VS

Kia Sportage vs Vauxhall Frontera comparison

Compare performance (288 HP vs 145 HP), boot space and price (29,100 £ vs 20,700 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Kia Sportage or Vauxhall Frontera?

Kia Sportage vs Vauxhall Frontera: Key differences

Kia Sportage

5 (3 Reviews)
rate
  • significantly more power
  • substantially more efficient
  • clearly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • visibly more trunk space
details

Vauxhall Frontera

4.4 (6 Reviews)
rate
  • clearly cheaper
  • clearly more electric range
  • moderately lighter
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

Quick take: Kia Sportage vs Vauxhall Frontera

Kia Sportage and Vauxhall Frontera present two very different answers to the compact‑SUV question in one comparison. The Kia Sportage leans toward refinement, abundant rear space and a feature-rich package that feels aimed at long‑distance comfort and longevity. The Vauxhall Frontera trades gloss for straightforward practicality: lower entry cost, very usable rear room and simple, reliable systems that keep ownership cheap and uncomplicated. Choosing between Sportage and Frontera is therefore a choice between a more polished, family‑centric cruiser and a budget‑clever, space‑first mover. Below we break down how those personalities play out in everyday use so you can match them to real needs rather than specs.

Frontera

Character and driving feel

The Kia Sportage drives like a composed family SUV: calm at highway speeds, well damped and built around quiet cruising rather than sporty responses, while the Vauxhall Frontera is tuned more for comfort and predictability in town and on secondary roads. Sportage has the edge if you want more shove and a planted motorway manner, though its stronger engines can become audible under heavy load. The Frontera rewards a relaxed right foot with smooth rolling and an easy, forgiving chassis but it won’t excite drivers seeking sharp turn‑in or brisk overtakes. In short, Sportage feels more engineered for long runs and confidence at speed, Frontera for relaxed daily driving and a soft ride over imperfect surfaces.

Sportage

Comfort and long‑distance behavior

On long trips the Kia Sportage emphasizes rear passenger space and quiet cabin composure, with reclining rear sections and a big, flexible boot that make touring with luggage easier. The Vauxhall Frontera matches the Sportage on basic comfort thanks to a soft suspension and cushioned seats, but its front seat support is less generous and the cabin materials feel plainer on multi‑hour runs. Noise insulation favours the Sportage at steady motorway paces, whereas the Frontera’s electric variant is notably serene in town but can feel limited on long high‑speed hauls. So families who prioritise rear comfort and lower cabin noise will tilt to Sportage, while those who want cushier suspension and don’t mind simpler seats will find Frontera acceptable for long days.

Frontera

Practicality and family usability

Both cars emphasise usable space, but they take different approaches: the Kia Sportage offers a highly flexible boot layout and clever seat split for everyday loading, while the Vauxhall Frontera doubles down on straightforward cargo volume and an optional three‑row layout for families who occasionally need extra seats. Sportage’s split rear and double‑floor tricks simplify mixed passenger‑and‑cargo days, yet it lacks a sliding rear bench that some families might miss; Frontera’s optional seven‑seat hybrid gives real flexibility but at the cost of a shrunken trunk when all seats are up. ISOFIX accessibility and rear legroom are strong points on both, yet the Frontera feels more utilitarian and easier to live with if you prioritise raw cabin space over premium finishes. If day‑to‑day family logistics are the priority, Frontera is the pragmatic choice; if you want flexible load configurations and a slightly more refined trunk experience, Sportage is the better fit.

Sportage

City friendliness and everyday usability

In urban settings the Vauxhall Frontera’s simple controls and separate climate buttons make quick adjustments effortless, and its softer ride smooths rough city surfaces, but poor rear visibility and limited parking aids on lower trims can make tight manoeuvres stressful. The Kia Sportage offers better all‑round tech and camera systems that help with parking and visibility, though its touch‑based climate and infotainment shortcuts demand a little more attention when you’re on the move. Turning and steering are both manageable in city traffic for Sportage and Frontera, however Sportage’s cameras and driver aids give it an edge for drivers who want electronic assistance; Frontera will appeal to buyers who prefer tactile knobs and a less distracting cockpit. Choose Frontera if you value tactile simplicity and forgiving suspension in the city, choose Sportage if you want tech‑assisted parking and clearer motorway entry from urban roads.

