KIA SPORTAGE (2020)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 21,479 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,355
£113/month
MOT Pass Rate
90%
Excellent
Road Tax
£195
Flat rate/year
Insurance
Grp 12-25
1598cc Diesel
Great Choice
90% pass rate, £1355/year to run. 8 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~55 mpg
Flat rate (post-2017)
Low estimate due to excellent reliability
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 8 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the KIA brand average of 86%.
At 6 years old, 90% of KIA SPORTAGEs from 2020 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 21,479 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 30,287 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
30,287
Average miles
44,400
Expected for age
The average 2020 KIA SPORTAGE has 30,287 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 44,400 miles for a 6-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2022 model with a 92% MOT pass rate, while the 2007 model has the lowest at 65%. The 2020 sits between the two at 90%.
KIA SPORTAGE by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 92% | 1,082 | 24,731 mi | |
| 2021 | 91% | 31,542 | 24,767 mi | |
| 2020 | 90% | 21,479 | 30,287 mi | |
| 2019 | 89% | 58,319 | 39,545 mi | |
| 2018 | 88% | 60,314 | 48,804 mi | |
| 2017 | 86% | 65,441 | 59,147 mi | |
| 2016 | 85% | 66,048 | 67,665 mi | |
| 2015 | 82% | 37,017 | 74,778 mi | |
| 2014 | 81% | 34,495 | 83,477 mi | |
| 2013 | 76% | 34,980 | 91,808 mi | |
| 2012 | 75% | 24,908 | 99,218 mi | |
| 2011 | 74% | 15,295 | 106,602 mi | |
| 2010 | 73% | 7,894 | 103,955 mi | |
| 2009 | 70% | 4,499 | 103,156 mi | |
| 2008 | 70% | 2,910 | 106,403 mi | |
| 2007 | 65% | 2,676 | 109,553 mi | |
| 2006 | 66% | 2,245 | 112,934 mi | |
| 2005 | 66% | 2,354 | 112,304 mi | |
| 2004 | 97% | 31 | 123,135 mi | |
| 2003 | 74% | 50 | 70,392 mi |
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2020 KIA SPORTAGE
The 2020 KIA SPORTAGE is a small family car with a 1598cc diesel engine. 21,479 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it one of the most commonly tested cars on UK roads. Among all cars from 2020, the average MOT pass rate is 92%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 30,287 miles at 6 years old, KIA SPORTAGE owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2020 KIA SPORTAGE Fuel Costs
The 1598cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 55 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £905 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.
What does it cost to own a 2020 KIA SPORTAGE?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,355 (£113/month), broken down as £905 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 90% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
KIA SPORTAGE Reliability Trend
Newer KIA SPORTAGEs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 16 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2020 KIA SPORTAGE
At 6 years old, the KIA SPORTAGE offers good value with plenty of life remaining. Most manufacturer warranties will have expired, so a pre-purchase inspection is worth the cost. If you're flexible on year, the 2022 model has the highest pass rate at 92%. With 21,479 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2020 KIA SPORTAGE's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)
Watch outShort journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.
Turbo Wear
Medium riskDiesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.
AdBlue System
Medium riskPost-2015 diesels use AdBlue for emissions. Sensor failures and tank heater issues are common. Budget £200-£500 for repairs.
EGR Valve
Watch outExhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.
Service History
Low riskAlways request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.
Running Costs Compared
How the 2020 KIA SPORTAGE stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KIA SPORTAGE(2020) | 90% | £905 | £195 | Grp 12-25 | £1355 |
| VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(2018) | 92% | £1037 | £190 | Grp 18-32 | £1482+£127 |
| FORD FOCUS(2019) | 89% | £905 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1500+£145 |
| MERCEDES A(2019) | 91% | £905 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1350-£5 |
| MERCEDES A-CLASS(2018) | 89% | £905 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1500+£145 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Related Kia Models
Explore other Kia cars or similar models in the same category.
KIA PICANTO
2018 · 998cc Petrol
KIA CEED
2012 · 1591cc Diesel
KIA NIRO
2020 · 1580cc Hybrid
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
2018 · 1968cc Diesel
FORD FOCUS
2019 · 1499cc Diesel
MERCEDES A
2019 · 1461cc Diesel
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