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 reviewKia Sportage (2016 - 2021)
2016 – 2021· 5 owner Q&As
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
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
£116/month
£85/month
£16/month
£60/month
Estimated total
£277/month
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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
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 reviewReliability 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 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.
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.
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
2016
Launch of the fourth-generation Kia Sportage
2018
Introduction of updated technology and safety features
2020
Launch of hybrid and electric variants
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
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.
Mazda CX-5
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.
Toyota RAV4
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.
Available now
Kia Sportage (2016 - 2021) for sale on Motoring.Today
Gallery
(15)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.














