Kia Sportage vs Lexus Rx450H+

What's the difference?

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.

The new Lexus RX450h+ Sports Luxury is packed with a wealth of premium features and strikes a solid balance between refinement and practicality. There are enough thoughtful touches that make everyday driving a little easier.

You’ll get the most out of the plug-in hybrid powertrain if you’re able to charge it regularly; ideally every day. That might not always be practical for busy people on the go, but overall, the RX450h+ manages to blend efficiency with Lexus’ signature comfort and quality.

All new Sportage models feature a redesigned front and rear end, but they actually have a slightly different look. There's one look for the cheaper models and then one for the top-spec cars, the SX+ and GT-Line.

The changes aren't overwhelming, though. There are fog lights in the more expensive models, but also just more use of black edging, as opposed to the silver edging that frames the bottom of the grille and rear end in the cheaper cars.

Either way, I still really like the way the Sportage has come together. The front end looks bold and powerful, mostly because of the vertically stacked headlights and and the DRLs that really frame the front end, but they've also done a good job of making a fairly big and spacious SUV feel small and not too imposing.

Now, inside the top-spec cars it’s very modern Kia, with a big twin-screen setup, and the dual-function bar beneath them that handles things like climate control, but also mapping and media and those kinds of functions. The cheaper models also get the same look, but swap the second 12.3-inch screen for a smaller driver display.

It means you don't have to dig through the screen for everything, which is always a nice touch. And I also like some of the materials used in the GT-Line, too, like the synthetic wood grain that’s actually nice to touch.

But there are a couple of key downsides. Not quite so much in the top-spec cars, but in the cheaper versions. I hate those constant reminders that you didn't spring for a more expensive model, and there are plenty of those in the lower-spec cars.

In the more expensive models, there are buttons alongside the gearshift, but in the cheaper cars, those buttons are still there, just blacked out and inactive. And even the cutout for the head-up display still exists in the cheaper cars, but of course, there's no head-up display.

All of that combined with some hard and scratchy plastics front and back makes you really want to dig deep for a more expensive Sportage.

The RX isn’t breaking new ground with its plug-in hybrid design, but it still delivers that signature Lexus understated refinement.

The strong, flowing body lines, 21-inch alloy wheels and updated 'spindle grille' all give it presence without screaming for attention.

And in a segment where boxy and bulky designs tend to dominate, the RX’s swoopy silhouette helps it stand apart in all the right ways.

Inside, the cabin feels considered and luxurious. There's a heavy use of premium materials, including the leather and suede upholstery, plush soft-touch surfaces and the big, crisp displays that make the space feel modern and high-end.

The panoramic sunroof brings in loads of natural light, too, which is especially welcome given the dark headliner that might otherwise feel a little heavy.

If I have one gripe, it’s the thin steering wheel, which doesn’t quite match the otherwise solid, tactile feel of the rest of the interior. But overall, the cabin is a space that feels luxurious and well-executed. It's quietly confident, just like the RX.

The Sportage measures 4685mm long, 1865mm wide and between 1665mm and 1680mm tall, depending on the trim.

Slip into the backseat of the Sportage and you’ll find legroom is ample, at least for my 175cm frame, and headroom is ok, without being great - though our test car had the sunroof fitted which could be eating into the space.

Elsewhere in the back though, even the top spec GT-Line just doesn't feel that plush. And by that, I mean some of the materials are a bit hard and scratchy, you don’t get your own temperature controls for the air vents, and it generally just lacks a premium air.

Now, to the all-important point in this segment, and that is boot space. The official VDA numbers are 543-1829 litres for the petrol and diesel cars, and 586-1872L for the hybrid, but the real-world reality is a boot that is deep and wide and really has enough space to carry plenty of groceries.

But there is an important caveat. Under the flat floor there is a temporary spare wheel in the hybrids, where in some of the ICE cars, you get a full-size spare wheel.

