Kia Sportage SUV 2016-2018 review - Carbuyer

[@jarpenthe2nd]

Love the length and content of the last two reviews. 3-4 min is just too short to cover most things you need to know, keep it up!

[@menifo4334]

Front end needs a bit getting used to. There's something in the proportions that's not right. Rear end looks sleek. A very good review James. However, why is it taking you so long to review Hyundai Tucson which came out months earlier than this one?

[@carbuyer]

+Meni Fo The Hyundai Tucson is on its way very soon. Stay tuned!

[@bocckoka]

+Meni Fo First I thought you were talking about James :S

[@menifo4334]

+bocckoka That was bitchy.

[@milopichu]

+Meni Fo If you'd ask me though it already grew on me. The last generation looks very old in my eyes now. I mean just look at 4:21. It looks quite Porsche-esque.

[@menifo4334]

+randomdude I beleive that the old model is still contemporary and could easily comlpete with newer models. We just got used to its looks. As to its resemblance to Porsche... is that a good thing? :)

[@albertobenelli]

This bloke getting better and so are Korean cars

[@jlue1993]

He's a KIA in the world of journalism then..!

[@albertobenelli]

+Joshua L so...that is supposed to be a joke ? Or ...what you mean ? You know how big is Kia to the world of worldwide automotive ?

[@D______]