Frontera

Who should pick which car — buyer fit and next steps

Buyers who prioritise cabin refinement, long‑distance quiet, a wide array of driver assists and long warranty peace of mind should lean toward the Kia Sportage, since it reads as the more finished, family‑oriented cruiser. Budget‑minded families and pragmatists who want the most interior space for the money, straightforward controls and the option of extra seats will find the Vauxhall Frontera a more convincing value play. The trade‑offs are clear: Sportage costs more but delivers refinement and flexible packaging, Frontera costs less and delivers pure utility with fewer frills. If you want, we can now move into the technical comparison to see exactly how those real‑world differences map to engines, range and equipment so you can weigh the numbers against the everyday trade‑offs above.

Frequently compared as well

Citroen C3 Aircross
Opel Frontera
VS
Choosing between the Citroën C3 Aircross and the Opel Frontera comes down to whether you want a compact, comfort-focused crossover or a more traditionally rugged SUV. The C3 Aircross shines with clever packaging, ride comfort and economy, while the Frontera offers stronger towing, load capacity and …
Opel Frontera
Opel Mokka
VS
Comparing the Opel Frontera and the Opel Mokka highlights two very different takes on the SUV idea: the Frontera is a rugged, older off‑road capable SUV, while the Mokka is a modern compact crossover built for city life and efficiency. This short guide will walk through their real‑world strengths …

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

Sportage

Costs and Efficiency:

When it comes to price and running costs, the biggest differences usually appear. This is often where you see which car fits your budget better in the long run.

Vauxhall Frontera is clearly cheaper – starting at 20,700 £ , while the Kia Sportage costs 29,100 £ . That’s a price difference of around 8,400 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Kia Sportage uses 2.9 L/100km and is substantially more efficient than the Vauxhall Frontera with 5.2 L/100km. The difference is about 2.3 L/100km.

As for electric range, the Vauxhall Frontera offers clearly more range – reaching up to 408 km, about 342 km more than the Kia Sportage.

Frontera

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 Kia Sportage offers significantly more power – delivering 288 HP compared to 145 HP. That’s roughly 143 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Kia Sportage is clearly quicker – completing the sprint in 7.5 s, while the Vauxhall Frontera takes 9.1 s. That’s about 1.6 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Kia Sportage delivers visibly more torque with 380 Nm compared to 230 Nm. That’s about 150 Nm more.

Sportage

Space and Everyday Use:

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

Seats: Vauxhall Frontera offers more seats – 7 vs 5.

In terms of curb weight, Vauxhall Frontera is moderately lighter – 1,394 kg compared to 1,552 kg. The difference is around 158 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Kia Sportage offers visibly more boot space – 587 L compared to 460 L. That’s a difference of about 127 L.

When it comes to payload, the Kia Sportage carries barely more – 580 kg compared to 570 kg. That’s a difference of about 10 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Kia Sportage stands out in the key areas 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
details
Kia Sportage
Vauxhall Frontera

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.

details
Kia_Sportage_M22_24
Kia_Sportage_M22_37
Kia_Sportage_M22_25
Kia_Sportage_M22_84

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...

Vauxhall Frontera

The Opel Frontera is a rugged, no-nonsense SUV that balances off-road capability with comfortable everyday driving. It offers straightforward mechanics and a practical cabin, making it a sensible choice for buyers who value durability over flash.

details
NewOpelFronteraElectric
NewOpelFronteraElectric (1)
NewOpelFronteraElectric (2)
NewOpelFronteraElectric (3)
NewOpelFronteraElectric (4)
NewOpelFronteraElectric (5)
NewOpelFronteraElectric (7)

Reviews Vauxhall Frontera

4.4 (6 Reviews)
rate
Roch
18 May 2026, 10:12:50

Automatic gearbox and certain features, like the windshield wipers that aren’t optional; the trunk capacity is larger on the 5-seat Frontera.

Wolfgang
6 May 2026, 04:24:52

I just like the Opel better (maybe only because I'm very disappointed in VW and therefore also in its subsidiaries).

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Commuter (short/medium distance)
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Gilbert
14 Apr 2026, 08:19:17

I bought the Opel Frontera GS 145PS after also testing the VW T‑Roc; so far I've driven about 5,800 km in it.

