Five of the best Chinese alternatives to the Kia Sportage
Whether you like them or not, Chinese cars are becoming impossible to ignore. With bold designs, lots of technology and competitive pricing, several new brands are now targeting established SUVs like the Kia Sportage.
When it comes to leasing, there are a host of Chinese models that compete with Kia’s family favourite on price. Some are hybrid, and some are fully electric, but all offer similar spec and tech to the Sportage. Here’s five that are worth your consideration.
Chery Tiggo 7
The Chery Tiggo 7 is a spacious mid-size SUV built by one of China’s largest and most well-established manufacturers. It offers a roomy cabin, comfortable ride and strong value for money, with features such as large infotainment displays, digital instruments and advanced driver assistance systems.
It’s actually a little larger than the Sportage, making it a practical family SUV with plenty of interior space. Compared with the Sportage, the Tiggo 7 stands out mainly for value and equipment levels, recently offering more spec for a better price.
Jaecoo 7
The Jaecoo 7 is a mid-size SUV that’s designed to compete directly with models like the Sportage. It features a bold grille, squared-off styling and a high-tech interior with a large central touchscreen and digital driver display.
In the UK, it’s offered with a plug-in hybrid powertrain, combining a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine with electric motors producing around 204 hp. The plug-in system uses an 18.3 kWh battery and can drive up to around 56 miles on electric power alone (WLTP).
Compared with the Sportage, the Jaecoo 7 offers greater value for money. The tech may be similar, but if you’re after something that has a more premium look, it may be worth considering as an alternative.
Leapmotor C10
If you’re considering going fully electric, the Leapmotor C10 is a family SUV worth keeping on your radar. It features a minimalist interior with a large central display controlling most functions.
The C10 uses a 69.9 kWh battery powering a rear-mounted electric motor and delivers a range of around 263 miles (WLTP).
Compared with the petrol and hybrid Sportage, the C10 represents a fully electric alternative. It offers smooth EV performance while still providing the space and practicality expected from a family SUV.
Omoda 5
The Omoda 5 is one of the most distinctive SUVs in this segment, with sharp styling and a futuristic front grille. Inside, it features twin digital screens, a modern dashboard layout and a wide range of driver assistance systems.
The standard model is powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine, while some markets also offer an all-electric version called the Omoda E5.
Compared with the Sportage, the Omoda 5 focuses on design and technology, offering a striking look and a highly digital interior, suitable for younger buyers.
BYD Seal U
The BYD Seal U is a family SUV from BYD, one of the world’s largest electric vehicle and battery manufacturers. Depending on the battery version, it can drive between about 50 and 78 miles on electric power alone (WLTP).
Inside, the Seal U features BYD’s signature rotating 15.6-inch touchscreen and a spacious interior designed for family use. Compared with the Sportage, the Seal U stands out with its advanced hybrid technology and longer electric driving capability, making it particularly efficient for everyday commuting.
Interested in Chinese cars?
The Kia Sportage remains one of the UK’s most well-rounded family SUVs, however, Chinese brands are quickly emerging as serious competitors. These models show how rapidly the market is evolving, offering modern design, impressive technology and increasingly efficient hybrid or electric powertrains for a more affordable price.
If you want a well-equipped SUV that’s a little different from the usual choices, these Chinese alternatives are definitely worth considering.
