GradeKia Sportage Reliability Grade
Above-average reliability
Grade a specific Kia Sportage
Reliability changes from year to year. Pick a model year to see its grade, then add mileage and price to get a deal score and estimated miles remaining.
The Kia Sportage earns a B overall reliability grade from GradeMyCar, with a C- for its engine and a B+ for its transmission. It ranks 5th of 13 compact SUVs we grade. The engine (C-) is the weaker of its two major components, so ask for oil-change records and have a mechanic check for leaks and oil consumption. Grades are based on 1,983 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013-2023 model years, adjusted for how many were sold.
Kia Sportage reliability by year
Overall grade for each model year, from owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Tap a year to see its full grade.
Best years: 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2019
Years to avoid: 2023 (stalling / loss of power)
Faded years are recent, so fewer complaints have come in. Their grades may change.
How long does the Kia Sportage last?
A rough estimate for the model across all years, not measured for each model year.
Kia Sportage vs. other compact SUVs
| Model | Engine | Trans. | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota RAV4 | A- | A | A- |
| Nissan Rogue | B+ | B- | B+ |
| Mazda CX-5 | B+ | B+ | B+ |
| Toyota Venza | A- | A- | B+ |
| Honda CR-V | B- | B+ | B |
| Chevrolet Equinox | C+ | B+ | B |
| Kia Sportage | C- | B+ | B |
| Subaru Forester | B+ | B | B |
| Volkswagen Tiguan | B- | B+ | B |
| GMC Terrain | C | B- | C+ |
| Hyundai Tucson | D | C+ | C |
| Ford Escape | F | F | F |
| Jeep Cherokee | C- | F | F |
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Rate your SportageKia Sportage reliability FAQ
Is the Kia Sportage reliable?
Above-average reliability. The Kia Sportage earns a B overall reliability grade from GradeMyCar, with a C- for its engine and a B+ for its transmission. It ranks 5th of 13 compact SUVs we grade. The engine (C-) is the weaker of its two major components, so ask for oil-change records and have a mechanic check for leaks and oil consumption. Grades are based on 1,983 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013-2023 model years, adjusted for how many were sold.
How many miles will a Kia Sportage last?
We estimate a well-maintained Kia Sportage lasts around 185,000 miles. That's a rough figure for the model across all years, not measured for each model year, so check the grade for the year you're looking at.
What are the best years for the Kia Sportage?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the most reliable Kia Sportage model years are 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2019.
What Kia Sportage years should I avoid?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the Kia Sportage years to be most careful with are 2023. The 2023 grades an F overall (engine D, transmission D), and its top engine/transmission problem is stalling / loss of power, which a recall covers.
Is the Kia Sportage transmission reliable?
GradeMyCar grades the Kia Sportage transmission a B+ (above-average reliability). Reliability varies by model year, so grade the specific year you're looking at.
Is the Kia Sportage engine reliable?
GradeMyCar grades the Kia Sportage engine a C- (below-average reliability).