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Expert Rating

Kia Sportage (2015 to 2021)

NOTICE: This car is still assessed using our previous Expert Rating Index calculations. We are currently rolling out a completely overhauled Expert Rating Index in early 2024, so this vehicle will be updated shortly.

Expert Rating

Kia Sportage (2015 to 2021)

(2015 - 2021)

    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.

    No longer on sale, the fourth-generation Kia Sportage has an overall Expert Rating of 66%, which puts it right in the midfield of the popular family SUV market.

    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 test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

    The Car Expert

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    Auto Express

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    Auto Trader

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    Autocar

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    Car

    +

    Carbuyer

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    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


    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 October 2022, the Kia Sportage has a slightly better-than-average reliability rating of 54%, 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 about £900, which is considerably more than the cost of a used car warranty so that is certainly worth considering if you are looking at a used Sportage. However, it’s also worth pointing out that this data is based on a relatively small number of cars compared to some of its rivals, so there could be significant variation.

    Gearbox problems appear to be particularly expensive to fix, with the average repair cost to date an eye-watering £2,700.

    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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    Best car rankings

    The top cars in every category

    The Car Expert has the ultimate ranking of the best and worst new cars on sale, based on scores from 30 of the top UK motoring websites. We'll be adding more cars and more lists all the time, so keep checking back for the latest results.

    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)