Buying Used: Kia Sportage (2016‑2022)
The fourth‑generation Kia Sportage has become a favourite in South Africa’s mid‑size‑SUV market. If you’re hunting a used model, here’s everything you need to know.
Rundown on the fourth‑generation Kia Sportage
Launched locally in October 2016, the Fiesta‑era Sportage (QL series) replaced the previous generation with a stronger look inspired by the Sorento. It sports a bold “tiger‑nose” grille, LED headlights and a more athletic stance. In 2019, a facelift tweaked the bumpers, wheels and interior.
- Capacity: Fits five people and 503 L of cargo (expandable to 1 492 L for hauling).
- Engines:
- 1.6 L naturally aspirated: 97 kW / 161 Nm
- 2.0 L naturally aspirated: 115 kW / 196 Nm
- 2.4 L naturally aspirated: 135 kW / 237 Nm
- 1.6 L turbodiesel (GT‑Line): 130 kW / 265 Nm
- 2.0 L turbodiesel: 131 kW / 400 Nm
- Transmissions: 6‑speed manual (mainly on base models), 6‑speed automatic, or 7‑speed dual‑clutch.
- Drive: Front‑wheel drive is standard; all‑wheel drive is optional on higher trims.
- Safety: Six airbags, stability control and optional blind‑spot monitoring gave the Sportage a 5‑star Euro NCAP rating when it debuted.
Earlier reviews noted that the 1.6 L naturally aspirated engine only reaches its peak torque of 161 Nm at 4 850 rpm—something to keep in mind if you’re looking for brisk acceleration.
What to look out for when buying a used Kia Sportage
| What to check | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Service history | A full Kia dealer record shows the car has been kept on schedule and keeps the 7‑year / 200 000 km warranty alive. Skipped services can void the warranty. |
| Timing‑belt & major components | Check that timing‑belt replacements on petrol models are up to date; diesel units need close inspection for DPF/EGR issues that can arise from short trips. |
| Engine & turbo health | Look for turbo lag or smoke on 1.6 T and 2.0 D models. Blocked DPFs trigger limp mode. Petrol cars may suffer from coil‑pack failures or oil consumption if neglected. |
| Transmission | High‑mileage units can show jerky shifting or slipping, whether manual or automatic. |
| Suspension & steering | Front coil springs often fail; listen for knocks from worn bushes or struts. Uneven tyre wear can signal alignment problems. |
Which one to get?
For most South Africans, the 2.0 CRDi EX automatic (2019‑2022) is the sweet spot.
- Power & efficiency: 131 kW / 400 Nm, 6‑7 L/100 km (claimed).
- Practicality: Works great on long drives or towing up to 1 500 kg (braked).
- Trim perks: Leather seats, advanced infotainment and a solid safety kit.
- Drive choice: FWD is plenty for daily use; AWD is only needed if you plan gravel or off‑road adventures.
Bottom line: The Kia Sportage 2016‑2022 offers a stylish design, good performance, and the confidence of a lifetime warranty if you get a well‑maintained example. Keep an eye on service records, engine health and transmission smoothness, and you’ll have a reliable mid‑size SUV at a great price.
