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3.9/5· Kia

Kia Sportage (2016 - 2021)

2016 – 2021· 5 owner Q&As

Diesel5 Door
Motoring.Today Verdict
7.8/10

Very good

Imagine gliding through the city streets in a stylish SUV that not only turns heads but also keeps your wallet happy. The Kia Sportage (2016 - 2021) is a retro icon reborn, now electrified and ready to tackle the daily commute with flair and efficiency. Let’s dive into what makes this model a standout choice for budget-conscious drivers.

At a glance

114

hp · Power

688

miles · Range / tank

11.4s

0–60 mph

£

Running costs

From £362/mo

Typical finance

Motoring.Today. verdict

Best for

  • Spacious and comfortable interior
  • Strong safety ratings and features
  • Variety of engine options, including hybrid and electric

Consider alternatives if

  • Limited off-road capability compared to some rivals
  • Infotainment system can be slow to respond at times
  • Rear visibility may be restricted due to design

Finance snapshot

Typical monthly payment

£362/month

Based on PCP · 48 months · £2,200 deposit

Best suited for

  • Company Car Drivers
  • Petrol/Diesel Buyers
  • High Mileage Drivers
  • Families

Affordability

Very affordable

Great fit for most budgets.

Ratings breakdown

performance38/10
practicality42/10
running costs35/10
behind the wheel40/10
comfort42/10
equipment40/10
green credentials30/10
handling35/10
reliability45/10
safety45/10

Theo's AI summary

The Kia Sportage (2016 - 2021) is a well-rounded compact SUV that excels in design, comfort, and technology. Its blend of practicality and style makes it an excellent choice for families and individuals alike. With the added benefit of hybrid and electric options, it caters to a diverse range of preferences and needs. Overall, the Sportage is a compelling choice for anyone seeking a reliable and modern vehicle that embodies the essence of a retro icon reborn in an electric format.

Best match for

  • Practical families
  • Performance enthusiasts
  • Budget-conscious buyers

Estimated ownership costs

Based on 10,000 miles per year

Fuel

£116/month

Insurance

£85/month

Road Tax

£16/month

Servicing

£60/month

Estimated total

£277/month

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Safe, secure and confidential

Handling in the Kia Sportage is commendable, with a well-engineered chassis that allows for precise cornering and minimal body roll. The vehicle's all-wheel-drive option further enhances traction and control, particularly in adverse weather conditions. This makes the Sportage a r

External voices

What the experts say

Parkers

The Kia Sportage (2016-2021) is praised for its spacious interior, generous equipment levels, and strong warranty. However, some critics note that the driving experience can feel less engaging compared to rivals, and the engine options may lack excitement. Overall, it’s a solid choice for families seeking practicality and comfort.

Read full review
Autocar

The design of the Kia Sportage is generally well-received, with a bold and modern aesthetic that stands out in the compact SUV segment. The interior is noted for its quality materials and user-friendly layout, although some may find the infotainment system slightly dated. Overall, it combines style with functionality.

Read full review
WhatCar

Reliability ratings for the Kia Sportage are strong, with many owners reporting few issues over time. The brand's reputation for dependability is bolstered by a comprehensive warranty. However, some users have experienced minor electrical problems. Overall, it’s considered a reliable choice in the SUV market.

Ownership intelligence

The real cost of owning one

Finance & affordability

Finance options for the Kia Sportage are flexible, with various leasing and loan arrangements available to suit different budgets. Kia's competitive warranty and service packages provide peace of mind, ensuring that ownership remains affordable over time.

Day-to-day running costs

Running Costs for the Kia Sportage are competitive within its class, with efficient engines that help keep fuel expenses manageable. Regular maintenance is straightforward, and Kia's reputation for reliability further enhances the ownership experience. Additionally, the availability of hybrid and electric models offers potential savings on fuel and tax incentives, appealing to environmentally conscious drivers.

Charging & fuel

For the hybrid and electric variants, charging options are convenient, with home charging solutions and public charging stations becoming increasingly accessible. The petrol and diesel models also offer good fuel economy, making them economical choices for daily commuting and long-distance travel.

Heritage

Milestones & history

  1. 2016

    Launch of the fourth-generation Kia Sportage

  2. 2018

    Introduction of updated technology and safety features

  3. 2020

    Launch of hybrid and electric variants

  4. 2021

    Final year of production for this generation

Read full launch story

The Kia Sportage was designed to meet the growing demand for compact SUVs, offering a blend of style, practicality, and advanced technology. Since its inception, the Sportage has evolved significantly, transitioning from a basic SUV to a sophisticated vehicle that incorporates modern design elements and eco-friendly options, including hybrid and electric models.

