Kia Sportage vs Jaguar E-Pace
What's the difference?

Kia Sportage

$29,999 - $64,220

2025 price

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Jaguar E-Pace

$23,999 - $40,888

2020 price

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Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Mercedes-Benz G63

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

Mini Countryman

Mitsubishi ASX

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Mitsubishi Pajero

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Summary

2025 Kia Sportage

2020 Jaguar E-Pace

By Andrew Chesterton

By James Cleary

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Inline 4, 2.0L

Diesel Turbo 4, 2.0L

Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol

Diesel

Fuel Efficiency

8.1L/100km (combined)

6.0L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Svelte styling
Sorted ride
Spacious backseat and boot

Value
Practicality
Safety

Dislikes

Slightly weird slow-speed steering
Feels under-specced in cheaper grades
Short and expensive service intervals for hybrid

Relative thirst
So-so warranty
Steering’s modest road feel

2025 Kia Sportage Summary

An updated Sportage is a big deal for Kia. It's the brand's best-selling model in Australia and around the world, and arguably has never faced more and stiffer competition.

There's a new Mazda CX-5 around the corner, this time with a hybrid, and Toyota has just whipped the covers off its new RAV4. And that's before you mention Hyundai, Volkswagen, Honda or the litany of Chinese newcomers all here for slice of the pie.

Kia tells us this mid-life update is designed to look better, drive better, offer better tech, better safety and better equipment right across a vast range that includes petrol, diesel, hybrid, two-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, turbo and non-turbo alike.

So the question is, is all of that enough to keep the Sportage fresh in the face of all this new competition? Let's go find out.

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2020 Jaguar E-Pace Summary

Jaguar raised more than a few eyebrows in 2016 when it entered the rapidly expanding world of premium SUVs with the mid-size F-Pace. And the product development boffins at Coventry HQ liked it so much they cooked up another one.

The compact E-Pace (and subsequent electric I-Pace) has re-positioned the brand from luxury sedans, wagons, and performance sports cars, to all that with SUVs now leading the brand and product charge.

The F-Pace is a beautifully composed five-seater. Does this smaller E-Pace package deliver even more good things?

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Deep dive comparison

2025 Kia Sportage 2020 Jaguar E-Pace

Verdict

The Sportage still feels like a super solid offering in its segment, plus the addition of more hybrid options is only going to help.

It does feel a little under-specced in the lower grades, though, considering the everything-and-the-kitchen-sink approach taken by its Chinese rivals.

I feel like I should almost whisper this bit, given it's a dirty word at the moment, but that diesel engine, it's a real peach, and if I wasn't afraid of being run out of Sydney's inner west with pitchforks, that's probably the one I'd be choosing.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with meals provided.

Verdict

The Jaguar E-Pace Chequered Flag P250 is a compact, polished premium SUV package. Good value, super safe and spacious, it combines brilliant practicality with comfort and healthy performance. It’s a little thirsty, there are some relatively minor dynamic niggles, and Jaguar’s ownership package needs to lift its game. But for those who don’t have a lot of room to spare, yet don’t want to skimp on the luxury experience, it’s a compelling option in a highly competitive category.

Kia Sportage vs Jaguar E-Pace What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Kia Sportage vs Jaguar E-Pace
What's the difference?