@ Kia Corporation
@ Renault Group Media
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Kia Sportage vs Renault Rafale – Performance, range & efficiency compared

Both models have their strengths – but which one suits you more?
Compare performance, efficiency, price and space directly: Kia Sportage or Renault Rafale?

Sportage @ Kia Corporation

The automotive world is always evolving, and two of the most prominent SUVs on the market today — the Kia Sportage and the Renault Rafale — showcase this evolution beautifully. With innovative technology, impressive performance metrics, and stylish designs, both models appeal to different segments of the SUV market. In this article, we delve deep into a comparison of these two contenders to help potential buyers make an informed decision.

Rafale @ Renault Group Media

Design and Dimensions

The Kia Sportage exhibits a robust and sporty appearance, measuring 4,515 mm in length, 1,865 mm in width, and standing at a height of 1,650 mm. Its bold lines and sleek profile give it a modern edge that is both appealing and functional.

On the other hand, the Renault Rafale takes a slightly larger standpoint, measuring 4,710 mm in length, 1,886 mm in width, and 1,613 mm in height. The Rafale's design is characterized by a contemporary elegance combined with aerodynamic curves that not only enhance its aesthetic appeal but also improve fuel efficiency.

Sportage @ Kia Corporation

Powertrains and Performance

When it comes to power, the Kia Sportage offers a variety of engine options, including Diesel MHEV, Petrol MHEV, Full Hybrid, Petrol, and Plugin Hybrid variations. The four-cylinder engines range from 136 to 252 HP, providing excellent performance across the board. The Sportage also features multiple transmission choices, including both manual and automatic options, allowing for a personalized driving experience. Acceleration from 0-100 km/h ranges from 8.3 to 11.6 seconds, showcasing the model's versatility depending on the specific engine selected.

In contrast, the Renault Rafale is available with full hybrid and plugin hybrid powertrains, producing between 200 and 300 HP from its three-cylinder engines. The Rafale’s automatic transmission ensures a seamless driving experience, while its acceleration from 0-100 km/h can achieve impressive times as low as 6.4 seconds. The choice of a front-wheel-drive layout also lends itself to a lighter, more responsive handling characteristic.

Rafale @ Renault Group Media

Fuel Efficiency and Environmental Impact

Fuel efficiency is a critical aspect for many SUV buyers. The Kia Sportage ranges from 5 to 7.2 L/100 km depending on the engine type selected, with CO2 emissions ranging from 132 to 162 g/km. This provides decent efficiency for the segment, particularly for urban usage.

Conversely, the Renault Rafale boasts remarkable efficiency figures, with consumption as low as 0.6 L/100 km in its hybrid mode and an impressive CO2 output starting at just 14 g/km. Its electric range of up to 97 km means that many short trips can be completed without using any fuel at all, appealing to eco-conscious consumers. This positions the Rafale as a more environmentally friendly option compared to the Sportage.

Sportage @ Kia Corporation

Interior and Technology

Inside, the Kia Sportage is designed with comfort and practicality in mind. The interior features a spacious cabin that accommodates up to five passengers with considerable trunk space ranging from 526 to 587 liters. Technology is a strong point for the Sportage, which includes a user-friendly infotainment system and advanced safety features.

The Renault Rafale is equally impressive, providing a similarly spacious interior that also seats five. With a trunk capacity between 539 and 627 liters, it caters well to those needing extra cargo space. The tech offerings in the Rafale focus on connectivity and driving assistance features, making it a smart choice for tech-savvy drivers.

Rafale @ Renault Group Media

Conclusion: Which SUV Reigns Supreme?

In conclusion, both the Kia Sportage and Renault Rafale bring unique strengths to the table. The Sportage offers a wide range of engine options and a versatile driving experience, while the Rafale excels in fuel efficiency and environmental friendliness. Choosing between these two SUVs will ultimately depend on individual priorities, whether that be performance, efficiency, design, or technology. Each car represents incredible value in the competitive automotive marketplace, making either a commendable choice for modern SUV buyers.

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

Sportage @ Kia Corporation

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.