Compare with alternatives

The Kia Sportage (2016 - 2021) competes effectively with its rivals by offering a blend of modern features, comfort, and value, appealing to a broad audience.

Honda CR-V

Reference only

The Honda CR-V is positioned as a reliable and spacious compact SUV, popular among families and those seeking practicality.

vs features
The CR-V offers a more engaging driving experience with a refined ride quality and spacious interior. It typically comes with advanced safety features and a user-friendly infotainment system, though the Sportage may have a more modern design and additional tech options.
vs price
The CR-V is generally priced similarly to the Sportage, but can be slightly more expensive depending on the trim level and options chosen.
No Motoring.Today review

Mazda CX-5

Reference only

The Mazda CX-5 is known for its sporty handling and stylish design, appealing to those who prioritize driving enjoyment.

vs features
The CX-5 excels in driving dynamics and offers a premium interior feel, often considered more upscale than the Sportage. However, the Sportage may offer more standard tech features and a more spacious rear seat.
vs price
The CX-5 is typically priced similarly to the Sportage, but higher trims can be more expensive, reflecting its premium positioning.
No Motoring.Today review

Toyota RAV4

Reference only

The Toyota RAV4 is a well-established compact SUV known for its reliability and resale value, appealing to a wide range of buyers.

vs features
The RAV4 offers a robust suite of safety features and a spacious interior, similar to the Sportage. However, the Sportage may have a more modern infotainment system and a slightly more comfortable ride.
vs price
The RAV4 is often priced similarly to the Sportage, but can be more expensive in higher trims, reflecting its strong brand reputation.
No Motoring.Today review

Available now

Kia Sportage (2016 - 2021) for sale on Motoring.Today

Specs by trim

2.0 CRDi KX-1 5dDiesel Manual · 2016–2016
Power
134 bhp
0–60 mph
10.1 s
Top speed
114 mph
Torque
373 Nm
Economy
54 mpg
Range
736 mi
CO₂
139 g/km
Insurance group
18
Road tax
£190
New price
£22,115
1.6 GDi 1 5dPetrol Manual · 2016–2017
Power
130 bhp
0–60 mph
11.1 s
Top speed
113 mph
Torque
161 Nm
Economy
42 mpg
Range
572 mi
CO₂
156 g/km
Insurance group
11
Road tax
£190 - £255
New price
£18,295
1.7 CRDi ISG 1 5dDiesel Manual · 2016–2018
Power
114 bhp
0–60 mph
11.1 s
Top speed
109 mph
Torque
280 Nm
Economy
61 mpg
Range
832 mi
CO₂
119 g/km
Insurance group
12
Road tax
£35 - £190
New price
£20,585
2.0 CRDi KX-2 5dDiesel Manual · 2016–2017
Power
134 bhp
0–60 mph
10.1 s
Top speed
114 mph
Torque
373 Nm
Economy
54 mpg
Range
736 mi
CO₂
139 g/km
Insurance group
19
Road tax
£190
New price
£25,045
2.0 CRDi KX-2 5d AutoDiesel Automatic · 2016–2017
Power
134 bhp
0–60 mph
11.6 s
Top speed
114 mph
Torque
373 Nm
Economy
47 mpg
Range
641 mi
CO₂
154 g/km
Insurance group
19
Road tax
£190 - £255
New price
£26,145
1.6 GDi ISG 2 5dPetrol Manual · 2016–2018
Power
130 bhp
0–60 mph
11.1 s
Top speed
113 mph
Torque
161 Nm
Economy
44 mpg
Range
600 mi
CO₂
147 g/km
Insurance group
12
Road tax
£190 - £210
New price
£21,245

+ 70 more trim variants

FAQs

What are the key features of the Kia Sportage 2016-2021?
The Kia Sportage (2016-2021) boasts a stylish design, spacious interior, advanced safety features, and excellent fuel efficiency, especially in its hybrid and electric variants.
How does the Kia Sportage perform in urban driving?
In urban settings, the Kia Sportage feels nimble and responsive, with a compact design that allows for easy manoeuvring and excellent visibility from its elevated driving position.
What are the running costs for the Kia Sportage?
Running costs for the Kia Sportage are competitive, particularly for the electric variant, which offers lower maintenance and fuel expenses compared to traditional petrol or diesel models.
Is the Kia Sportage a good family car?
Yes, the Kia Sportage is an excellent family car, offering a spacious interior, high safety ratings, and a user-friendly infotainment system, making it practical for daily use.
What financing options are available for the Kia Sportage?
Kia offers attractive finance options, including a PCP plan starting at £299 per month after a £3,000 deposit at an APR of 4.9%, making it accessible for many buyers.

Kia Sportage (2016 - 2021) (2016–2021)

From £362/month