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Kia Sportage vs VW Golf comparison

Compare performance (288 HP vs 325 HP), boot space and price (29,100 £ vs 28,300 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Kia Sportage or VW Golf?

Kia Sportage vs VW Golf: Key differences

Kia Sportage

5 (3 Reviews)
rate
  • noticeably more trunk space
details

VW Golf

4.6 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • marginally cheaper
  • slightly more power
  • clearly more efficient
  • substantially more electric range
  • clearly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • somewhat lighter
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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

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

Sportage

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are key factors when choosing a car – and this is often where the real differences emerge.

VW Golf is marginally cheaper – starting at 28,300 £ , while the Kia Sportage costs 29,100 £ . That’s a price difference of around 853 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the VW Golf uses 1.1 L/100km and is clearly more efficient than the Kia Sportage with 2.9 L/100km. The difference is about 1.8 L/100km.

As for electric range, the VW Golf offers substantially more range – reaching up to 143 km, about 77 km more than the Kia Sportage.

Golf

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 VW Golf offers slightly more power – delivering 325 HP compared to 288 HP. That’s roughly 37 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the VW Golf is clearly quicker – completing the sprint in 5.3 s, while the Kia Sportage takes 7.5 s. That’s about 2.2 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the VW Golf delivers only slightly more torque with 420 Nm compared to 380 Nm. That’s about 40 Nm more.

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, VW Golf is somewhat lighter – 1,307 kg compared to 1,552 kg. The difference is around 245 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Kia Sportage offers noticeably more boot space – 587 L compared to 381 L. That’s a difference of about 206 L.

When it comes to payload, the Kia Sportage carries moderately more – 580 kg compared to 508 kg. That’s a difference of about 72 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The VW Golf is clearly superior overall 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 £28,300
Golf

VW Golf

  • Engine Type : Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission : Manuel, Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 116 - 325 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 1.1 - 7.6 L/100km
  • Electric Range : 131 - 143 km
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Frequently compared as well

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Kia Sportage
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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...

VW Golf

The Golf is a quietly accomplished compact that blends practicality, refinement and approachable driving manners into a very usable everyday package. It’s well built, comfortable and versatile, making it a smart choice whether you want sensible family transport or an enjoyable commuter.

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Reviews VW Golf

4.6 (1 Reviews)
rate

No reviews yet. Share your experience and help others decide.

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VW Golf

Costs and Consumption
Price
29,100 - 47,100 £
Price
28,300 - 46,700 £
Consumption L/100km
2.9 - 7.8 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
1.1 - 7.6 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
63 - 66 km
Electric Range
131 - 143 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
67 - 177 g/km
co2
25 - 173 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,552 - 1,896 kg
Curb weight
1,307 - 1,662 kg
Trunk capacity
526 - 587 L
Trunk capacity
273 - 381 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,865 mm
Width
1,789 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
533 - 580 kg
Payload
438 - 508 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol, Full Hybrid, Diesel MHEV, Plugin Hybrid
Engine Type
Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic, Automatic Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
136 - 288 HP
Power HP
116 - 325 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.5 - 11.6 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.3 - 10.2 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
250 - 380 Nm
Torque
220 - 420 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
100 - 212 kW
Power kW
85 - 239 kW
Engine capacity
1,598 cm3
Engine capacity
1,498 - 1,984 cm3

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