | — | 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
SL Facelift vs NQ5 FAQ
Is the Kia Sportage SL Facelift or Kia Sportage NQ5 better?
The Kia Sportage NQ5 is better equipped, with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, LED lights, rear air vents and keyless start. The Kia Sportage SL Facelift is the smarter value choice if boot capacity, a full-size spare and unlimited-mileage warranty matter more.
What is the price difference?
The Kia Sportage NQ5 costs RM14,158 more than the Kia Sportage SL Facelift.
Which Kia Sportage is better for carrying luggage?
The Kia Sportage SL Facelift is better for luggage, with a 740-litre boot versus 587 litres in the Kia Sportage NQ5. It also carries a full-size spare tyre, where the NQ5 has a space saver.
