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its low running costs and CO2 emissions, but its reliability rating is only average and its safety rating is now well out of date.
- Kia Sportage (2022 onwards) – Expert Rating
- More Kia Expert Ratings, new car reviews, news and features
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
Image gallery
Media reviews
Reviews, road tests and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
The Car Expert
“Slip behind the wheel and the immediate impression is of much time being spent to offer an environment of higher quality.”
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Auto Express
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The outgoing Kia Sportage is well-equipped, stylish and practical, making it a solid all-rounder for family buyers.”
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Model reviewed: 1.6-litre diesel (mild hybrid) manual ‘3’
Score: 7 / 10
“Mild-hybrid tech doesn’t transform the Kia Sportage into a class-leader; it’s much the same as before, and the 48-volt system doesn’t bring any night-and-day improvements to running costs. It’s pleasant to drive, but generous kit levels and Kia’s brilliant warranty will make it stress-free to live with.”
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Auto Trader
Score: 7.6 / 10
“It’s a very well-rounded car available in a range of versions to suit a wide spectrum of customers. It might not excel in one particular area, but it’s solid in every area that counts.”
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Autocar
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel mild hybrid automatic GT-Line
Score: 6 / 10
“A mild hybrid engine for Kia’s refreshed mid-sized SUV isn’t the best match for this top-spec variant.”
Read review
Score: 7 / 10
“With a broader range of engines and transmissions, more power and performance on offer, more advanced cabin and safety technology, more svelte and sporting design features and, yep, more ambitious prices, the new Sportage is clearly part of a wider effort to gradually inch Kia upmarket.”
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Car
Score: 6 / 10
“It handles adequately and there’s not too much body roll, and what there is of such things is consistent and controlled, which for those of you carrying green skinned packages full of Kinder Egg and Quavers about will know is a very positive thing.”
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Carbuyer
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8.2 / 10
“The latest Kia Sportage has a high-quality interior and impressive versatility, while a seven-year warranty adds to its list of selling points.”
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Carwow
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The Kia Sportage is worth a look if you’re after a practical family SUV with economical engines and a roomy cabin, but alternatives have bigger boots and more safety kit.”
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Honest John
Score: 10 / 10
“It’s an impressively comfortable car, offering decent refinement and excellent ride quality.”
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Parkers
Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 8.4 / 10
“Popular Kia Sportage is packed with kit for the price”
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The Sun
Model reviewed: 1.6-litre GDi diesel automatic
“The Sportage isn’t the only good-value SUV around, as this is a hotly contested market. The Ford Kuga beats it for driving fun, the Mazda CX-5 has more room, and the Nissan Qashqai is cheaper to run. But it only falls short of these by tiny margins and if you want the best all-round small SUV, you’re looking at it right here.”
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The Sunday Times
Model reviewed: 1.7-litre CRDi 2 2WD diesel manual
Score: 8 / 10
“The latest Kia Sportage remains an enticing package, with enough space to keep all the family happy. It rivals offerings from Nissan, Honda and Mazda, plus has a suite of safety and comfort features, such as a power-lifting tailgate, that represent great value for money in this hugely popular segment.”
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The Telegraph
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic 182 GT Line S AWD
Score: 6 / 10
“With the exception of the two new engine options, little has changed as far as the Sportage is concerned – it’s still sensible, practical and well-equipped, but there’s little here to make you smile.”
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Top Gear
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“Facelifted Kia Sportage gains mild hybrid diesel tech, but it’s not enough to radically alter the class landscape.”
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What Car?
Score: 6 / 10
“The Sportage is good value for money and has a spacious interior, but isn’t great to drive and the engines are noisy.”
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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
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
Total claims: 83
Average repair cost: £737.57
Last updated: May 2024
Reliability score
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
Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data
Fuel consumption | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
Petrol models | 34 mpg | D | 32 – 38 mpg | D – E |
Diesel models | 49 mpg | C | 48 – 50 mpg | B – C |
Hybrid models | 49 mpg | C | 46 – 53 mpg | B – C |
CO₂ output | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
Petrol models | 188 g/km | C | 170 – 202 g/km | C – D |
Diesel models | 152 g/km | B | 147 – 156 g/km | B – B |
Hybrid models | 152 g/km | B | 138 – 163 g/km | B – C |
Insurance group | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
All models | 17 | A | 13 – 23 | A – 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 Awards – Used 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 Grandland | Volkswagen Tiguan
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