The Kia Sportage III (SL) marked a turning point for the Korean brand. Designed under the direction of Peter Schreyer, it abandoned the utilitarian look of its predecessors for a dynamic, urban-focused crossover design. Sharing its platform with the Hyundai ix35/Tucson, it became a massive commercial success globally. A mid-cycle facelift was introduced in 2014, bringing minor cosmetic tweaks, LED taillights, improved sound insulation (NVH), and updated infotainment. While the European market heavily favored the robust CRDi diesel engines, the North American market relied on the Theta II petrol engines, which unfortunately suffered from severe reliability issues. Overall, the Sportage III is a solid, well-equipped compact SUV, provided you choose the right powertrain.
The Kia Sportage III is a tale of two continents. In Europe, equipped with the 1.7 CRDi or 2.0 CRDi diesel engines, it is a highly recommendable, robust, and stylish compact SUV. The diesels are proven workhorses, provided you avoid the fragile AWD system and stick to FWD, or ensure the AWD pump has been replaced. In North America, however, the Sportage is severely compromised by the Theta II engine debacle. Unless you are buying a North American model that has already had its engine replaced under warranty and has the KSDS update, it is best avoided. Buying Advice: Seek out a post-2014 facelift 1.7 CRDi or 2.0 CRDi (FWD) with a full service history for the best balance of reliability, economy, and peace of mind.