Kia Sportage - TopCarNews

Kia Sportage (2015 – 2021) | Expert Rating [hide]

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 December 2021, the Kia Sportage has an overall Expert Rating of 65%, which puts it right in the midfield of the popular family SUV market.

In July 2021, Kia revealed the all-new replacement for the current generation Sportage, which arrived in the UK at the end of the year. We will have an Expert Rating page for that car as soon as we have enough reviews to publish our rating.

Key specifications

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

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

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Media reviews

Reviews, road test 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: 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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Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 7 / 10“The Kia Sportage is a great all-round family SUV with a combination of good engines, strong build quality, a keen driving experience and plenty of interior space.”
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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-LineScore: 6 / 10“A mild hybrid engine for Kia’s refreshed mid-sized SUV isn’t the best match for this top-spec variant.”
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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 overviewScore: 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 overviewScore: 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 reviewScore: 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 manualScore: 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 AWDScore: 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 overviewScore: 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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Which?

Model reviewed: Range overview“There’s lots of equipment as standard, and Kia’s seven-year warranty is unmatched in the industry.”
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Safety rating

Overall rating: 5 stars
Date tested: December 2015

90%

ADULT OCCUPANT

83%

CHILD OCCUPANT

66%

VULNERABLE ROAD USERS

71%

SAFETY ASSIST

Read full Euro NCAP review

Eco rating

No eco rating

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

Awards

Trophies, prizes and awards that the Kia Sportage received

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

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