I have a 2023 Sportage X-Like and despite cautionary advice about purchasing a Kia, I did anyways because it was truly the best value at the time.
Here is what I have to say to you if you’re on the fence:
Don’t do it.
I just hit my year mark with my Sportage and so far, I have had:
brake issues (unrelated to the recall)
flickering electronics
interior pieces popping off/breaking
sensor issues
issues shifting into R
A/C issues
cosmetic issues with black trim
I constantly think about trading it in, but because of how fast they depreciate, I’d be upside down on my loan.
I know this will be controversial, but I wanted to offer some advice from someone who wanted to give Kia a shot since they’ve stepped up their game. Maybe I got a bad batch, maybe Kia still sucks.
On the bright side:
I have received so many compliments on the color and style of my car.
It’s extremely comfortable and spacious
The features are superior compared to other brands.
Take this how you want, just sharing my experience.
I traded in my 10 yr old Soul for a 23 Sportage x line. The only time the Soul was in the shop was when the ac went out after 9 years. So far no issues with the Sportage but I’ve had it since March of 23 and it only has about 3600 miles on it. I’m quite a homebody I hired. The Soul had 90 something k.
@Frances
My 2020 soul’s transmission went out at 23k miles. It’s at 70k now and it burns a quart of oil every 1200 miles. It’s also needing coolant added every 5k miles or so. Ive been right on top of all maintenance as well
@Frances
Only issue I had was my starter motor went after 10 years, other than that just regular maintenance. Replaced an exhaust flex pipe this year and some small suspension components (tie rods ext).
People love to shit on kias when something goes wrong, like no other companies cars have had issues before. I’ve owned 3 vw’s and my 2013 Kia forte koup is still currently the most reliable.
Freeman said:
I also bought a Kia. A '22 Forte GT (bought brand new) that now has 20k miles.
No issues.
2015 Kia Sedona owner here. Bought in 2017 with 30k miles. Up to about 80k now. Almost no issues.
Minor issue with the Bluetooth not linking sometimes. And had some issues with door handles breaking off, which sucks, but they still work. Gonna have to pull the door panels off to replace them. But zero mechanical/engine issues (knock on wood).
Edit: just looked it up. Don’t even have to pull the door panels off. There’s a little plug on each door that reaches the door handle screw, so I’m good. But these damn things are $30 each. Just for the small part that stops the door handle from falling off.
Your probably going to be much better off than most of these people with any form of 4 banger.
Can confirm. I have owned three Kia V6’s and those engines are practically bullet-proof with just a bit of maintenance. My 2020 Sorento has almost 95k miles (bought brand new) and the most I’ve done is oil changes, spark plugs, and 2 coil packs recently.
Emlyn said: @Emlyn
Side note: So angry that Kia no longer offers a V6 in the Sorento. If I want the V6, I have to go to the Telluride which is way more expensive.
Gonna keep this Sorento until I die.
Don’t die anytime soon. I have 155k miles on my 2014 Sorento V6, and still runs like a champ. Don’t forget to get your trans flushed. Also, alternator died at 100k miles. Might want to change that out soon, proactively, rather than waiting for it to quit on you.
@Fern
2012 Sedona here. 125k miles. Both sliding doors were fixed under a recall at 10 years. Otherwise, no mechanical issues, just regular maintenance.
