i’ve mostly owned honda and ford, like my pilot and crv. right now, my pilot is in the body shop, and i’ve got a 2023 kia sportage as a rental. i’m really enjoying it and considering it as a second car. i’ve seen mixed reviews on kias and especially the sportage… anyone got advice?
i’ve had a few kias in the family. they’re reliable and safe, easy to work on too. dealers aren’t always the best, but that’s true for a lot of brands. as long as you keep up with maintenance, they hold up well. my 2012 kia still runs great with barely any repairs. my last ford (a 2016 fusion) didn’t hold up as well – the turbo and steering failed early, and it had tons of recalls. now i have a ‘24 sportage hybrid, and it’s a big improvement in every way.
kias have a lot of tech, but reliability can be hit or miss. dealerships in the us don’t always offer the best service either. telluride and carnival seem to be their best models. keep in mind, kias aren’t super high-volume, so parts might take a while to get.
talk to your insurance agent first about costs! even newer kias with immobilizers are pricey to insure due to thefts linked to ‘kia boys’ stuff going around. if you’re looking at another option, get a quote for that one too, just to compare.
agree with everyone here. kia’s working to improve from some past issues (like their older engines and theft concerns). the new 2.5L engine is different, no CVT or DCT – just a straightforward 8-speed auto. but long-term reliability isn’t proven yet since it’s only been around a few years. the sportage has a 187-hp engine with either front or all-wheel drive. i’m not saying you should pick it, but for the same money, maybe look at a rav4 too, especially if you find one without the big markups.