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Kia Sportage vs Lexus NX comparison

Compare performance (288 HP vs 292 HP), boot space and price (29,100 £ vs 46,000 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Kia Sportage or Lexus NX?

Kia Sportage vs Lexus NX: Key differences

Kia Sportage

5 (3 Reviews)
rate
  • significantly cheaper
  • somewhat lighter
details

Lexus NX

4.8 (12 Reviews)
rate
  • barely more power
  • marginally more electric range
  • a bit quicker 0–100 km/h
details

All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

By Achim Sedelmaier

Sportage

Overview — Kia Sportage VS Lexus NX

The Kia Sportage and Lexus NX present a clear contrast: the Sportage champions usable space and everyday practicality, while the NX emphasises a quieter, more premium experience. The Sportage feels like a roomy family SUV with clever load solutions and a calm motorway character. The Lexus NX trades some cargo pragmatism for higher‑grade materials, a hushed cabin and hybrid drivetrains that reward regular charging. Buyers will recognise immediately whether they want bulk and value or refinement and low‑noise cruising. Below we break those real‑world differences down in terms that matter on the road, in the car park and over the long haul.

NX

Comfort and long-distance behavior

On long trips the two cars take different approaches to comfort and composure. The Sportage settles into long motorway miles with relaxed seats and a steady, confidence‑inspiring ride, though big wheels and hard acceleration can make the engine and suspension feel more present. The Lexus NX creates a more polished cocoon at cruising speed — quieter glazing and finer trim give it the edge for serenity, but its hybrid transmission can be audible when you ask for brisk acceleration. In practice the Sportage earns its keep for load‑carrying comfort and predictable highway manners, while the NX rewards drivers who prioritise a whisper‑quiet cabin over sporty response. Your choice depends on whether you value space and cruise comfort or near‑silence and refinement on long stints.

Sportage

Practicality, cabin and usability

Practical day‑to‑day usability pushes the Sportage ahead in several obvious ways, and the Lexus NX leans on finish and ergonomics. Kia’s layout offers a flexible 40:20:40 rear bench, a twin‑floor boot and plenty of charging points and nooks that make family life simpler and loading more forgiving. Lexus responds with neater switchgear, higher‑quality surfaces and an infotainment approach that combines a large screen with physical knobs for common tasks, which many owners find less frustrating. Both cars have relatively small rear glass, making cameras a practical necessity rather than a luxury for reversing and lane‑changes. If you want modular, straightforward usefulness the Sportage will feel more practical; if you want an interior that looks and feels premium every day, the NX will feel more refined.

NX

City friendliness and daily use

In the urban environment the Sportage generally feels easier to live with, while the NX rewards efficient, plugged‑in use and composed low‑speed manners. Kia’s lighter steering, helpful camera systems and thought‑through storage make supermarket runs and school drop‑offs less stressful, and its ergonomics prioritise quick access to everyday controls. The Lexus glides through stop‑start traffic with smooth take‑offs and a comfortable ride, and the plug‑in variant can transform short commutes if you can charge it regularly. However, the NX’s larger turning circle and smaller rear window make tight parking and multi‑point manoeuvres a little more demanding than in the Sportage. City buyers who value simple access and family practicality will tend toward the Sportage; those who can exploit electric range and want a quieter commute will favour the NX.

Sportage

Perceived quality and ownership costs

Perception and running costs split these two: Lexus sells refinement and potential long‑term economy, Kia sells value and reassurance. The NX feels more premium inside, which supports higher resale and a sense of long‑term ownership satisfaction, and hybrid variants can deliver lower real‑world fuel bills if you charge and drive with that in mind. The Sportage undercuts the NX on purchase price, packs in features and backs them with a lengthy warranty, which reduces worry and ownership expense in the early years. That means paying more for the NX brings better tactile quality and potential efficiency gains, while choosing the Sportage gives you more usable equipment and a stronger immediate cost‑to‑value ratio. Each route is sensible; the question is whether you prioritise upfront value or cabin refinement and hybrid efficiency over time.

NX

Buyer fit and next steps before you decide

If you regularly carry families, luggage or bulky gear and want straightforward usability, the Kia Sportage will likely be the better match thanks to its space, boot flexibility and value proposition. If your priority is a quieter, more luxurious cabin, smoother cruising and the efficiency upside of a hybrid or plug‑in setup (and you can charge it), the Lexus NX will match that brief more closely. The trade‑offs are consistent: Sportage = usable volume and clever touches; NX = tactile quality and refined, low‑noise driving when used as intended. Read on to the technical comparison where those real‑world impressions are mapped to acceleration, range, weight and other figures so you can see exactly how the character differences show up on paper.

