Kia Sportage reliability, MPG and running costs
Figures updated
The Kia Sportage is a family suv; the latest version we cover is the Mk5 NQ5 (2021–). In 2024 MOT tests it scored 99 for reliability (100 is average), ranking 260 of 442, and 24.3% failed first time against a UK average of 28.5%. Its most common MOT failure is brake pads (3.6% of tests). Boot space is 591 litres (1,780 with the seats folded).
Kia Sportage key specs (Mk5 NQ5 (2021–), 5-door SUV)
Price new
£31,395 to £47,895
Boot
591 litres (1,780 seats folded)
Seats
5
Size (L × W × H)
4,540 × 1,865 × 1,645mm
Power
from 150 PS
0–62mph
7.5–9.7 sec
Euro NCAP
5 stars (2022)
2021 on models; figures vary by version. Prices from the September 2026 price list. Sources: kia.com, euroncap.com, assets.turtl.co.
Ranked 260 of 442 cars in the 2024 MOT Reliability League, and 25 of 31 family SUVs
In 2024, 258,990 Kia Sportages aged 3 to 20 had an MOT and 24.3% failed first time (UK average 28.5%). Taking age and mileage into account, the Kia Sportage is about as likely to fail as the average car of the same age and mileage. At the first MOT, at three years old, 15.7% failed (UK 12.7%).
First-time fail rate
24.3%
UK 28.5%
Fail rate at 3 years
15.7%
UK 12.7%
Average miles a year
8,600
Typical age at test: 7 years
Kia Sportage MOT failure rate by age
Most common Kia Sportage MOT faults
- Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick3.6% of tests
- Tread depth: tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm3.5% of tests
- Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.5% of tests
- Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements1.7% of tests
- Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play1.4% of tests
- Pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn1.4% of tests
What the Kia Sportage fails on
| Area | Tests failing | vs similar cars |
|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 8.7% | ▲ 1.7× as often |
| Tyres | 6.5% | About average |
| Lights and electrics | 5.5% | ▼ 30% less often |
| Suspension | 5.0% | ▼ 19% less often |
| Visibility | 4.6% | ▲ 1.2× as often |
| Steering | 2.2% | ▲ 1.6× as often |
| Exhaust and emissions | 1.6% | ▼ 27% less often |
| Body and structure | 0.9% | ▼ 57% less often |
| Seat belts and airbags | 0.3% | ▼ 43% less often |
| Wheels | 0.3% | ▼ 19% less often |
How big is the Kia Sportage's boot?
The Mk5 NQ5 (2021–) Kia Sportage has 591 litres of boot space with the rear seats up and 1,780 litres with them folded, according to the manufacturer. That's the 6th biggest of the 14 family SUVs we compare; the Tesla Model Y has the most, at 822 litres. The previous Mk4 QL (2016–2021) had 491 litres.
What MPG does the Kia Sportage do?
Official economy for the Kia Sportage ranges from 28.2 to 61.4mpg across the 334 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2008–2025). A typical petrol version manages 42.8mpg and a typical diesel 54.3mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
Work out a journey's fuel costHow much is road tax on a Kia Sportage?
Any Kia Sportage first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). Versions with a list price over £40,000 pay an extra £440 a year in years two to six. A Kia Sportage registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £35 to £760 a year.
Work out tax for a specific carKia Sportage specs and running costs
Official figures for 334 versions sold in the UK between 2008 and 2025.
