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Kia Sportage 2017–2022 (QL)

Kia Sportage
Photo: LuvsMG481 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Price
$23,800–$34,000
MPG
26
  • Strength: Excellent safety
  • Strength: Strong value retention
  • Watch-out: Poor reliability
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How it scores for you10 scores
A crash-test standout with a comfortable ride, but persistent Theta II engine complaints and thirsty fuel economy undercut its everyday appeal.
Reliability27

Recalled about half as often as cars of the same model years; 3 of its 4 recalls were serious. About 12% of its owner complaints describe a crash, fire or injury. Based on recalls and serious defect reports — it doesn't capture everyday repairs or problems fixed by warranty extensions. Adjusted -6 points for its wider reputation.

Safety100

5-star overall NHTSA crash rating (frontal 4, side 5, rollover 4).

Running costs52

About $2,600 a year in fuel (EPA estimate) — cheaper to run than about 52% of cars we track.

Cargo & utility68

30.7 cu ft of cargo space — more than about 68% of other SUVs we track.

Passenger space45

5 seats; 30.7 cu ft cargo is a bit tight versus rivals like CR-V or RAV4, though 60.1 cu ft folded is usable. Rear space adequate but not class-leading.

Driving fun45

181 hp base engine gives adequate but unremarkable acceleration for the compact SUV segment. Composed handling but no sporty pretensions; a turbo SX trim existed but base is segment-typical.

Tech50

QL-generation Sportage offered UVO infotainment, available Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and driver aids on higher trims. Solid but middle-of-the-pack for its era.

Comfort52

Quiet, well-damped ride and supportive seats earned praise in reviews. Slightly better than segment average for refinement in this class.

Value retention70

SUVs and hybrids usually hold their value better than average.

Capability49

Rated to tow 2,000 lb; all- or four-wheel drive available.

Safety & recalls14 recalls
Overall 5/5
Frontal 4/5
Side 5/5
Rollover 4/5

14 recalls · 8 common complaint areas across 2017–2022

  • Engine — 148 complaints (2017)
  • Recall — Trailer hitches (2022)
  • Engine — 63 complaints (2018)

2022

  • RecallTrailer hitches22V703000

    Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Sorento, 2021-2022 Sorento Hybrid (HEV), 2022-2023 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV), and 2017-2022 Sportage vehicles equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Kia dealership. Debris a

  • Complaint clusterEngine15 complaintscomplaints:ENGINE

    While driving 8/24/2026 on interstate engine light started flashing then staues on and car decelerated and knocking noise.Got to closest parking lot. Car would no longer move and turned it off. Contacted a tow. Tow driver verified battery good, oil good and started car, the motor shook uncontrollabl

  • Complaint clusterElectrical7 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

    Our 2022 Sportage backup camera screen has gone completely blank creating an immediate rear visibility safety hazard that violates federal back up camera standards. The manual indicated fuse is still functional and the infotainment reset does not resolve the issue. The entire system remains nonfunct

2021

  • RecallService brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module21V137000

    Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Sportage and Cadenza vehicles. The electrical circuit in the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may short-circuit, which can cause a fire in the engine compartment.

  • RecallTrailer hitches22V703000

    Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Sorento, 2021-2022 Sorento Hybrid (HEV), 2022-2023 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV), and 2017-2022 Sportage vehicles equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Kia dealership. Debris a

  • Complaint clusterEngine15 complaintscomplaints:ENGINE

    The hose connected on the antifreeze leak into the engine compartment

  • Complaint clusterUnknown or other13 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER

    The infotainment center screen in my 2021 Kia Sportage is DELAMINATING. The uv gel adhesive that holds the screen is failing. This is a known widespread safety issue as many controls are handled through the infotainment touch screen as well as the screen displaying the back up camera visability. You

  • Complaint clusterEngine and engine cooling6 complaintscomplaints:ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

    See attached document for complaint.