Frequently compared as well

Kia Sportage
Skoda Karoq
VS
The Kia Sportage flaunts a bolder design, plush cabin and tech-heavy kit that feels like buying the future — perfect if you want comfort and a bit of showmanship on your commute. The Skoda Karoq plays the sensible sibling: conservative looks, clever packaging, enjoyable handling and better value, …
Hyundai Kona
Kia Sportage
VS
The Hyundai Kona and Kia Sportage go head-to-head in the compact-SUV ring — the Kona is cheeky, city-savvy and punchy, while the Sportage leans into grown-up comfort and family-friendly practicality. We’ll break down which one gives you sharper driving thrills, better everyday usability and the …

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

Sportage

Costs and Efficiency:

Looking at overall running costs, both models reveal some interesting differences in everyday economy.

Kia Sportage is significantly cheaper – starting at 29,100 £ , while the Lexus NX costs 46,000 £ . That’s a price difference of around 16,894 £.

Both cars consume an average of 2.9 L/100km – no difference here.

As for electric range, the Lexus NX offers marginally more range – reaching up to 72 km, about 6 km more than the Kia Sportage.

NX

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.

When it comes to engine power, the Lexus NX offers barely more power – delivering 292 HP compared to 288 HP. That’s roughly 4 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Lexus NX is a bit quicker – completing the sprint in 6.4 s, while the Kia Sportage takes 7.5 s. That’s about 1.1 s quicker.

Sportage

Space and Everyday Use:

Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, Kia Sportage is somewhat lighter – 1,552 kg compared to 1,805 kg. The difference is around 253 kg.

When it comes to payload, the Kia Sportage carries slightly more – 580 kg compared to 515 kg. That’s a difference of about 65 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Kia Sportage is barely ahead in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £29,100
Sportage

Kia Sportage

  • Engine Type : Petrol, Full Hybrid, Diesel MHEV, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission : Manuel, Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 136 - 288 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 2.9 - 7.8 L/100km
  • Electric Range : 63 - 66 km
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Kia Sportage
Lexus NX

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Kia Sportage

The Kia Sportage is a roomy, well-equipped compact SUV that balances comfort and practicality for daily driving. It delivers a modern interior, composed ride, and strong value for buyers who want versatility without fuss.

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Reviews Kia Sportage

5 (3 Reviews)
rate
EM
24 Apr 2026, 11:56:00

Low fuel consumption, spacious, responsive acceleration, quiet

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Family car
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Peter
3 Jan 2026, 23:20:52

I drove the Toyota RAV4 and the Kia Sportage on business — the Kia’s engine and automatic gearbox are much better. It doesn’t jerk or scream, and the shifts are smooth. Comfort in both cars is very similar.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Company car / Business
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Lello
14 Nov 2025, 09:58:29

Perfect car in every way, good trim, excellent fuel economy and reliability, price competitive with brands that have been established for longer...

Lexus NX

The Lexus NX wraps striking, chiseled styling around a cabin that feels more crafted living room than utility vehicle, with soft materials and user-friendly tech that give it genuine premium cachet. On the road it's composed and quietly confident, trading sporty pretensions for a refined, easygoing personality that will suit buyers who want luxury without fuss — with a little Lexus flair to make daily commutes feel special.

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Reviews Lexus NX

4.8 (12 Reviews)
rate
David Jenkins
28 Mar 2026, 20:57:02

Superb handling, averaging 89mpg, decent electric range, very comfortable to drive, good cabin space, good size touch screen, extremely quick, no better car to drive and live with.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Family car
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
David Jenkins
2 Feb 2026, 20:38:48

By far the best PHEV in its class, superb handling, top rated relaibility, & super quick on EV mode as well as its well equipped 2.5 litre petrol engine.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Family car
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Pierre Joris
21 Nov 2025, 23:21:12

Lexus has a history and offers a 10-year warranty.

Pierre Joris
21 Nov 2025, 23:20:20

Lexus has a history and offers a 10-year warranty.

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Kia Sportage
MG HS
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Kia Sportage
Lexus NX

Costs and Consumption
Price
29,100 - 47,100 £
Price
46,000 - 64,300 £
Consumption L/100km
2.9 - 7.8 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
2.9 - 5.9 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
63 - 66 km
Electric Range
72 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
67 - 177 g/km
co2
65 - 134 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,552 - 1,896 kg
Curb weight
1,805 - 2,065 kg
Trunk capacity
526 - 587 L
Trunk capacity
-
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,865 mm
Width
1,865 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
533 - 580 kg
Payload
475 - 515 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol, Full Hybrid, Diesel MHEV, Plugin Hybrid
Engine Type
Full Hybrid, Plugin Hybrid
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic, Automatic Gearbox
Transmission Detail
CVT
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
136 - 288 HP
Power HP
200 - 292 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.5 - 11.6 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
6.4 - 8.8 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
250 - 380 Nm
Torque
-
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
100 - 212 kW
Power kW
147 - 215 kW
Engine capacity
1,598 cm3
Engine capacity
2,487 cm3

General
Model Year
2,025 - 2,026
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
F, D, E, G, B
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, B
Brand
Kia
Brand
Lexus
What drivetrain options does the Kia Sportage have?

Available configurations include Front-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive.

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.