My purchase decision was based on the following criteria:
- modern design that stands out from the crowd
- low fuel consumption
- very good seats and plenty of space front and rear
- large, practical boot
- good performance characteristics
- very easy to get into
- simple controls, partly with physical buttons
- clear, well‑laid‑out cockpit

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
H. P.
19 Dec 2025, 13:27:19

Opel has clearly skimped here. Misaligned panel gaps, no position/parking light, patchy workmanship and ill‑fitting parts — for example the partition between the passenger footwell and the engine bay — the owner's manual is inadequate and at times reads like a fairy tale; many of the functions it describes are nowhere to be found. They simply don't exist. And the claimed fuel consumption? Even with normal driving — that is, without acceleration orgies — it's unattainable.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Leisure / Weekend driver
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money

Frequently compared as well

Opel Frontera
Opel Grandland
VS
The Frontera feels like a bruiser from the analogue era — raw, rugged and surprisingly capable off-road, ideal if you crave adventure and don't mind a bit of mechanical charm. The Grandland, by contrast, is a slick, family-friendly crossover loaded with modern tech, efficient engines and a …
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, …
Opel Frontera
Peugeot 2008
VS
If you want unashamedly rugged, the Opel Frontera still wears its rough‑and‑ready off‑road badge with chunky looks and simple, go‑anywhere mechanics, whereas the Peugeot 2008 plays the smarter, city‑first crossover with sleek styling and the tech you actually use every day. Pick the Frontera for …
Opel Frontera
Renault R4
VS
Choosing between the Opel Frontera and the Renault 4 is a clash of eras and purpose: the Frontera brings 1990s SUV practicality and off‑road capability, while the Renault 4 (commonly called the R4) offers lightweight simplicity and economical charm. This comparison will focus on how their design, …
Kia Sportage
Kia EV5
VS
Choosing between the Kia Sportage and the Kia EV5 comes down to whether you want a versatile, familiar compact SUV with petrol/hybrid options or a new all-electric crossover focused on efficiency and advanced tech. I’ll highlight the real-world differences in driving feel, running costs, interior …
BYD Seal U
Kia Sportage
VS
In one corner, the sleek, spoiler-tinged BYD Seal U — an electric fastback that flirts with sports-car dynamics while packing a tech-bomb of range and gadgets; in the other, the practical, ever-adaptable Kia Sportage — a compact SUV that blends comfort, space and sensible running costs into a tidy …
Opel Frontera
Suzuki Vitara
VS
The Opel Frontera and Suzuki Vitara are both compact SUVs that appeal to buyers who want a capable, practical vehicle, but they take different approaches — the Frontera leans toward a sturdier, more spacious package while the Vitara focuses on light off-road ability, efficiency and city-friendly …
Kia Sportage
Omoda 5
VS
The Kia Sportage and the Omoda 5 go head-to-head in the compact SUV class, offering very different takes on style, technology and everyday practicality. This comparison will help you choose between the Sportage's proven comfort, refinement and broad dealer support and the Omoda 5's striking design, …
Kia Sportage
Vauxhall Frontera

Costs and Consumption
Price
29,100 - 47,100 £
Price
20,700 - 30,000 £
Consumption L/100km
2.9 - 7.8 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
5.2 - 5.3 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
15.8 - 18.3 kWh/100km
Electric Range
63 - 66 km
Electric Range
308 - 408 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
67 - 177 g/km
co2
0 - 119 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5 - 7
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,552 - 1,896 kg
Curb weight
1,394 - 1,610 kg
Trunk capacity
526 - 587 L
Trunk capacity
460 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,865 mm
Width
1,795 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
533 - 580 kg
Payload
436 - 570 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol, Full Hybrid, Diesel MHEV, Plugin Hybrid
Engine Type
Electric, Petrol MHEV
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic, Automatic Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
136 - 288 HP
Power HP
110 - 145 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.5 - 11.6 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
9.1 - 14.2 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
250 - 380 Nm
Torque
125 - 230 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
3
Power kW
100 - 212 kW
Power kW
81 - 107 kW
Engine capacity
1,598 cm3
Engine capacity
1,199 cm3

General
Model Year
2,025 - 2,026
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
F, D, E, G, B
CO2 Efficiency Class
A, D
Brand
Kia
Brand
Vauxhall
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.