The Kia Sportage IV, produced from 2016 to 2022, sits close to the Hyundai Tucson in the crossover segment, sharing many components and suspension elements. Early Sportages were built in Slovakia and later assembled in Kaliningrad. A mid-cycle refresh added a 2.4-liter engine, updated styling, and a suite of newer electronic driver aids.
Kia Sportage
Advantages:
- More affordable than many Japanese rivals.
- Comfortable ride with generous equipment levels.
The trunk capacity is 491 liters by factory data, which is solid for the class, though it lacks a lower-trim level privacy curtain where some models include one.
Common drawbacks
- Suspension feels stiff and can be less composed on uneven surfaces.
- The paint is prone to chips and scratches.
- The ground clearance is modest for a crossover at 182 mm.
- Threshold areas tend to collect dirt.
Engines
The 2.0-liter naturally aspirated G4NA engine, delivering around 150 hp, accounted for more than 70% of sales. It is a solid unit, though there are concerns tied to earlier coolant and neutralizer issues. Quick cold starts or operation with dirty oil could trigger occasional roughness, a problem mitigated in 2017 with the addition of extra oil nozzles.
The engine is somewhat noisy and can accumulate soot; the water pump reliability has been variable. The factory option does not include a dedicated relief, but it is possible to service it. With proper maintenance, it can exceed 300,000 km.
The 2.4-liter engine, producing 184 hp, is a reliable alternative. Regular oil and antifreeze changes help prevent knocks and liner wear, while avoiding excessive use of low-octane fuel. Nozzles can clog over time and phase regulators may produce occasional complaints.
A small subset of cars features a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine with direct injection and a supercharger, rated at 177 hp. It requires higher-octane fuel and is best paired with an automatic transmission; there are reports of weak timing components and maintenance challenges, with typical life around 200,000 km.
The 2.0-liter diesel with 185 hp offers the strongest performance, though it demands careful fuel quality and higher maintenance costs. It is noted for durability, potentially reaching 400,000 km, but weaknesses include glow plug relay failures and a crank pulley issue. Dirty oil can hurt the turbocharger.
Transmission
The six-speed manual M6CF4 and the conventional automatics A6MF1/A6MF2 are proven, quiet, and durable choices. The eight-speed automatic A8LF2 paired with a diesel engine is newer and relatively less tested, with early firmware issues and occasional torque converter replacements under warranty. It does not handle skidding well, including in emergency mode.
The robotic seven-speed 7DCT is not without flaws: it can overheat and have trouble with clutch engagement, with a total practical life around 200,000 km, making it less ideal for buyers who expect longer service life with mileage on the clock.
The all-wheel-drive system uses an automatic clutch. Up to 40 km/h, it can be locked as needed. The system has shown no critical weaknesses in typical use.
Operational concerns
- Rides are smooth up to about 80,000 to 100,000 km, after which wheel bearing wear can occur in batches. A knocking sound in the wheelhouse around 50,000 to 60,000 km is common, often from worn damper bushings. If not, a replacement mount with an amplifier may be required.
- The transmission’s reliability can be unpredictable: some units last 100,000 km, others only 60–80 or even 40,000 km. This inconsistency is sometimes linked to the variable quality of AI-92 gasoline. Advice from G4NA owners suggests preventive inverter replacement with a flame arrester, though this is controversial and may breach local regulations.
- Front brake pads and discs can wear quickly in some cars, sometimes by 10–20 thousand km.
Euro NCAP rating (2015): five stars. Safety distribution included 90% for the driver and passenger, 83% for child protection, 66% for pedestrians, and 71% for safety assistance systems.
The most active market option remains the Sportage 2.0 with automatic transmission and four-wheel drive. A recommended choice is the Sportage 2.0, offered in both four-by-two manual or automatic forms.
For buyers comparing in the same budget, alternatives include Ford Kuga, Hyundai Tucson, Mitsubishi Outlander, and Volkswagen Tiguan. A selection of the most reliable automatic transmissions has been collated here. For further discussion, another review in the Telegram channel offers additional insights.