2017 Kia Sportage
2017 model shown · Photo: EurovisionNim, CC BY-SA 4.0

Compact SUVs · QL generation

2020 Kia Sportage: reliability, problems and cost to own

Fair Below average

It scores 29 out of 100 for reliability compared with other compact and small SUVs. Over the next 5 years we expect it to cost about $14,233 to own, including $3,075 in repairs.

Early estimate: this rating uses our own sales estimate for the Kia Sportage.

Reliability

29/100

Below average

Repairs, 5 years

$3,075

at 12,000 mi a year

Fuel, 5 years

$7,846

26 mpg, $3.40/gal

Price today

$13,997

$12,318 – $15,677, estimate

Recalls

2

on record

Owner complaints

166

filed with NHTSA

These are estimates, not guarantees. They come from public NHTSA complaint and recall data and EPA fuel economy, assuming 5 years of ownership and 12,000 miles a year. Change the assumptions or see how it works.

Where repair money is likely to go

Engine & cooling$2,173
Transmission & drivetrain$333
Electrical system$161
Driver-assist & stability$121
Body, glass & interior$83
Steering$76

Expected over 5 years, by area of the car.

Recalls

Check whether a specific car still has open recalls with its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Before you buy

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Other years of the Kia Sportage

Of the years we rate, the 2016 scores best (69/100) and the 2017 worst (12/100).

YearReliability
2027Not rated yet
2026Not rated yet
2025Not rated yet
202431/100
202316/100
202254/100
202159/100
202029/100
201964/100
201829/100
201712/100
201669/100
201565/100

Questions people ask

Is the 2020 Kia Sportage a year to avoid?

Not especially. It scores 29 out of 100, below average for compact and small SUVs; the 2015, 2016 and 2019 scored better.

Is the 2020 Kia Sportage reliable?

It scores 29 out of 100 against other compact and small SUVs from 2015 to 2024, which is below average. Based on 166 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, we expect about $3,075 in repairs over the next 5 years at 12,000 miles a year.

How much does a 2020 Kia Sportage cost to own?

About $14,233 over 5 years: $3,312 in lost value, $3,075 in repairs and $7,846 in fuel at $3.40 a gallon. A typical one sells for about $13,997 today.

What are the best years of the Kia Sportage?

Of the years we rate, the 2016 scores best (69/100) and the 2017 worst (12/100).

How many recalls does the 2020 Kia Sportage have?

2 recalls on record with NHTSA.