Verdict
At RM158,800, the Kia Sportage 1.6T High 2WD is the sensible buy. It has the same 177 hp/265 Nm 1.6-litre turbo, seven-speed DCT, 18-inch wheels, six airbags and driver-assistance package as the RM178,800 Kia Sportage 1.6T High AWD. The RM20,000 gap buys an eight-speaker Harman Kardon system instead of six speakers. More importantly, both variants are listed with front-wheel drive and the same 1,626 kg weight, so there is no stated all-wheel-drive mechanical gain to justify the extra outlay.
Pick the Kia Sportage 1.6T High 2WD if you want the same 177 hp, 265 Nm drivetrain and safety kit for RM20,000 less.
Pick the Kia Sportage 1.6T High AWD if the eight-speaker Harman Kardon sound system matters enough to you to pay RM20,000 more.
Key differences
- Price: Kia Sportage 1.6T High 2WD RM158,800; Kia Sportage 1.6T High AWD RM178,800.
- Audio system: 2WD gets a 12.3-inch touchscreen with six speakers; AWD gets the same 12.3-inch touchscreen with an eight-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.
- Speaker count: 2WD has 6 speakers; AWD has 8 speakers.
- Driveline listing: 2WD is listed as Front Wheel Drive; AWD is also listed as Front Wheel Drive.
- Kerb weight: 2WD is 1,626 kg; AWD is also 1,626 kg.
1.6T High 2WD
- RM20,000 cheaper.
- Same 177 hp and 265 Nm 1.6-litre turbo as the AWD.
- Same autonomous braking, lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go.
- Six speakers instead of the AWD’s eight-speaker Harman Kardon system.
- No Harman Kardon branding for the sound system.
1.6T High AWD
- Eight-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.
- Same 12.3-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as the 2WD.
- Same 177 hp, 265 Nm and seven-speed DCT as the 2WD.
- Costs RM20,000 more.
- The listed drivetrain remains front-wheel drive, matching the 2WD.
- No stated gain in power, torque, safety equipment or wheel size over the 2WD.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM158,800✓ | RM178,800 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | C-Segment | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM120 | RM120 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-Valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Direct Injection and Variable Valve Timing | 16-Valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Direct Injection and Variable Valve Timing |
| Capacity | 1,598 cc | 1,598 cc |
| Horsepower | 177 hp at 5,500 rpm | 177 hp at 5,500 rpm |
| Torque | 265 Nm at 1,500 rpm | 265 Nm at 1,500 rpm |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline 4 | Inline 4 |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore × Stroke | 75.6 mm × 89 mm | 75.6 mm × 89 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10 | 10 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Dual-clutch Automatic (Dry) | Dual-clutch Automatic (Dry) |
| Transmission Name | 7-speed DCT | 7-speed DCT |
| Gears | 7 | 7 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Hyundai | Hyundai |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,660 mm | 4,660 mm |
| Width | 1,865 mm | 1,865 mm |
| Height | 1,660 mm | 1,660 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,755 mm | 2,755 mm |
| Weight | 1,626 kg | 1,626 kg |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 587 litres | 587 litres |
| Front Tyre | 235/60R18 | 235/60R18 |
| Rear Tyre | 235/60R18 | 235/60R18 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | Space Saver |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Struts | MacPherson Struts |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 18" Alloy | 18" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 18" Alloy | 18" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 2 Outer 2nd Row Seats | Available for 2 Outer 2nd Row Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | Available for all seats | Available for all seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Power Adjustable Driver's Seat, Manual Adjustable Front Passenger Seat | Power Adjustable Driver's Seat, Manual Adjustable Front Passenger Seat |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Rear AC Vents | Rear AC Vents |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB Front, 2 USB Rear | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB Front, 2 USB Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | 12.3" Infotainment Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and 6 Speakers | 12.3" Infotainment Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and 8-Speaker Harman Kardon Sound System |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Driver Side Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Four Windows, Driver Side Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go | Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go |
| Tiptronic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Powered Boot | Powered Boot |
| Parking Sensor Front | 4 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, 360-degree Camera | Yes, 360-degree Camera |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Backlit Analogue | Backlit Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 100,000 km | 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
1.6T High 2WD vs 1.6T High AWD FAQ
Is the Kia Sportage 1.6T High 2WD or Kia Sportage 1.6T High AWD better?
The 1.6T High 2WD is the better buy. It matches the AWD on the listed 177 hp/265 Nm powertrain, safety equipment, dimensions and weight, while costing RM20,000 less. The AWD’s clear listed extra is its eight-speaker Harman Kardon audio.
What is the price difference?
The Kia Sportage 1.6T High AWD costs RM20,000 more than the Kia Sportage 1.6T High 2WD.
Does the Kia Sportage 1.6T High AWD have all-wheel drive?
Despite its name, the Kia Sportage 1.6T High AWD is listed with front-wheel drive, the same as the 1.6T High 2WD. Confirm the final drivetrain specification with the dealer before committing.
