- Reliability Index score out of 100
- 78
- Average repair cost
- £1199
- Most regular repair request
- Clutch
- Average age at repair
- 8 years
- Average mileage at repair
- 76,600 miles
Kia Sportage: A Reliable Choice for Used SUV Buyers?
The Kia Sportage has become one of the most popular SUVs (Sport’s Utility Vehicle) in the UK, consistently ranking among the top-selling vehicles in recent years. In January 2022, it even claimed the title of best-selling new car in the country [1]. This success can be attributed to the Sportage’s combination of attractive styling, practicality, and value for money.
The Kia Sportage is an SUV which tends to be popular for those with families. Safety is a top priority for family vehicles, and the Sportage excels in this area, having received high safety ratings and numerous awards, including the “Family Car of the Year” at the Motor Awards 2022 and “Best Family SUV” at the What Car? Car of the Year Awards 2023.
But how does it fare in terms of reliability, especially as a used vehicle? Let’s dive into the reliability data for the Kia Sportage, breaking down key insights to help you feel confident in your used car ownership journey.
Kia Sportage’s Overall Score: 78
The Kia Sportage has an overall score of 78, putting it in the middle of the pack in our SUV reliability rankings. While it doesn’t lead the charts, it’s still a respectable score, reflecting consistent performance across areas like repair frequency, cost of repairs, and how age and mileage affect reliability.
Most regular repair requests
For the Kia Sportage, the most regular repair requests relate to the clutch system. Minor clutch problems can escalate into major failures if left unaddressed, resulting in much higher repair bills. What starts as a simple adjustment could turn into a full clutch replacement or even transmission damage [2].
As the clutch is a core component for operating your vehicle, any issues should be looked at promptly to ensure driver safety. A failing clutch can compromise vehicle control, especially during critical manoeuvres like accelerating to merge or overtake. This increases the risk of accidents and endangers drivers and other road users [2].
While clutch repairs are common in manual vehicles, they can be costly and inconvenient, having an extended warranty can offer peace of mind to Kia Sportage owners concerned about clutch problems. Consider it your safety net.
Most expensive repair: Engine replacement
The most expensive repair request recorded for the Kia Sportage involves an engine replacement, with costs reaching £10,404.00. This is one of the most expensive repairs on the list when you compare it to the Honda CR-V which had £2,519.17 and the Renault Captur which had £4,288.70.
Although such serious engine issues don’t happen often, when they do occur, the data tells us they can be extremely costly. It’s a good reminder to thoroughly check the service history and overall condition of any used Sportage you’re considering, especially for models with high mileage. And if your used Kia Sportage is out of warranty, be sure to protect yourself against expensive engine repair bills with an extended warranty.
Average repair costs: a balanced outlook
The average repair request for the Kia Sportage stands at £1,199.31. This figure is slightly higher than some competitors, such as the Dacia Duster (£685.63), but lower than others, like the Mitsubishi Outlander (£1,527.79). This suggests that while the Sportage offers decent reliability when repairs are needed, it can be on the pricier side.
Age and mileage factors
The average age at which repair requests start appearing for the Sportage is 8.1 years, with an average mileage of 76,623 miles. The minimum age at which a repair was first recorded is 3.5 years, indicating that even relatively newer models may experience some issues. Buyers should be cautious when considering older models or those with high mileage, as these tend to be when more significant repairs are likely.
Running costs: What to expect
The Kia Sportage offers a good mix of reliability and running costs, though it isn’t the cheapest to maintain in its class. With repair costs averaging over £1,200, it’s important to budget for potential expenses. However, the Sportage balances these costs with a generally dependable performance, making it a good value for money overall.
Market pricing for used Kia Sportages
According to current listings, prices for used Sportages start from around £8,998 for older models, while newer versions can reach up to £36,998 for nearly new, high-spec variants [3]. The average price for a used Sportage is approximately £17,103.71, providing a mid-range option for many buyers [4].
Factors influencing pricing include age, mileage, trim level, and powertrain type. For instance, the sought-after plug-in hybrid models tend to command higher prices due to their fuel efficiency and low company car tax rates. For buyers looking for a reliable SUV with a good balance between price and features, the Sportage is a strong contender.
Final thoughts
The Kia Sportage is a solid choice for those seeking a practical and stylish SUV with reasonable reliability. With its overall score of 78 and a reputation for being dependable, the KIA Sportage is a vehicle that can serve well in both urban and rural environments. However, the slightly higher-than-average repair costs and potential for clutch-related repairs mean that buyers should be prepared for some expenses down the road.
An extended warranty might be a worthwhile consideration. Buy an extended car warranty online and start your journey to peace of mind motoring.
Sources
Disclaimer: Warrantywise Reliability Index Scoring and Data: Rank is measured by repair request frequency, average vehicle age at the time of fault, average mileage, and average labour time, from 1 August 2021 and 1 August 2024, and includes vehicles between three and ten years old where there are a minimum of 250 cars on plan. Average repair costs collated over a period between 1 August 2021 and 1 August 2024. Since the sample was selected, Warrantywise has seen a significant rise in the price of labour and parts, which will impact future repair costs. All data used is from Warrantywise’s proprietary internal research. Warrantywise believes the information contained herein to be accurate at the time of release. However, the company may upload new or updated information if required and assumes that it is not liable for the accuracy of any information interpreted and used by the reader.
