NEW VS USED
Lofty ambitions
Either of these excellent family SUVs can be had for less than £40k, but should you go for the new Kia or the posher used Volvo? Let’s find out
*Price today is based on a 2023 model with average mileage and full service history, correct at time of writing
■ NEW Kia Sportage 1.6 T-GDi HEV GT-Line S
List price £40,675
Target Price £38,494
The Sportage is our reigning Family SUV of the Year in a cheaper form, but this time we’re testing it with hybrid power and in range-topping trim
KIA SPORTAGE
BEST EQUIPPED
1 Well-designed centre console features plenty of storage space, including a large bin under the armrest
2 Touch-sensitive panel can show either climate or media controls. The physical knobs’ functions change, too
3 Front seats have just the right amount of side bolstering to hold you in place properly through corners
VOLVO XC60
Photography:John Bradshaw
BEST FOR QUALITY
1 With lots of plush materials and robust build quality, the XC60 has a classy feel that the Sportage can’t match
2 Seats and steering wheel are heated as standard; this can be set to come on automatically on start-up in the cold
3 Digital instrument panel looks sharp and can display the sat-nav map in the centre at the touch of a button
USED Volvo XC60
2.0 B5 Plus Dark
Price new £52,295
Price now £39,000*
Similar money to the Sportage gets you a larger, more upmarket SUV if you buy used, albeit with a more conventional petrol engine
KIA SPORTAGE
With a lot less weight to lug around, the Sportage is more agile through corners, and body lean is well contained
BEST HANDLING
VOLVO XC60
XC60 handles in a composed, reassuring way, but it’s a little slower to react when you ask for a change of direction
ORDERING YOUR FIRST Subway can be a bit overwhelming, because you seemingly have a billion choices to make before your sandwich is finally handed to you. Buying a new SUV can feel similarly strenuous, with a plethora of different models, variants and optional extras to sift through as you search for the ideal one.