Kia Sportage Fourth Generation Showcases Sleek Design yet Offers Extended Warranty Coverage
The Kia Sportage, a well-liked model, often faces an oil leak issue during its initial technical inspection (TÜV). This issue seems to surface earlier than expected. However, purchasers of newer models can still take advantage of the extended warranty. In other aspects, this compact SUV has impressive low defect rates.
Background
The Sportage IV (Type QL) was introduced as a new vehicle in 2016 and remained in production until 2021. In 2018, it received a facelift, featuring enhanced assistance systems, a revamped front grille, and interior design changes. In 2020, a light update was introduced, followed by the current Sportage, now available as a plug-in hybrid, which hit the market in 2021.
Body and Variants
The Kia Sportage is available exclusively as a five-door SUV. After its facelift in 2018, Kia began integrating a 48-volt mild hybrid system into its diesel versions.
** dimensions from ADAC**
- Length: 4.48 to 4.49 meters
- Width: 1.86 meters
- Height: 1.64 meters
- Boot volume: 503 to 1492 liters
Strengths
The Sportage boasts a notable feature: its extended seven-year warranty, providing buyers of used vehicles with a sense of security. The suspension and dampers have minimal complaints, as reported by "Auto Bild TÜV Report 2024". The drive shafts are robust, and the brake lines and hoses are durable. The exhaust system also exhibits low defect rates, with few issues during the exhaust gas test (AU), according to the report.
Weaknesses
Problems with the parking brake emerge at the first HU, and oil loss is diagnosed frequently by test engineers during the initial appointment at the age of three. Another downside of the Sportage is its steering joints, which experience higher failure rates for the second HU. At the same age, issues with the front lighting become more prevalent, with an average frequency.
Breakdown Tendencies
The ADAC gives the Kia's reliability a "good" rating from the first year of registration in 2017. Early Sportage IV models fall in the middle of the ADAC's breakdown statistics. The only notable breakdown hotspot mentioned by the club is the starter battery in vehicles registered in 2016 and 2022.
Engines
- Petrol (four-cylinder, front and all-wheel drive): 97 kW/132 PS and 130 kW/177 PS
- Diesel (four-cylinder, front and all-wheel drive): 85 kW/115 PS to 136 kW/185 PS
Dealer Resale Value according to German Automobile Trust (DAT) with statistically expected kilometers - three price examples
- Kia Sportage 1.6 GDI Attract 2WD (6/2017); 97 kW/132 PS (four-cylinder); 99,000 kilometers; 9,729 euros
- Kia Sportage 2.0 CRDi Mild Hybrid Spirit 4WD (6/2019); 136 kW/186 PS (four-cylinder); 90,000 kilometers; 18,618 euros
- Kia Sportage 1.6 T-GDI Platinum Edition 4WD (6/2020); 130 kW/177 PS (four-cylinder); 61,000 kilometers; 24,266 euros
The text mentions that purchasers of newer Kia Sportage models can still take advantage of the extended warranty. This is likely due to a decision made by The Commission, which is stated as follows: "The Commission shall provide an extended warranty for certain vehicle models to address specific issues."
Furthermore, the oil leak issue in the Kia Sportage, especially during its initial technical inspection, has been a recurring problem. This highlights the need for The Commission to closely monitor the vehicle's manufacturing process and implement necessary changes to address this issue, such as improving the quality of oil seal materials used in the production.