Warranty FAQs.
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A used car warranty can help manage the cost of unexpected repairs after a manufacturer’s warranty ends. Warranty plans vary, so check the plan documentation carefully for listed components, exclusions, repair limits and any conditions you need to follow.
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A discretionary warranty means each repair request is assessed individually, based on its particular circumstances rather than relying on automated systems. This allows the full context of each request to be considered before a decision is made.
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An extended warranty can help you manage the cost of mechanical or electrical repairs once the manufacturer’s warrant has ended. Add-ons such as breakdown recovery, car hire or onward travel may also be available depending on the plan level.
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The warranty plan options available to you will depend on factors such as your vehicle’s age and mileage. You can then tailor selected features and limits to reflect your needs and budget.
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Yes. You can use a VAT-registered garage of your choice or a Warrantywise Authorised Repairer. If you use your own garage, check that the labour rate is within the limit shown on your plan schedule.
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Once Warrantywise has provided written authorisation, the garage can carry out the agreed repair. If further work or a change in cost is needed, the garage must contact Warrantywise and receive additional authorisation before continuing.
Payment arrangements depend on the garage you use. Warrantywise will normally pay the agreed repair contribution directly to an Authorised Repairer. If you use your own VAT-registered garage, you may need to pay first and provide the required documentation for reimbursement.
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If your car’s most recent service was completed in line with the manufacturer’s recommended schedule, you may not need to service it before your plan starts.
You will need to arrange a service within 14 days if you are unable to provide evidence of servicing, and you must follow the recommended schedule throughout the plan.
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Regular servicing helps maintain your vehicle and provides evidence that you have followed the plan requirements. Keep your service invoices and records, as Warrantywise may request them when assessing a repair request.
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Before the plan starts, the vehicle’s servicing must be brought up to date in line with the manufacturer’s recommendations, including any recommended upkeep. You will need to provide evidence that the required service and any associated work have been completed.
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No, you do not usually need to have your car inspected before taking out a Warrantywise plan. However, you will need to provide accurate information about your vehicle such as its age, mileage and service history.
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Warrantywise plans may be available monthly or for fixed terms of 12, 24 or 36 months. The terms and prices available for your vehicle will be shown in your quotation.
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You can pay for your Warrantywise plan in full, spread the cost over four months or choose a monthly pay-as-you-go option. Before choosing, check the payment schedule so you understand how much you will pay, when payments are due and how the pay-as-you-go option works.
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You can receive a full refund if you cancel within 14 days, provided you have not asked Warrantywise to contribute towards a repair. Check your plan book for the full cancellation conditions.
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If your car breaks down outside Warrantywise’s repairs office hours, including at weekends or during bank holidays, call the 24-hour breakdown assistance line on 0800 054 2174. Always follow the out-of-hours repair procedure in your plan book before agreeing to any repair work.
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Stop driving as soon as it is safe to do so, as continuing could cause further damage. Contact the Warrantywise repairs team on 01254 648 212 for the next steps, ans do not authorise repair work until you have received written authorisation from Warrantywise.
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Electrical parts are components that use, generate, store or control electrical power within your car, for example sensors, control units and dashboard displays. For full details please refer to your plan booklet, as the parts listed will depend on your plan level.
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Mechanical parts are components that use movement or force to help your car operate, for example parts within the engine, steering and suspension systems. For full details please refer to your plan booklet, as the parts listed will depend on your plan level.
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If your car breaks down while you are travelling abroad, you will need to arrange and pay for recovery. If the vehicle requires repairs, contact Warrantywise as soon as possible and follow the repair procedure set out in your plan book.
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If your vehicle is off the road while an authorised repair is being completed, Warrantywise may contribute towards the cost of a hire car for up to 10 days. Check your plan book for full details, including any daily rate or vehicle-type limits.
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The plan cannot be transferred from your current car to another vehicle, however you may be able to cancel it and put any remaining balance towards a new Warrantywise plan for your own or a family member’s vehicle.
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If you are unhappy with the service you have received, you can contact us via post, online form or by phone. Visit our Complaints page for more information.
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Our customer service teams are based in our Blackburn office. When you contact Warrantywise about a repair request, complaint or question about your warranty plan, you’ll speak to a member of the relevant team who will guide you through the next steps.
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Edd China fulfils the role of expert adjudicator, this means he has the final say over any dispute that we cannot resolve between us, subject of course to your statutory rights.
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Quentin Willson was instrumental in working with Warrantywise from 2007 to 2023 to develop our extended warranty plans to ensure they are clear, transparent and comprehensive. In July 2023, he passed over the responsibility of expert adjudicator to Edd China who will use his ‘discretion’ to ensure a fair and equitable resolution on a case-by-case basis.