The RX cabin is thoughtfully laid out and impressively practical, with a premium feel that doesn’t come at the cost of everyday usability.

Up front, there’s plenty of space for driver and passenger, yet the stepped dash design brings a sense of intimacy. The electric front seats are seriously comfortable, with four-way lumbar support and extra adjustment functions that make this an easy choice for long drives.

Storage options are generous, too. There’s a clever dual-opening centre console, large glove box, multiple phone-sized shelves, map pockets and a couple of cup- and drink holders in each row.

Charging is taken care of by four USB-C ports, one USB-A port and a wireless charging pad.

Tech is up-to-date and well-integrated. The upgraded 14-inch media display looks crisp, supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and is paired with a revamped 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a colour head-up display.

The cluster’s new layout is modern and much easier to read than the previous offering. The digital rear view mirror also earns its keep when the cabin’s packed with passengers or gear.

One of my favourite touches? The seat controls on the side of the front passenger seat. It makes quick work of moving the seat forward, especially helpful when you’ve got a kid clambering in with a school bag full of projects.

Access to the rear row is easy, but the stadium-style seating, where you're perched noticeably higher than those in the front, won’t be for everyone.

That said, the rear seats are plush and padded, though they lack side bolsters, which rear passengers might notice during cornering.

Legroom is generous and the hardened kickplates are a dream to clean when your child’s treating the seatbacks like a climbing wall.

My eight-year old gives the back seat a glowing review, thanks to its creature comforts, including rear climate control, directional air vents, seat heating/ventilation on the outboard seats, two USB-C ports and retractable sun-blinds, which are a crowd favourite in our household.

There are three top-tether anchor points, and the bench is wide enough to fit three child seats, though bulky booster seats might be tricky due to the raised seating height.

At the back, the boot is well set up for families, offering electrically folding rear seats, a 12-volt socket, flat loading floor, and a hands-free powered tailgate.

Under the floor, there’s a small compartment for your charging cables (Lexus throws in two!) and a usable 612L of capacity when all seats are in use. One downside, though, is the lack of a spare tyre as you just get a tyre repair/inflation kit.

There are four variants in the RX range, and we’re testing the 450h+ Sports Luxury AWD, which sits just below the flagship and packs in plenty of premium kit for its $123,500, before on-road costs, price tag.

That makes it slightly more affordable than its main PHEV rivals; the BMW X5 xDrive50e (from $125,885 MSRP) and the Volvo XC90 Ultra (from $124,466 MSRP).

The Volvo does offer seven seats to the Lexus’ five, which may matter for larger families, and both rivals also outdo the RX on electric-only driving range - 65km in the RX compared with 77km in the Volvo XC90 and a generous 101km in the BMW X5.

Still, the RX fights back with a seriously stacked features list. Highlights include a panoramic sunroof, 10-way powered front seats with heating and ventilation, electrically folding rear seats (also heated and ventilated in the outboard positions), and a heated, power-adjustable steering wheel. Sound is taken care of by a premium 21-speaker Mark Levinson surround system.

Technology has had a solid upgrade with the 14-inch touchscreen multimedia display, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, digital rearview mirror, colour head-up display, live traffic navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 4G connectivity, four USB-C ports, one USB-A port and a fast wireless charging pad.

There’s also access to the 'Lexus Connected Services' app, allowing you to remotely lock or unlock the vehicle, pre-set the cabin temperature via three-zone climate control, configure driver profiles and even use your phone as a digital key.

Practical features include keyless entry and start, rain-sensing wipers, dusk-sensing LED headlights, rear sun-blinds, intelligent seatbelt reminders for the first two rows, a child presence alert and a hands-free powered tailgate. However, due to the plug-in hybrid system there’s no spare tyre, just a tyre repair kit.

The big news about this mid-life update for the Sportage is the expansion of Kia’s hybrid powertrain, which is now available with AWD, and the inclusion of an eight-speed automatic for the 1.6-litre turbo-petrol variants.