Kia Sportage has a evident advantage in terms of price – it starts at 30200 £, while the Renault Rafale costs 37500 £. That’s a price difference of around 7380 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: Renault Rafale manages with 0.60 L and is therefore convincingly more efficient than the Kia Sportage with 5 L. The difference is about 4.40 L per 100 km.

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration say a lot about how a car feels on the road. This is where you see which model delivers more driving dynamics.

When it comes to engine power, the Renault Rafale has a clearly perceptible edge – offering 300 HP compared to 239 HP. That’s roughly 61 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the Renault Rafale is evident quicker – completing the sprint in 6.40 s, while the Kia Sportage takes 7.90 s. That’s about 1.50 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the Kia Sportage performs a bit better – reaching 203 km/h, while the Renault Rafale tops out at 180 km/h. The difference is around 23 km/h.

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 curb weight, Kia Sportage is a bit lighter – 1552 kg compared to 1734 kg. The difference is around 182 kg.

In terms of boot space, the Renault Rafale offers slight more room – 627 L compared to 587 L. That’s a difference of about 40 L.

In maximum load capacity, the Renault Rafale performs minimal better – up to 1910 L, which is about 134 L more than the Kia Sportage.

When it comes to payload, Kia Sportage evident takes the win – 580 kg compared to 444 kg. That’s a difference of about 136 kg.

Who comes out on top?

Overall, the Renault Rafale shows itself to be is largely superior and secures the title of DriveDuel Champion.
It convinces with the more balanced overall package and proves to be the more versatile choice for everyday use.

from about £37,500
Rafale @ Renault Group Media

Renault Rafale

  • Engine Type : Plugin Hybrid, Full Hybrid
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 200 - 300 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 0.6 - 5 L
  • Electric Range : 97 km

Kia Sportage

5 (1)
rate

The Kia Sportage proves you don't have to choose between style and sensible family motoring, wrapping modern, confident looks around a roomy, well-equipped cabin. It's an easy car to live with — comfortable on daily runs, pleasantly engaging when you want a bit of fun, and kind to your wallet so you can keep smiling at the fuel pump.

details

Renault Rafale

5 (2)
rate

The Renault Rafale dresses bold coupé-inspired lines around a practical crossover body, turning heads without trying too hard. Inside it serves up a comfortable, well-equipped cabin and engaging driving manners, making it a clever choice for buyers who want a bit of panache with their daily commute.

details
Kia Sportage
Renault Rafale
Sportage @ Kia Corporation
Rafale @ Renault Group Media

Costs and Consumption

Price
30200 - 43900 £
Price
37500 - 49500 £
Consumption L/100km
5 - 7.9 L
Consumption L/100km
0.6 - 5 L
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
97 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
132 - 180 g/km
co2
14 - 109 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
52 - 54 L
Fuel tank capacity
55 L

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
SUV
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1552 - 1733 kg
Curb weight
1734 - 2025 kg
Trunk capacity
526 - 587 L
Trunk capacity
539 - 627 L
Length
4540 mm
Length
4710 mm
Width
1865 mm
Width
1886 mm
Height
1645 mm
Height
1613 mm
Max trunk capacity
1715 - 1776 L
Max trunk capacity
1826 - 1910 L
Payload
543 - 580 kg
Payload
415 - 444 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Petrol, Full Hybrid, Diesel MHEV
Engine Type
Plugin Hybrid, Full Hybrid
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic, Automatic Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
136 - 239 HP
Power HP
200 - 300 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.9 - 11.6 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
6.4 - 8.9 s
Max Speed
180 - 203 km/h
Max Speed
180 km/h
Torque
250 - 320 Nm
Torque
-
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
3
Power kW
100 - 176 kW
Power kW
147 - 221 kW
Engine capacity
1598 cm3
Engine capacity
1199 cm3

General

Model Year
2025
Model Year
2024 - 2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
F, D, E, G
CO2 Efficiency Class
B, C
Brand
Kia
Brand
Renault
Is the Kia Sportage offered with different drivetrains?

The Kia Sportage is offered with Front-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive.

The prices and data displayed are estimates based on German list prices and may vary by country. This information is not legally binding.