2020

  • RecallService brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module21V137000

    Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Sportage and Cadenza vehicles. The electrical circuit in the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may short-circuit, which can cause a fire in the engine compartment.

  • RecallTrailer hitches22V703000

    Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Sorento, 2021-2022 Sorento Hybrid (HEV), 2022-2023 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV), and 2017-2022 Sportage vehicles equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Kia dealership. Debris a

  • Complaint clusterEngine58 complaintscomplaints:ENGINE

    While driving on the expressway posted speed 65 was doing 70, left lane driving, suddenly my check engine light started flashing, my oil light came on and my vehicle started slowing down. Acceleration was not an option, causing hazardous conditions to have to put my hazards on and cross two lanes of

  • Complaint clusterUnknown or other20 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER

    My 2020 Kia sportage spontaneously caught fire. It started smoking about 1/3 mile from my destination. There were no dash lights on and the temperature gauge was not elevated and was below half so it wasn’t the engine overheating. I pulled into the parking lot and shut off the car and the smoke then

  • Complaint clusterElectrical19 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

    Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2020 Kia Sportage. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of the purchase, the mileage was 25,881, and while trying to trade the vehicle with another dealer, it was discovered through the Carfax repor

  • Complaint clusterStructure10 complaintscomplaints:STRUCTURE

    clear coat peeling inspected by dealer

  • Complaint clusterBrakes10 complaintscomplaints:SERVICE BRAKES

    Brakes, yes When the issue is happening, we loose the ability to stop promptly and with ease. The entire vehicle shakes, and it metal on metal. Yes, we've taken our car to a Kia, as well as 2 other companies. Kia did an inspection and told us that it was rust. There are no warning sounds or alarms.

2019

  • RecallService brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module21V137000

    Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Sportage and Cadenza vehicles. The electrical circuit in the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may short-circuit, which can cause a fire in the engine compartment.

  • RecallTrailer hitches22V703000

    Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Sorento, 2021-2022 Sorento Hybrid (HEV), 2022-2023 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV), and 2017-2022 Sportage vehicles equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Kia dealership. Debris a

  • Complaint clusterEngine21 complaintscomplaints:ENGINE

    The vehicle is have issues every time I get and oil change the vehicle loses about 2 qt of oil there are no leaks that are notice but the lost of engine oil still happens this oil could cause the engine to turn on fire it is nerve reacting to every often to check the oil level dealership are brushin

  • Complaint clusterUnknown or other12 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER

    Vehicle suddenly entered recall limp-mode due to the ongoing engine campaign. Prior to this, the vehicle had immaculate maintenance records and zero driveability issues. The franchise dealership performed a short-block engine replacement under the safety recall, rushing the complete powertrain swap

  • Complaint clusterElectrical9 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

    The car continues to burn oil and have to put oil in it although not time for oil change. I took the vehicle to dealership several times because whenever I get gas it won’t let me start it right away or stutters after getting gas. Whenever the car is in park or idle it’s making a knocking noise and

  • Complaint clusterPowertrain7 complaintscomplaints:POWER TRAIN

    I did not have an incident yet. I was advised by my local State representative Jimmy Gordon's office. They stated were unable to help me get reimbursement for the $8000 I just paid my Kia dealer, but that I should make a complaint on this website. What happened is that I was hearing an odd noise an

2018

  • RecallEngine; fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings18V907000

    Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pi

  • RecallService brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module21V137000

    Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Sportage and Cadenza vehicles. The electrical circuit in the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may short-circuit, which can cause a fire in the engine compartment.

