Kia Sportage (2010 – 2016) Review

Kia Sportage (2010 – 2016) At A Glance

4/5

+Stylish and upmarket looks. Good quality feel to the interior. Seven-year warranty as standard. Very low CO2 for an SUV. Well equipped.

-Ride could be better. A little noisy at speed. Warranty is limited to 100,000 miles so the similar Hyundai ix35 may be better for higher mileage drivers.

Insurance Groups are between 12–18
On average it achieves 80% of the official MPG figure

2010 meant all change for the Kia Sportage. The rugged small 4x4 styling is out and in comes a sharp, modern look that's far more in keeping with the Ford Kuga, Nissan Qashqai and Hyundai ix35. The last comparison is an important one, as, underneath, the ix35 and Sportage are essentially the same car and are built at the same factory in Slovakia.

There's a lot going for the new Sportage. Firstly, the engines are a massive improvement over what was previously available and are now among the cleanest you can buy in this type of vehicle. CO2 in the 2.0-litre diesel has come down by a whopping 31g/km to 156g/km and it now accelerates faster, too. The 1.7-litre diesel is even better, with an impressive CO2 figure of 134g/km, bringing road tax costs down. There's also the option of a 1.6-litre petrol with sensible running costs. Both the 1.6-litre and 1.7-litre engines are chain-cam.

The Sportage does a good enough job out on the road, too with decent steering and a well controlled body. Only the ride - which can be unsettled at times - lets it down. Inside, it looks smart and is functional to use. The materials that have been chosen for the dash and console are good quality and not far from what you'd expect to find in a Volkswagen or Ford.

As you'd expect from Kia, the Sportage delivers when it comes to value for money. It's comprehensively equipped, appears well screwed together and has one of the best warranties on the market (seven years/100,000 miles). It's an attractive option for any family looking for a roomy, economical and well equipped car.

If you're looking for the newer version, you need our Kia Sportage review

Real MPG average for a Kia Sportage (2010 – 2016)

RealMPG

Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.

Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.

Average performance

80%

Real MPG

24–56 mpg

MPGs submitted

975

Diesel or petrol? If you're unsure whether to go for a petrol or diesel (or even an electric model if it's available), then you need our Petrol or Diesel? calculator. It does the maths on petrols, diesels and electric cars to show which is best suited to you.

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Ask Honest John

What's the best petrol family SUV on a budget?

"I would like to buy a budget used petrol family SUV with 4WD and with good mpg but only have about £4000- 5000 to spend. My ideal would be a Honda CR-V petrol but it has poor mpg (34mpg). A big ask I know but can you suggest any makes (and models) to look for other than a Honda CR-V which would give me more 'bang for my buck'"
I think you're going to have to compromise somewhere, unfortunately - petrol 4x4s just aren't very efficient! A Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4 sound like good options if you can stomach the fuel bills. Alternatively, can you compromise on four-wheel drive? A two-wheel-drive Kia Sportage will be more efficient and fairly capable with a set of winter or all-season tyres.
Answered by Andrew Brady

My 8-year-old Kia has a long list of issues despite being lightly used. Do you agree this is unacceptable?

"I own an 8-year-old Kia Sportage that I bought from my local Kia dealer 7.5 years ago with 2500 miles on the clock. Since then, the car has been serviced and MOT'd at that garage. At its recent service, it had covered 42,000 miles. It's in seemingly very good all-around condition but after the service, I was handed a list of advisory problems and recommended repairs that amounted to over £4000 (on top of the £475 cost of the service) with additional costs to be determined following investigations. This amounts to over half the current value of the car and I am frankly shocked. I was handed the list without any explanation of the technical points involved and I'm still awaiting a call from a manager to hopefully discuss the details of the car's needs that include new radiators (bowed and deteriorated), an aircon condenser (failed), new front brake discs (corroded), new rear coil spring (corroded), new parking sensors (failed), new front side-light unit (water ingress) and the investigation of an oil leak on the rear differential, but I wonder if you feel, as I do, that this is totally excessive and unacceptable for a well-maintained and lightly used vehicle. I wonder whether you can advise me as to what I should say and do in my dealings with the garage? I thank you in anticipation. Kind regards."
It's important to understand that cars (especially diesel ones) are not designed for light use. In fact, I would argue that most of these problems are caused by the fact the car has spent long periods of its life sitting outside in the elements doing nothing. If the dealer wants to retain your business then they may offer a contribution towards the repair costs. However, given the car is almost eight years old, I think it would be better to source an independent Kia specialist who will be able to complete the work at a much lower cost. Due to the age of the car, I do not think you will not have any grounds against the dealer, Kia UK or any industry body. For your consumer rights, see: https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/problems-with-a-new-or-used-car-your-consumer-rights
Answered by Dan Powell

Should I swap my Vauxhall Corsa for a Kia Rio?

"I currently have a 2010 Vauxhall Corsa. Although it's a really slow car, I've liked it as it's roomy inside and feels solid and safe. It's just passed its MOT but urgently needs 2 new tyres and, at some point, new brake pads. I had to have the timing chain replaced last year, which wasn't cheap and a few other things - so I was looking at a new car. A few people said to get a Kia and I've seen a 2017 Kia Rio for £8999 - but I don't know if that's a good price/good car. The Kia Sportage looks a good car but I don't really need such a big vehicle and would need to get an older model to afford one. What do you think? Thanks."
The Kia Rio's a good little car. It'll be a bit more spacious than your Corsa and, as you've said, will come with a lengthy amount of warranty remaining (provided it's been serviced correctly). Also consider the very similar Hyundai i20 or, if practicality's important, a Honda Jazz is also a good choice. The Kia Sportage is a great car but, as you say, quite a bit bigger than your Corsa or a Kia Rio. If a slightly bigger crossover vehicle appeals, consider a Suzuki Vitara. It's a bit smaller than a Sportage and will be very reliable and cheap to run.
Answered by Andrew Brady

What's the best family car under £8000?

"What's the best family car up to £8000 and under 100,000 miles?"
A Kia Sportage could be a good choice. Cheap to run, practical and you may find one with some of its original seven-year warranty remaining. A Skoda Octavia's worth a look, too – both the hatch and estate are very practical.
Answered by Andrew Brady
More Questions

What does a Kia Sportage (2010 – 2016) cost?