Proton S70 vs Kia Sportage
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Proton S70 | Kia Sportage | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max power (hp) | 181 | 230 | -21.3% |
| Max torque (Nm) | 290 | 350 | -17.1% |
| Fuel economy (km/L) | 17.5 | 17.9 | -2.2% |
| NCAP safety | 5★ (ASEAN NCAP) | 5★ (Euro NCAP) | — |
| Fuel type | Petrol | Hybrid | — |
| Transmission | 7DCT | Automatic | — |
| Price (USD est.) | $16,758 | $50,436 | -66.8% |
- Kia Sportage makes about 21% more power (230 vs 181 hp).
- Kia Sportage is the more economical, at 17.9 km/L against 17.5.
- Prices are converted to USD from their home markets (Malaysia and EU); taxes and availability differ by country.
Verdict: S70 or Sportage?
Proton S70 advantages
- Affordability (+67%)
Kia Sportage advantages
- Engine power (+21%)
- Pulling torque (+17%)
Which should you choose?
- Choose the Proton S70 if you want the lower upfront cost.
- Choose the Kia Sportage if you want stronger performance and overtaking confidence.
Value for money
Proton S70 delivers more horsepower per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Proton S70 vs Kia Sportage: which should you choose?
Proton S70 (2026 1.5 i-GT Premium (MC1)) — petrol sedan with 181 hp and 290 Nm, rated at 17.5 km/L, 5-star ASEAN NCAP safety; priced near $16,758 in the Malaysia market.
Kia Sportage (2026 1.6 T-GDI HEV GT-Line S) — hybrid suv with 230 hp and 350 Nm, rated at 17.9 km/L, 5-star Euro NCAP safety; priced near $50,436 in the EU market.
Proton S70 vs Kia Sportage: Kia Sportage is more powerful. Kia Sportage makes about 21% more power (230 vs 181 hp). Kia Sportage is the more economical, at 17.9 km/L against 17.5.
Performance
The Kia Sportage is the more powerful, at 230 hp against 181 hp, with 350 Nm of torque on tap. Its hybrid drivetrain pairs with a automatic transmission.
Running costs
The Kia Sportage is more economical at 17.9 km/L against 17.5 km/L on their certified cycles, which compounds meaningfully over years of ownership. Test cycles differ between markets, so treat cross-region figures as directional.
Safety
Proton S70 is rated 5 stars by ASEAN NCAP and Kia Sportage 5 stars by Euro NCAP. Different NCAP programmes use different protocols, so same-programme comparisons are the most reliable.
Price and value
The Proton S70 lists lower at about $16,758 (USD-converted from the Malaysia market). Factor in insurance, fuel or charging, taxes and resale — not just the sticker price.
The verdict
Both are credible choices in the car comparison space; the specification table above lays out every metric so you can weigh the trade-offs that matter to you. Pick the one whose strengths line up with how you will actually use it.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Proton S70 better than the Kia Sportage?
Kia Sportage takes the overall edge, though Proton S70 wins in specific areas worth weighing. Kia Sportage makes about 21% more power (230 vs 181 hp).
What is the main difference between the Proton S70 and the Kia Sportage?
Kia Sportage makes about 21% more power (230 vs 181 hp). Kia Sportage is the more economical, at 17.9 km/L against 17.5.
Which is better value?
Proton S70 delivers more horsepower per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Which should I choose?
Choose the Proton S70 if you want the lower upfront cost. Choose the Kia Sportage if you want stronger performance and overtaking confidence.
Methodology
Cars are compared on manufacturer-rated maximum power and torque, certified fuel economy (km/L, converted from each market's test cycle: EPA, WLTP, CLTC, JC08/WLTC, ARAI) or EV energy use (kWh/100km), official NCAP crash-test ratings from the model's home-market programme, and list prices converted to USD at recent exchange rates. Each model shows its newest listed year and its highest-priority market trim. Test cycles differ between regions, so cross-market economy figures are directional rather than exact; prices exclude local taxes and incentives.