Elsewhere, the 2.0-litre petrol option produces 115kW and 192Nm, pairs with a six-speed automatic, and drives the front wheels. The other pure petrol option is a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol unit that produces 132kW and 265Nm, paired with an eight-speed auto and powering all four wheels.

Then comes the diesel, which is a 2.0-litre unit making 137kW and 416Nm. It pairs with an eight-speed automatic and powers all four wheels.

Finally, there’s a hybrid option, now with two- or all-wheel drive. It pairs a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine and a six-speed automatic with an electric motor and a 1.49kWh lithium-ion battery to produce a total 173kW and 367Nm.

Under the bonnet the RX450h+ Sports Luxury runs a plug-in hybrid powertrain that pairs a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a CVT auto and dual electric motors - one on each axle. Together, they produce a total of 227kW of power, though Lexus doesn’t quote a combined torque figure.

Still, it’s quick off the mark for a large SUV, with a 0-100km/h time of 6.5 seconds. There’s more than enough grunt for daily driving and overtaking, even if it doesn’t quite match the outright power of its key PHEV rivals.

All pure ICE Sportage grades are fitted with 54-litre fuel tanks, while the hybrids get 52-litre tanks. But the hybrids more than make up for it when it comes to fuel efficiency, with the FWD sipping a claimed 4.9 litres per hundred kilometres on the combined cycle, while the AWD drinks 5.3 litres.

The diesel is the next most-efficient, using a claimed 6.3L/100km combined, while the turbo-petrol needs 7.5 litres, and the 2.0-litre petrol requires 8.1 litres.

Our calculations suggest that, taking the fuel claims at face value, a 2.0-litre petrol Sportage should carry you 666kms on a full tank, while a turbo-petrol will take you 720kms. The diesel should deliver 857kms, while the FWD hybrid (1061kms) and AWD hybrid (981kms) will take you the furthest.

The plug-in hybrid system brings solid efficiency, with claimed fuel use of just 1.3L/100km. In real-world conditions (mostly urban driving with regular recharging) I managed a respectable 4.8L/100km, which makes a strong case for the hybrid set-up.

The fuel tank holds 55 litres and it's worth noting Lexus recommends using a minimum of 95 RON unleaded petrol to fill it.

Using our real-world economy figure you can expect a range in excess of 1100km between fills.

The RX450h+ is fitted with a relatively small 18.1kWh lithium-ion battery, supporting an NEDC electric-only range of up to 65km.

While that’s fine for short daily trips, it’s shorter than you'd ideally want in a family SUV of this size and it lags behind rivals like the BMW X5 and Volvo XC90 in this department.

Charging is simple enough. The RX uses a Type 2 charging port and accepts up to 7.0kW on AC power, which means a full charge takes around 7.5 hours, perfect for overnight top-ups. Lexus also includes an at-home charging cable and second adapter cable as standard, which is a thoughtful touch.

I want to start this with just a small caveat. It hasn't been the most comprehensive drive of this car so far. And remember, there are a lot of variants.

Petrol, diesel, hybrid, two-wheel drive, all-wheel drive – we haven't driven all of them, and so I feel uncomfortable giving you my rock-solid verdict across the whole range. I can, however, give you my first impressions.

The first of those is that whoever in the vast Hyundai group came up with adding a long-hold function to the stereo mute button deserves a medal. By far the most annoying of the modern safety systems is the overspeed warning, which inevitably reads some signs incorrectly, others not at all, and has no idea when school zones actually start.

Thankfully, Kia, like Hyundai, now has the shortcut to mute it. You just long-hold down mute button and voila, the bing-bongs vanish.

Now elsewhere, as is pretty typical of modern Kias, the ride in this car feels properly well sorted. We've taken it through the city, onto the freeway, along a little twisting road section, and on some typically coarse and broken country B-roads, and the Sportage handled them all really well.

