CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.4 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 33.0%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.2 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 3,000
Average Price: Around £18,000

Kia Sportage (2010-2016) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Practical interior	Some rivals are more polished to drive
Still looks good, even at more than a decade old	Some owners found problems with corrosion on alloy wheels
Big boot	2.0-litre models with four-wheel drive are thirsty

Quick Summary

The Kia Sportage (2010-2016), known as the mk3, is a stylish and well-equipped family SUV that looks more expensive than it actually is. When launched in late 2010, it impressed with modern, sophisticated styling both inside and out, excellent standard equipment including air-conditioning and electric windows across the range, and competitive pricing. The extra height compared to rivals like the Vauxhall Astra gives it a more prestigious appearance and provides occupants with a better view of the road. With a choice of front-wheel or four-wheel drive and manual or automatic transmissions, the Sportage mk3 remains an appealing prospect for family buyers seeking value.

The Sportage mk3 offers impressive practicality with more than 560 litres of boot space, excellent rear legroom, and a virtually flat rear floor for comfortable five-up travel. Engine options include 1.6 and 2.0-litre petrols and 1.7 and 2.0-litre diesels, with the 2014 facelift bringing significant refinement improvements to suspension, engines, and soundproofing. Running costs are reasonable, with real-world fuel economy ranging from 35mpg for petrol models to around 50mpg for the 1.7 CRDi diesel. Insurance groups are moderate (14-18), and servicing costs at independent garages are very reasonable. The post-2012 facelifted versions are particularly recommended for improved comfort and superior equipment quality.

Best for: Family buyers seeking value and practicality, those who appreciate the Sportage's distinctive styling, and drivers wanting a capable SUV with strong standard equipment and reliability.

Not ideal for: Buyers prioritising the finest driving dynamics or those concerned about potential alloy wheel corrosion on some examples.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Sportage if: You're seeking a practical, stylish family SUV with excellent standard equipment, strong reliability, and excellent value for money.

Consider alternatives if: You prioritise the finest driving dynamics or are concerned about potential alloy wheel corrosion issues.

Competitive Position: The Kia Sportage (2010-2016) is a strong contender in the family SUV market, offering excellent practicality, distinctive styling, and impressive standard equipment at competitive prices. Whilst the Nissan Qashqai and Honda CR-V may offer slightly more refined driving dynamics, the Sportage's spacious interior, big boot, and reasonable running costs make it an excellent choice for value-conscious family buyers. The post-2014 facelifted models are particularly recommended for enhanced refinement and comfort. With strong reliability credentials and comprehensive equipment levels, the Sportage mk3 represents outstanding value in the used SUV segment.

Read our full Kia Sportage Review

*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from May 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.