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Used Car Expert Rating

Kia Sportage (2015 to 2021)

Expert Rating

Used car score:

66
%
B

This model is no longer on sale or in production, so it doesn't have a New Car Expert Rating score.

Expert Rating report card

Media Rating:

65
%
D

Safety Rating:

56
%
D

Eco Rating:

58
%
B

Reliability Rating:

77
%
C

Running Costs:

71
%
B

How are our Expert Rating scores calculated?

Expert Rating

Used car score:

66
%
B

This model is no longer on sale or in production, so it doesn't have a New Car Expert Rating score.

Expert Rating report card

Media Rating:

65
%
D

Safety Rating:

56
%
D

Eco Rating:

58
%
B

Reliability Rating:

77
%
C

Running Costs:

71
%
B

Summary


The Kia Sportage is a medium-sized SUV/crossover. This version is the fourth generation, which was launched in late 2015 and updated in the second half of 2018. It ended production in mid-2021 and was replaced the all-new, fifth-generation model in late 2021.

The Sportage received a range of reviews from UK media sources, from average to outstanding. It was generally considered to be very good value for money and came with an industry-leading seven-year new car warranty, which means that even used models will probably have a longer factory warranty than many new cars from other brands.

As of May 2024, the fourth-generation Kia Sportage holds a Used Car Expert Rating of B, with a score of 66%. It gets good grades for its low running costs and CO2 emissions, but its reliability rating is only average and its safety rating is now well out of date.

Key specifications


Body style: Medium SUV/crossover
Engines: petrol, diesel
Price: From £23,810 on-road

Launched: Autumn 2015
Last updated: Summer 2020
Ended production: Summer 2021


Media reviews


Reviews, road tests and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

The Car Expert

+

Auto Express

+

Auto Trader

+

Autocar

+

Car

+

Carbuyer

+

Carwow

+

Honest John

+

Parkers

+

The Sun

+

The Sunday Times

+

The Telegraph

+

Top Gear

+

What Car?

+

Safety rating


Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: December 2015
Date expired: January 2022
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 90%
Child protection: 83%
Vulnerable road users: 66%
Safety assist: 71%

Notes on safety rating

The Kia Sportage was assessed by Euro NCAP in 2014 and awarded a five-star rating. This rating expired in January 2022, as it no longer met the requirements for a four-star score. This is normal practice, as Euro NCAP reviews its ratings on most cars annually with most ratings expiring after about six or seven years.

However, if you are comparing a used Kia Sportage to vehicles of similar age, whose ratings will have probably also expired, its safety rating score is still useful.

Eco rating


Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

The Kia Sportage was not lab tested by Green NCAP during its production cycle.

Reliability rating

MotorEasy logo 600x167

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims

As of May 2024, the Kia Sportage has a reliability score of 67%, which is only average according to warranty data provided exclusively to us by our commercial partner, MotorEasy. This score applies to both this generation Sportage and also to both newer (2022 onwards) and previous (pre-2015) generations.

The average repair bill for claims is quite expensive at more than £700, which is considerably more than the cost of a used car warranty so that’s certainly worth considering if you are looking at a used Sportage.

Engine and gearbox problems are unsurprisingly the most expensive to fix, with the average repair cost of these more than £1,400. Engine problems are also the most common type of problem, so make sure any used car warranty you purchase cover this.

Running cost rating

Clear Vehicle Data logo close crop

Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data

Fuel consumptionAverageScoreVariationScore
Petrol models34 mpgD32 – 38 mpgD – E
Diesel models49 mpgC48 – 50 mpgB – C
Hybrid models49 mpgC46 – 53 mpgB – C
CO₂ outputAverageScoreVariationScore
Petrol models188 g/kmC170 – 202 g/kmC – D
Diesel models152 g/kmB147 – 156 g/kmB – B
Hybrid models152 g/kmB138 – 163 g/kmB – C
Insurance groupAverageScoreVariationScore
All models17A13 – 23A – B

The Kia Sportage is an relatively affordable car to own and run, according to whole-life cost numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.

The fuel consumption of standard petrol models is below the market average, but diesel and hybrid models are much more economical. The Sportage’s insurance premiums should be pretty cheap too.

Awards


Trophies, prizes and awards that the Kia Sportage received

2023

  • Carbuyer AwardsUsed Car of the Year + Best Used Family Car

2019

  • Honest John Awards – Crossover of the Year
  • Auto Trader New Car Awards – Best Car for Towing

2016

  • Diesel Car Awards – Car of the Year + Best Medium SUV
  • Red Dot Design Award
  • iF Design Award

Similar cars


If you’re looking at the Kia Sportage, you might also be interested in these alternatives

Citroën C5 Aircross | Ford Kuga | Honda CR-V | Hyundai Tucson | Jeep Compass | Mazda CX-5 | MG HS | Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross | Nissan Qashqai | Peugeot 3008 | Renault Kadjar | SEAT Ateca | Skoda Karoq | SsangYong Korando | Subaru XV | Suzuki S-Cross | Toyota C-HR | Vauxhall GrandlandVolkswagen Tiguan

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The Kia Sportage has received a range of reviews, from average to outstanding. It's very good value and has a seven-year warranty.Kia Sportage (2015 to 2021)