  • RecallTrailer hitches22V703000

    Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Sorento, 2021-2022 Sorento Hybrid (HEV), 2022-2023 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV), and 2017-2022 Sportage vehicles equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Kia dealership. Debris a

  • Complaint clusterEngine63 complaintscomplaints:ENGINE

    2018 Kia Sportage (78,051 miles). Vehicle is part of the Kia Engine Class Action Settlement due to severe internal engine defects. The engine suffers from catastrophic oil consumption, running almost completely dry three times in less than six months with no external leaks, meaning it is internally

  • Complaint clusterElectrical23 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

    Shortly after driving away, before reaching a highway on-ramp, I noticed smoke coming from the vehicle. I turned around and returned to the location. By the time I arrived, the vehicle was emitting black smoke, and shortly after, it was fully engulfed in fire before I could retrieve a fire extinguis

  • Complaint clusterPowertrain16 complaintscomplaints:POWER TRAIN

    Purchased my Kia on the XXX then on the XXX, My engine light came on and my car went into Safety Mode . I at once took it to Auto Zone and their test came back with P1326 Knock signal range / performance. I then looked it up and found that a recall was put out quite a while back called an [XXX] #

  • Complaint clusterUnknown or other13 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER

    Passenger outside rear view mirror the paint is peeling. It’s the original rear view mirror. Vehicle looks brand new except for that mirror.

  • Complaint clusterSteering9 complaintscomplaints:STEERING

    My car was stolen from the Kia challenge

2017

  • RecallElectrical system; trailer hitches16V862000

    Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Sorento vehicles manufactured October 27, 2014, to August 25, 2016, and 2017 Sportage vehicles manufactured December 10, 2015, to August 26, 2016. The affected vehicles are equipped with an accessory trailer hitch wiring harness tha

  • RecallEngine; fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings18V907000

    Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pi

  • RecallService brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module21V137000

    Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Sportage and Cadenza vehicles. The electrical circuit in the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may short-circuit, which can cause a fire in the engine compartment.

  • RecallTrailer hitches22V703000

    Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Sorento, 2021-2022 Sorento Hybrid (HEV), 2022-2023 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV), and 2017-2022 Sportage vehicles equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Kia dealership. Debris a

  • Complaint clusterEngine148 complaintscomplaints:ENGINE

    Engine caught fire , insurance denied the claim . Kia has a class action lawsuit Theta 2 . It was towed into the dealership for approximately 3 mts . During the diagnostic they discovered a crack in the number 3 cylinder wall . They rejected the claim due to what they said was a leaky valve cover ga

  • Complaint clusterElectrical53 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

    Window regulator failure - power window could not be rolled up. Had to be replaced.

  • Complaint clusterUnknown or other41 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER

    I have a 2017 Kia Sportage with a recurring door latch problem. Several years ago, the driver’s door developed a problem where it would not open properly from the outside. Kia repaired the driver’s door latch under warranty extension WTY020. The passenger door has now developed the exact same prob

  • Complaint clusterPowertrain39 complaintscomplaints:POWER TRAIN

    I experienced engine failure and the dealership, corporation and warranty are refusing to replace the engine. My engine falls under an engine settlement. The denial states the corporation will not approve because i do not have a system update. The system update was issued while in the dealer’s inven

  • Complaint clusterStructure20 complaintscomplaints:STRUCTURE

    I need a recall on the paint for the 2017 Sportage Burnished Copper KIA. I've seen many others this color with the same paint fading issue. I contacted KIA and was basically told warranty expired.

Cost to own$20,200 / 5 yr

MSRP, new

$23,800–$34,000

Estimated used price, by model year

2022$20,700–$24,300
2021$18,200–$21,400
2020$15,900–$18,600
2019$13,800–$16,100
2018$11,900–$13,900
2017$10,200–$11,900

$2,600/yr

EPA estimate, combined fuel cost per year.

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Specs
MSRPNew $23,800–$34,000
Efficiency26 MPG
Seats5
DrivetrainAWD
PowertrainGas

City MPG

23

Highway MPG

30

Combined MPG

26

Horsepower

181 hp

Doors

4

Length

176.4 in

Width

73.2 in

Height

65.0 in

Wheelbase

105.1 in

Curb weight

3,739 lb

Cargo volume

30.7 cu ft

Cargo (seats folded)

60.1 cu ft

Towing capacity

2,000 lbs

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