Verdict
The RM20,000 gap buys the 1.6T High 2WD a 177 hp/265 Nm turbo engine, 18-inch wheels, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, front foglamps and a 360-degree camera. Its 265 Nm arrives at 1,500 rpm, against 192 Nm at 4,500 rpm in the 2.0G, so it is the stronger choice for drivers who want easier overtaking and more parking assistance. But the 2.0G High 2WD keeps the same 587-litre boot, six airbags and adaptive cruise control, while annual road tax is RM320 lower.
Pick the Kia Sportage 2.0G High 2WD if you want to save RM20,000 and prefer its 6-speed conventional automatic, without giving up the shared safety and family-use kit.
Pick the Kia Sportage 1.6T High 2WD if 265 Nm from 1,500 rpm, the 12.3-inch screen and 360-degree camera matter more than the RM20,000 premium.
Key differences
- Price: Kia Sportage 2.0G High 2WD RM138,800; Kia Sportage 1.6T High 2WD RM158,800
- Power and torque: 2.0G 154 hp/192 Nm; 1.6T 177 hp/265 Nm
- Transmission: 2.0G 6-speed conventional automatic; 1.6T 7-speed dry DCT
- Wheels and tyres: 2.0G 17-inch with 235/65R17 tyres; 1.6T 18-inch with 235/60R18 tyres
- Infotainment and camera: 2.0G 8-inch screen with reverse camera; 1.6T 12.3-inch screen with 360-degree camera
- Annual road tax: 2.0G RM440; 1.6T RM120
2.0G High 2WD
- RM20,000 cheaper to buy
- RM320 lower annual road tax
- 6-speed conventional automatic
- 154 hp and 192 Nm trail the 1.6T's 177 hp and 265 Nm
- 8-inch touchscreen versus a 12.3-inch unit
- Reverse camera only; no front foglamps
1.6T High 2WD
- 177 hp and 265 Nm, with peak torque at 1,500 rpm
- 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen and 360-degree camera
- 18-inch wheels, front foglamps and RM120 annual road tax
- Costs RM20,000 more
- 1,626 kg kerb weight versus 1,578 kg
- Dry 7-speed DCT instead of the 2.0G's conventional automatic
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM138,800✓ | RM158,800 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | C-Segment | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM440 | RM120✓ |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-Valve DOHC, Naturally Aspirated with Variable Valve Timing | 16-Valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Direct Injection and Variable Valve Timing |
| Capacity | 1,999 cc | 1,598 cc |
| Horsepower | 154 hp at 6,200 rpm | 177 hp at 5,500 rpm✓ |
| Torque | 192 Nm at 4,500 rpm | 265 Nm at 1,500 rpm✓ |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline 4 | Inline 4 |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore × Stroke | 81 mm × 97 mm | 75.6 mm × 89 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10.8 | 10 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Dual-clutch Automatic (Dry) |
| Transmission Name | 6-Speed Automatic | 7-speed DCT |
| Gears | 6 | 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 | 1,578 kg | 1,626 kg |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 587 litres | 587 litres |
| Front Tyre | 235/65R17 | 235/60R18 |
| Rear Tyre | 235/65R17 | 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 | 17" Alloy | 18" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 17" 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 | 8" Infotainment Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and 6 Speakers | 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 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 | 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
2.0G High 2WD vs 1.6T High 2WD FAQ
Is the Kia Sportage 2.0G High 2WD or Kia Sportage 1.6T High 2WD better?
The 1.6T High 2WD is better equipped and substantially stronger, with 177 hp and 265 Nm versus 154 hp and 192 Nm. The 2.0G High 2WD is the smarter buy if its lower purchase price and conventional automatic are the priorities.
What is the price difference?
The Kia Sportage 1.6T High 2WD costs RM20,000 more: RM158,800 versus RM138,800 for the 2.0G High 2WD.
Which Sportage has the lower road tax?
The 1.6T High 2WD has lower annual road tax at RM120, compared with RM440 for the 2.0G High 2WD. That is a RM320 annual saving.
