Should you buy a used Kia Sportage Mk3?

The third-generation Kia Sportage has been a staple of used car forecourts for over a decade, and it’s a sensible blend of off-road style, hatchback practicality and generally predictable reliability. It’s not very exciting or efficient, however, and only the 1.7-litre diesel with two-wheel drive makes sense for most drivers. It’s a better choice than a Nissan Qashqai or Ford Kuga, but doesn’t feel as special as a used Volvo XC60 or Land Rover Freelander 2.

The rather bouncy ride and lacklustre performance is compensated for with generous standard equipment, and while it’s no longer a ‘proper 4x4’ at heart the all-wheel drive Sportage KX-4 with automatic gearbox is a capable and tough ‘soft-roader’.

You’ll find the largest stock of cars from 2014-2015, but there’s a catch – only the last diesel models sold between September 2015 and the 2017 fourth-generation Sportage are ULEZ compliant. Buy with care if emissions-based charging is likely to be implemented in a city near you.

What we like about the 2010-16 Kia Sportage

Spacious interior with robust, well-laid out interior. Dependable petrol engines and automatic gearboxes, resilient 4x4 system, and a mostly well-earned reputation for reliability with few weak spots to catch used car buyers unaware.

What we don’t like

Lacklustre performance and high VED (road tax) for all but the least-powerful models. five-speed manual gearbox on 2.0-litre petrol, ride quality at odds with SUV ride height and expectation of comfort.