Britain's best-selling car has been the Ford Puma, a compact SUV that inherited the title from the discontinued Ford Fiesta. However, the Kia Sportage has emerged as a strong contender, outselling the Puma at the start of 2026 before Ford reclaimed the top spot in February.
We tested the Kia Sportage HEV 'GT-Line' 1.6 T-GDi, 6AT, FWD variant, which combines a petrol engine with a 47.7 kW electric motor to deliver 235 bhp and 265 Nm of torque. It achieves a combined fuel economy of 50.4 mpg and offers 587 litres of boot space with the rear seats up, expanding to 1,776 litres when folded.
The Sportage's interior features a mix of buttons, a touchscreen, and haptic controls, including a manual gear selector and buttons for heated seats and steering wheel. The infotainment system is similar to that of Hyundai models, as both brands are part of the same company. However, the haptic touch bar for air conditioning can feel fiddly, and the steering wheel's square design, also found in the Puma, makes manoeuvring more difficult.
On the road, the Kia Sportage proved considerably more pleasant to drive than the Ford Puma. While the Puma suffers from a city car-on-stilts sensation and excessive body roll, the Sportage remains composed through corners with good feedback through the steering and pedals. The regenerative braking system offers three intensity levels but can be hesitant when disengaging and re-engaging on hills.
Our test vehicle cost £36,975, but prices start from £23,954 for the base model. Both the Sportage and Puma are available with finance options. Overall, the Kia Sportage emerges as the more refined and enjoyable drive, making it a strong rival for the UK's best-selling car crown.