And even when you're getting a little frisky with the driving, there's little in the way of body roll, with the Sportage feeling planted and solid.

I wasn't totally blown away with the refinement in the cabin. On the wrong road surface, you definitely get a bit of road noise in the cabin – mind you, that is pretty hard to avoid on the coarse chip stuff – but you can also hear the engines revving away and working hard when you put your foot down.

That said, the way the gearboxes channel that power is smooth and easy, and when you put your foot down in each of the powertrains we tested, there's certainly enough urge to get you up and moving.

And that is especially true in the diesel, which I do think is a bit of a peach of a powertrain – super torquey and super easy to get the Sportage up and moving. It might find itself on the endangered species list, that engine, so get it while you can.

Now, one small downside. While the ride hasn't changed, at least for any of the ICE-powered cars, the steering has changed for all of them, and at speed, it's really lovely. It's quite direct, confidence-inspiring, and nicely weighted.

But at low speeds it can feel a little bit darty, like it takes a really big bite when you put a little input in, and it takes a little bit of getting used to.

The RX450h+ delivers power that’s pert and prompt, with genuine bursts of acceleration that make driving fun. It’s always ready to go and there's no lag in stop-start traffic - which gives it a lively, dynamic feel around town.

The transition between petrol and electric power is seamless; you hardly notice the switch, which makes for a smooth, refined driving experience. The cabin is impressively quiet, even on the highway, making long trips comfortable and peaceful.

Regenerative braking isn’t adjustable and is subtle enough that many won’t notice it which is likely a plus for fans of traditional internal combustion engines who are making the PHEV leap.

The adaptive variable suspension adds a sporty edge to handling, letting you confidently take corners at speed. There’s some body roll but the RX never feels top-heavy or unsettled.

The steering carries the weight of the SUV but remains well-balanced and responsive. Overall, it’s a well-tuned machine that’s a pleasure to drive.

Maneuverability is a strong suit, too, thanks to a tight 11.8-metre turning circle and a clear, easy-to-use 360-degree camera system. Parking is easy-as-pie, which a lot of drivers will appreciate.

The RX earned a maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating in 2022, scoring highly across all protection categories: 90 per cent for adult protection, 89 per cent for child protection, 89 per cent for vulnerable road users, and 93 per cent for safety assist systems.

Standard safety gear includes eight airbags (dual front, front side, curtains, front centre, and driver’s knee) plus a comprehensive suite of driver aids. Standout features include emergency call functionality, child detection alert, side exit assist, front and rear collision warnings, park assist and emergency steering assist.

Additional tech covers blind-spot monitoring, driver attention monitoring, tyre pressure monitoring, daytime running lights, LED cornering lights, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure alert, lane keeping assist, traffic sign recognition, and intelligent seatbelt warnings for the front two rows.

Visibility and parking are enhanced by a 360-degree camera system and front/rear parking sensors, while adaptive cruise control adds comfort on longer drives.

The rear seats have two ISOFIX mounts plus three top tether anchors, accommodating child seats safely. Autonomous emergency braking is active from 5.0 to 80km/h for pedestrians, cyclists, and backover and up to 180 km/h for cars.

All Kia models also get the brand’s seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, seven years of capped-price servicing and, should you service with Kia, eight years of roadside assistance.

Turbo-petrol and hybrid models require servicing every 12 months or 10,000kms, where the rest are 15,000km intervals. The Kia website has the full costings for each powertrain choice, but for reference, seven years of hybrid ownership will cost you a not-insubstantial $4510.

The RX comes with a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, which matches its key rivals but isn’t exactly class-leading by today’s standards.

Servicing is handled via a capped-price program, with each service costing $695. The intervals are well spaced at every 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first.

This Sports Luxury grade also includes a three-year complimentary 'Lexus Encore' membership, granting access to a handy phone app and member benefits at partners like Westfield and Ampol. On top of that, you get 24/7 roadside assistance for added peace of mind.