Skip advert
Advertisement

Kia Sportage (2010-2015) review - MPG and running costs

Kia's Sportage looks good, is sensibly priced and spacious too.

Evo rating
RRP
from £17,500
  • Distinctive looks, plenty of space, excellent warranty
  • Engines outclassed by rivals', ride a bit busy

MPG and running costs

Revisions in 2014 were implemented to improve the Sportage’s efficiency compared to newer rivals, but they only achieved so much. The lowest emitting car in the range is the 114bhp 1.7 CRDi front-wheel drive model with a combined economy figure of 54.3mpg and emissions of 135g/km. That’s achieved with the help of a stop-start system, which switches off the engine when it would otherwise be idling at standstill. Given a Nissan Qashqai 1.5 dCi 110 can offer a combined economy figure of 74.3mpg and emissions of 99g/km, that’s some way off the pace, particularly when you consider that the same, most parsimonious Qashqai matches the Sportage 1.7 CDTi’s 11.9-second 0-62mph time.

Advertisement - Article continues below

That gap is largely echoed across the entire Sportage range, the Kia not able to match its newer rivals when it comes to consumption and emissions. Add the six-speed automatic to the AWD 2.0-litre CRDi engine and things get worse too, it seeing the most powerful Sportage diesel’s economy decrease from 46.3- to 39.2mpg, and emissions rise from 158- to 189g/km - that’s bettered by a big, heavy, full-sized SUV like the Range Rover TDV6… 

The Sportage does at least counter with a sizeable standard equipment list, while Kia’s standard seven-year, 100,000-mile warranty gives buyers real peace of mind. Kia offers inexpensive servicing plans too, with the first three for £329 or a five-service pack for £609.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Best German cars – performance greats from BMW M, Porsche, AMG and more
Best German cars
Best cars

Best German cars – performance greats from BMW M, Porsche, AMG and more

From Audi to Volkswagen and all in between, Germany has created some outstanding performance cars over the years, and these are some the best
27 Mar 2026
We need a reset: Dickie Meaden on why the modern supercar has finally gone too far
Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance – details
Opinion

We need a reset: Dickie Meaden on why the modern supercar has finally gone too far

Revisiting the ‘80s has Meaden grappling with the mind-boggling evolution of fast cars
27 Mar 2026
The Land Rover Defender's toughest test: how the D7X-R triumphed at the Dakar Rally
Defender D7XR
Features

The Land Rover Defender's toughest test: how the D7X-R triumphed at the Dakar Rally

The Defender D7X-R is tackling the world’s most gruelling off-road race, and unlike many competition cars, this one has strong ties to a car we know w…
24 Mar 2026