Unfiltered Used Kia Sportage Analysis: TÜV's Mixed Opinion on the Fourth Generation
Kia Sportage's performance at TÜV yields polarizing opinions
Wanna buy a used Kia Sportage (IV) and curious about what TÜV has to say? This compact SUV's been gracing the roads since 1994, with the fourth generation rolling out in 2016 and gorgeous fifth iteration arriving in 2021. And now it's at its sweet spot, ripe and ready for second-hand bargains!
Bottled-Up Quality
TÜV's given three primary inspections (MOT) to the Sportage, yielding a bit of a rollercoaster ride. No problems detected in axles, suspension, or braking mechanisms, but watch out for those steering and steering joints! They seem to be the Sportage IV's Achilles heel post the second MOT onwards, plus lighting systems might not be its strongest suit either. Oil leaks are another area of concern rearing its ugly head during inspections.
Sizing Up the Sportage
Packing in at 4.48 meters long, the Sportage IV slots nicely into the compact SUV class alongside vehicles like the VW Tiguan, Nissan Qashqai, and Hyundai Tucson, its corporate cousin. The exterior retains a muscular vibe, thanks to all those edges and ridges, while the interior is surprisingly spacious.
Seated in the driver's seat, you'll face a user-friendly dashboard. The cargo volume ranges between a little over 495 to 1,500 liters, depending on where you position the rear seatback. The 2018 facelift introduced a tweaked front design complete with LED headlights to really amp up the car's looks.
Engineality and Drive Trains
Whether you're a diesel or petrol fan, the Sportage IV offers both, along with front and all-wheel drive options to suit any parking lot peacock. The entry-level self-igniter bumped up to 85 kW/115 PS was soon joined by a 104 kW/141 PS version. A 136 kW/185 PS diesel engine completed the range. After the revamp, Kia swapped out the self-igniters, replaced them with a 1.6-liter mild hybrid available in 115 PS and 136 PS trims. All-wheel drive was available on the 136 PS variants and top-tier model.
For the gasoline aficionados, Kia let you choose between a 97 kW/132 PS naturally aspirated engine or a turbocharged version pumping out 130 kW/177 PS. Combo it with front-wheel drive or upgrade to all-wheel if you're feeling loyal to the boost. Most engines came standard with a six-speed manual transmission, but a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission was available for a premium, with the 2.0-liter diesel offering six- or eight-speed automatics.
Motoring the Modern Modes
The base "Comfort" level, "Attract," came paired only with the entry-level petrol engine, boasting perks like air conditioning, radio, 16-inch alloys, electric windows, and exterior mirrors. The feature-heavy "Edition 7," "Vision," "Spirit," and "GT-Line" trim levels layered on more equipment, such as front and rear seat heating, hands-free system, navigation, multifunction steering wheel, cruise control, and rearview camera. Kia also offered various packages to beef up tech, equipment, and safety features.
Car Experts' Tips: Keep an Eye Out for These Five Used Car Tricks
Got a taste for used cars? Be careful not to get famished by these five sneaky budget traps lurking in used Sportage IVs! Focus on the numerous assistance systems on offer, some of which were only optional add-ons.
The Bottom Line
The fourth-generation Kia Sportage has a sleek style, comfy cabin, and top-notch tech, but the price tag varies. Running on either diesel or petrol, both variants could come with all-wheel drive and an automatic transmission. Keep an eye on known issues like rust, suspension trouble, brakes, exhaust system mishaps, lighting glitches, oil leaks, and tire wear to avoid hefty surprises. Scour mobile.de for approximately 1,500 used Sportage IV models, starting from around €10,000.
Source: ntv.de, Mario Hommen, sp-x
- Used Cars
- Kia Models
- TÜV
- SUV
- Compact Class
Insight: Used car enthusiasts should also be on the lookout for rust on the underbody, wheel arches, and door sills; worn suspension components such as bushings, shock absorbers, and ball joints; brake disc wear, uneven pad wear, and brake fluid leaks; exhaust system issues such as leaks or damaged catalytic converters; non-functioning headlights, indicators, or dashboard warning lights; engine and cooling system leaks (oil or coolant); and uneven tire wear patterns.
- When considering a used Kia SUV from the compact class, such as the fourth-generation Sportage, used car enthusiasts should take note of potential problems like rust on the underbody, worn suspension components, brake disc wear, exhaust system issues, non-functioning lights, engine or cooling system leaks, and uneven tire wear.
- Lifestyle seekers looking for a sporty Kia model in the used car market might find appealing options within the fourth-generation Sportage, a compact SUV that offers a blend of sleek style, comfortable cabin, and top-notch tech, with both diesel and petrol variants available, along with all-wheel drive and automatic transmission options.
