CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.4 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 34.2%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.2 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 3,400
Average Price: Around £17,000

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 considerably more expensive than it actually is. When launched in late 2010, it impressed with modern, sophisticated styling both inside and out, comprehensive 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 commanding road presence and better visibility for occupants. With a choice of front or four-wheel drive and manual or automatic transmissions, plus Kia's impressive 100,000-mile/seven-year warranty, it became an instant success and remains an appealing prospect today.

The Sportage mk3 excels in practicality with over 560 litres of boot space, impressive rear legroom, and a virtually flat rear floor for comfortable five-up travel. Engine options include a 1.6-litre petrol (133bhp), 2.0-litre petrol (159bhp), 1.7-litre diesel (114bhp), and 2.0-litre diesel variants (134bhp or 181bhp). A 2014 facelift brought suspension, engine, and soundproofing improvements that significantly enhanced refinement. Whilst not the most engaging to drive, the Sportage handles capably with secure grip and light steering. Running costs are reasonable, with real-world fuel economy ranging from 35mpg for petrol models to around 50mpg for the 1.7 diesel. Insurance groups span 14-18, and servicing costs are very competitive.

Best for: Family buyers seeking value, practicality, and style; those who prefer the Sportage's looks to rivals; and buyers wanting comprehensive standard equipment and reliability.

Not ideal for: Drivers prioritising the most refined or engaging driving dynamics; those concerned about potential alloy wheel corrosion; or buyers of 2.0-litre four-wheel drive models seeking excellent fuel economy.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Sportage if: You value practicality, style, and comprehensive standard equipment; you prefer the Sportage's looks to rivals; or you seek a reliable family SUV with excellent value.

Consider alternatives if: You prioritise the most refined or engaging driving dynamics, or you are concerned about potential alloy wheel corrosion issues.

Competitive Position: The Kia Sportage (2010-2016) is a strong contender in the used family SUV market, offering excellent value, striking styling, and impressive practicality. Whilst the Nissan Qashqai and Honda CR-V may offer slightly more refined driving dynamics, the Sportage's comprehensive standard equipment, spacious interior, and attractive design make it a highly sensible choice for budget-conscious family buyers. The post-2014 facelift models offer enhanced refinement and superior infotainment systems, making them particularly worthwhile. Overall, the Sportage delivers competence and confidence with strong reliability credentials that rival most competitors.

Read our full Kia Sportage Review

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