Kia Sportage IV (QL) (2015 – 2021)

Reliability score : 8.2/10

The fourth-generation Kia Sportage (Type QL), a technical cousin of the Hyundai Tucson III, marked a stylistic break with its bold front end (raised headlights in the style of the Porsche Macan) and a significant upgrade to its interior. Launched in late 2015, it received a facelift in 2018, introducing new powertrains to meet Euro 6d-Temp standards, notably replacing the aging 1.7 CRDi with a new 1.6 CRDi (Smartstream) and adding 48V mild-hybridization to the 2.0 CRDi. Backed by the 7-year manufacturer's warranty (which still covers late-production models), it is a highly sought-after compact SUV in the used car market. Its overall reliability is excellent, particularly for European diesel engines, although some dual-clutch transmissions (DCT7) require vigilance.

✅ Strengths

7-year manufacturer's warranty (reassuring for used cars)
Overall reliability of diesel engines (especially 1.7 and 2.0 CRDi)
Generous interior space and trunk volume (except MHEV versions where trunk is reduced)
Physical ergonomics preserved (real buttons for climate control)
Sound and safe road handling
Very competitive price/equipment ratio

⚠️ Weaknesses

DCT7 dual-clutch gearbox sometimes harsh and prone to wear (dry clutches)
Temperamental AdBlue system on the 1.6 CRDi (Smartstream)
Firm suspension, especially with 19-inch wheels
Fuel consumption of gasoline engines (1.6 GDi and T-GDi) higher than average
Imperfect sound insulation on the highway (wind noise)
Catastrophic Theta II engines (North American market)

🎯 Verdict

The Kia Sportage IV (QL) is an excellent used car choice for high-mileage drivers looking for a reliable and well-equipped diesel SUV. The top choice is the 1.7 CRDi 115 hp with a manual gearbox (before 2018) for its all-around robustness, or the 2.0 CRDi for those who tow or seek a true automatic transmission (torque converter). The newer 1.6 CRDi is more modern but its AdBlue system requires vigilance. It is essential to test the DCT7 gearbox before purchase, as its dry clutches age poorly in urban use. Finally, for North American buyers, the 2.4 and 2.0 Turbo gasoline engines are to be avoided due to major defects in the Theta II block.

Common issues

Encrassement du filtre à particules (FAP) Medium

🔧 80 000 – 150 000 km

💶 300 – 600 € (nettoyage) / 1 200 – 2 500 € (remplacement)

Privilégier les longs trajets réguliers pour une bonne régénération.

Encrassement de la vanne EGR Medium

🔧 70 000 – 130 000 km

💶 150 – 300 € (nettoyage) / 400 – 800 € (remplacement)

Un nettoyage préventif peut prolonger sa durée de vie.

Dysfonctionnement du système AdBlue (capteurs, pompe) High

🔧 60 000 – 120 000 km (modèles post-2018)

💶 600 – 1 500 €

Utiliser un AdBlue de qualité et éviter de rouler réservoir vide.

Usure prématurée du volant moteur bi-masse (boîte manuelle) High

🔧 100 000 – 180 000 km

💶 1 200 – 2 000 € (souvent avec l'embrayage)

Éviter les sous-régimes et les démarrages brusques pour préserver l'ensemble.

Estimated maintenance costs

Oil change	£80 – 150
Timing chain	£700 – 1 300 (si remplacement nécessaire)
Clutch	£800 – 1 500
Complete brakes	£250 – 500
Estimated annual budget	£650 – 1 300

Indicative estimates (independent garage, UK market). Prices vary by region and year.