Fuel types
Diesel, Hybrid, Petrol, Plug-in hybrid
Official economy
28.2–61.4 mpg
CO2
25–237 g/km
Power
85–238 PS
| Version | Fuel | Economy | CO2 | Car tax | Company car tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sportage 'GT-Line' 1.6 T-GDi 1.49kWh 6-speed Auto (2WD)160 PS · AT6 · listed 2025 | Hybrid | 49.6 mpg | 128g | £200 | 31% |
| Sportage '3' 1.6 T-GDi 1.49kWh 6-speed Auto (2WD)160 PS · AT6 · listed 2025 | Hybrid | 49.6 mpg | 129g | £200 | 31% |
| Sportage 'GT-Line S' 1.6 T-GDi 1.49kWh 6-speed Auto (2WD)160 PS · AT6 · listed 2025 | Hybrid | 48.7 mpg | 132g | £200 | 32% |
| Sportage GT-Line S' 1.6 T-GDi 1.49kWh 6-speed Auto (2WD) (Two-Tone)160 PS · AT6 · listed 2025 | Hybrid | 48.7 mpg | 132g | £200 | 32% |
| Sportage 'GT-Line S' 1.6 T-GDi 1.49kWh 6-speed Auto (AWD)160 PS · AT6 · listed 2025 | Hybrid | 44.1 mpg | 146g | £200 | 35% |
| Sportage GT-Line S' 1.6 T-GDi 1.49kWh 6-speed Auto (AWD) (Two-Tone)160 PS · AT6 · listed 2025 | Hybrid | 44.1 mpg | 146g | £200 | 35% |
| Sportage 'Shadow' 1.6 T-GDi 212 bhp 6-speed auto HEV 2WD209 PS · AT · listed 2025 | Hybrid | 49.6 mpg | 129g | £200 | 31% |
| Sportage Pure' 1.6 6-speed AT 2WD238 PS · AT6 · listed 2025 | Hybrid | 39.8 mpg | 126g | £200 | 31% |
| Sportage GT-Line' 1.6 6-speed AT 2WD238 PS · AT6 · listed 2025 | Hybrid | 40.3 mpg | 128g | £200 | 31% |
| Sportage GT-Line S' 1.6 6-speed AT 2WD238 PS · AT6 · listed 2025 | Hybrid | 39.8 mpg | 130g | £200 | 32% |
| Sportage GT-Line S' 1.6 6-speed AT 2WD two-tone238 PS · AT6 · listed 2025 | Hybrid | 39.8 mpg | 130g | £200 | 32% |
| Sportage GT-Line S' 1.6 6-speed AT AWD238 PS · AT6 · listed 2025 | Hybrid | 39.8 mpg | 145g | £200 | 35% |
| Sportage GT-Line S' 1.6 6-speed AT AWD two-tone238 PS · AT6 · listed 2025 | Hybrid | 39.8 mpg | 145g | £200 | 35% |
| Sportage Pure' 1.6 MT 2WD149 PS · MT6 · listed 2025 | Petrol | 39.8 mpg | 162g | £200 | 37% |
| Sportage GT-Line' 1.6 MT 2WD149 PS · MT6 · listed 2025 | Petrol | 40.3 mpg | 163g | £200 | 37% |
Economy and CO2 are official WLTP figures. Car tax is the yearly rate at current rates for a car first registered in the year listed, before any expensive car supplement. Company car tax is the 2026/27 benefit-in-kind rate. Showing the 15 most recent of 334 versions.
What a Kia Sportage costs to fuel
- petrol, typical official 42.8mpg…
- diesel, typical official 54.3mpg…
Official figures are usually 10–15% better than real-world driving.
Work out a journey in a Kia SportagePrevious Kia Sportage generations
Kia Sportage Mk4 QL (2016–2021, 5-door SUV)
boot 491 litres · 115–185 PS · 0–62mph 9.1–12.0 sec · Euro NCAP 5 stars (2015)
19.0% of Kia Sportages built 2016–2021 failed their 2024 MOT first time (all cars that age: 18.6%).
Buying a used Kia Sportage?
Check the MOT history of the exact car: every result, advisory and mileage reading, free.
Compare the Kia Sportage with other family SUVs
Reliability, economy, car tax and running costs side by side.
Other Kia models
Frequently asked questions
›Is the Kia Sportage reliable?
Its MOT record is about average: the Kia Sportage is about as likely to fail as the average car of the same age and mileage, with a reliability score of 99 in our 2024 league (100 is average).
›What are common problems with the Kia Sportage?
The most common MOT fault is “Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick”, found in 3.6% of tests. It fails on brakes and steering more often than similar cars.
›How big is the Kia Sportage's boot?
The Mk5 NQ5 (2021–) Kia Sportage has 591 litres of boot space with the rear seats up and 1,780 litres with them folded, according to the manufacturer. That's the 6th biggest of the 14 family SUVs we compare; the Tesla Model Y has the most, at 822 litres. The previous Mk4 QL (2016–2021) had 491 litres.
›What MPG does the Kia Sportage do?
Official economy for the Kia Sportage ranges from 28.2 to 61.4mpg across the 334 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2008–2025). A typical petrol version manages 42.8mpg and a typical diesel 54.3mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
›How much is road tax on a Kia Sportage?
Any Kia Sportage first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). Versions with a list price over £40,000 pay an extra £440 a year in years two to six. A Kia Sportage registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £35 to £760 a year.
›How many Kia Sportages fail their MOT?
24.3% of Kia Sportages aged 3 to 20 failed their MOT first time in 2024, and 15.7% failed at their first MOT.
Sources: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2024, all versions of the Kia Sportage combined (Open Government Licence v3.0); official economy and CO2 from Vehicle Certification Agency data, © Crown copyright. VCA cannot accept liability for its accuracy. How we calculate the league.