Kia Sportage 2018 KIA Sportage IV (QL, QLE) (09.2015 - ...)

The 2018 Kia Sportage is generally regarded as a well-rounded compact SUV with several strengths and some drawbacks to consider:

Pros:
- Comfortable and smooth ride, even with larger wheels.
- Spacious seating for five with a quiet interior at highway speeds.
- Attractive and well-designed dashboard with many features.
- Good safety features including Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning, and Blind-Spot Detection.
- Solid build quality and relatively few reported faults, especially with petrol models.
- Offers a long 7-year factory warranty and capped-price servicing in some markets.
- Versatile with available all-wheel drive and turbocharged engine options for those wanting more power.
- Generally good reputation for reliability with minor issues mostly in non-engine electrics like sat-nav and starting systems.

Cons:
- Fuel economy is average at best, with official combined MPG around 26 but real-world figures often a bit higher.
- Cargo capacity is modest compared to some rivals.
- Turbocharged petrol models can have higher maintenance costs due to shorter service intervals.
- Diesel versions require periodic high-speed runs to keep the diesel particulate filter (DPF) clean, failure of which can be expensive.
- Some reported minor issues such as air conditioning faults and door rattles in earlier models, though infrequent.

Reliability and Maintenance Costs:
- The Sportage ranks quite well for reliability in the UK SUV segment with an average repair cost around £1,199.
- Clutch repairs are among the most common fixes, typically occurring at about 76,600 miles.
- Most reliability problems are covered under the Kia 7-year warranty if still valid.
- Maintenance costs are reasonable but higher for turbocharged petrol variants due to service frequency.
- Overall, the petrol variants tend to be more reliable and cheaper to maintain than diesels.

Handling and Performance in UK Weather:
- Available all-wheel drive variants handle wet and slippery conditions capably, which is beneficial for the UK's often rainy weather.
- Suspension and steering have been praised for comfort and ease, with some tuning for softer rides in certain markets.
- The car offers selectable driving modes that can adapt to different road conditions.
- Owners report the Sportage performs well in typical UK weather conditions, providing confidence and safety on rain-soaked roads.

In summary, the 2018 Kia Sportage is a solid choice for a used compact SUV, especially if you prioritize comfort, safety, and reliability backed by a strong warranty. The petrol variants generally offer better long-term value and lower maintenance costs than diesel. Its handling and features make it well-suited for UK weather, while some modest fuel economy and cargo space limitations are trade-offs to consider.

Make sure to have a thorough pre-purchase inspection done, especially to check service history and condition of tires, brakes, and electrics, to avoid surprises with used models.