Here is my Kia experience. Anyone in my position has encountered the same thing from Kia. If you cannot supply them with up to date maintenance records on your vehicle they will not cover it. So for instance, if you change your own oil you're screwed. Might work if you saved all your receipts but very few people are in the habit of saving receipts of them doing their own oil changes. This ploy Kia uses is well documented if you want to look it up, I have, and it’s out there. Also my car would be covered under the SC147 recall as the symptoms of my engine seizing up (engine needs replaced) followed the exact same symptomology as those the manufacturing defect notes in the recall. The recall notice even appears on my Carfax report. Again you can find all the recall information online. The reason my car isn't part of the SC147 recall according to Kia is because it is MPI instead of GDI. All the rest of the engine is the exact same, 2.4L theta II. Kia says that because my car uses a different kind of fuel injection method that it cannot be affected by the metal filings left in the engine block which is what the SC147 recall is all about. That's totally absurd on its face but that's Kia's position. The vehicles Kia did recall was done after many government threats as well as numerous lawsuits brought by disgruntled Kia owners for which there are many. Kia's mother company, Hyundai actually recalled their vehicles for the same problem immediately when the issue was discovered. It took Kia several years later to admit to the problem and issue a recall even though they were well aware of the problem. Where was Kia's concern for people being killed due to this manufacturing defect? A car having its engine seize up on the interstate would be something that would concern most companies immediately but not Kia. Unless Kia completely changes the way it does business they will continue to cost consumers thousands of dollars for defective cars and probably end up killing people due to their own negligence. I had to argue, write emails, file complaints with various entities, etc just to get Kia to actually LOOK at my engine at no cost to me to determine the how and why of the engine failure. Kia refused to cover my car even though it is under warranty and furthermore refused to even LOOK at my car to see what caused the failure. I'm still waiting for a callback from Kia with their assessment. Kia actually agreed to take my valve cover off to take a look at my car once I complained as high up as I could to Kia. This was after several months of my car sitting dead on the Auffenberg Kia lot in Metro east St Louis. Kia actually told me I'd have to pay $1500 up front to have my engine failure looked into initially. My constant pressure on Kia finally got them to say they would take my valve cover off for no fee which costs Kia less than $50 in labor. Kia had no desire whatsoever to know what caused my engine to seize up. Their ONLY concern was to avoid any acknowledgement of any responsibility or liability. Kia already knew what caused the engine to fail. The same thing that happened to hundreds of thousands of the same engines made by Kia and Hyundai. It was the exact same problem as the Kia SC147 recall. Taking the valve cover off will not help. There was no oil leak. No oil smell. Never any indication of any problem with the valve cover. It's simply a ploy for Kia to say we looked at your engine and it's your fault. Who would trust their assessment at this point anyway? I'm out thousands of dollars I still owe on a car without a working engine. Don't you think any car maker worth a darn would want to know why one of their vehicles engines just seized up on the highway? Kia's been super lucky so far no one has died due to their negligence. Additionally a co-worker of mine had a problem with his Kia and will not buy one again either. For his Kia the car required a specific oil filter made and installed by Kia and if that was not used the engine fails. He was never told this when he purchased the vehicle. His insurance successfully sued Kia for over $7,000 for his engine failure. Unfortunately my insurance doesn't cover mechanical issues. Ever wonder why your Kia never quite gets the gas mileage it was rated to get? Kia has also paid out for a class action lawsuit because they lied about the MPG of many of their models. The very MPG rating that many people base a large percentage of their purchase decision on. Yeah, Kia lied about that too but kept it hush hush. You can find the information online if you look for it. I had my car into the dealership (Auffenberg) several times before the engine failure telling them something is bad wrong with the car. The Kia service department ran every kind of computer diagnostic and could find no reason for the problems which included knocking, major loss of power, major loss of fuel economy and car dying at both idle and speed. Check engine light was always on and every sensor it said was malfunctioning was replaced and it didn't help. Unfortunately I could not leave my car with Kia. Kia wouldn't supply me with a free rental. They said it was against company policy. My step daughter was dying needing a second liver transplant as all this was going on and I couldn't be without that vehicle. With only one vehicle (other than the Kia) I wouldn't be able to get to work or my step daughter wouldn't be able to be cared for properly. I told Kia this and still they refused to get me a rental while they actually got to the root of my car problem and addressed it. Instead they said sorry to hear that, we can't find any problem with your car. They actually let me leave with a car they KNEW was dangerous and about to fail. They didn't care that my family was going through a serious medical situation with my step daughter and the car behaving as it was only increased the stress on my entire family during this time. Fortunately my step daughter got her transplant just in time and is doing ok now. Not only did Kia sell me a defective product but all this happened as our family is going through the stress of a child being deathly ill, lots of additional costs for medical related expenses and Kia was told this and didn't care. Kia added thousands of dollars to my already stressed finances by selling me a defective vehicle. But it gets even better. The Kia rep in Arizona named Steve that handles my case and many others actually told me on the phone that some of Kia's cars die early and that's just the way it is. He insisted all other car manufacturers have the same problem and also refuse to repair the vehicles leaving their customers screwed too. That's certainly not my experience nor that of anyone I know. Steve at Kia flat out told me Kia isn't going to pay and I'm out of luck because I got a bad Kia and have to eat it. That's what he said. That's Kia’s customer service that said that to me. I have to shake my head and laugh every time I call Kia and their recording says "Rated #1 in initial quality 2 years in a row!" Yeah, and dies in 78,000 miles and Kia refuses to make a full recall or honor it's warranty. You won't see Kia winning any customer service awards or vehicle longevity awards. My advice to anyone that has a Kia (ESPECIALLY if it's a 2.4L) is to trade it in and get something other than a Kia before it dies and your left paying off a car that doesn't run. I liked Kia at one time or I wouldn't have bought one. What I've found out since has opened my eyes to the quality of their vehicles and their denials of their own manufacturing defects even if it could cost lives or severely screw consumers over financially. Buying a Kia might make you think you're getting more quality for less money but it's all based upon lies and cover-ups. That is my Kia experience and it's the WORST experience I've had with any company on any level at any time in my 31 (47 - 16) years of driving cars.

[@sorrynottellingu1246]

The GT line is beautiful. I get nothing but positive comments wherever I go in mine. Drives much much better than the previous model. Looks much better in the metal than in the vids. GT line is already on back order in the UK. Love the look.

[@LiveTorsionParadoxTo]

I think this guy is beginning to find his groove. His, focus-on-facts, light-touch on 'personality', approach to this review, work so much better. Meaningful insight and demonstration over injecting some 'fun' or 'personality' is exactly what we need after the excesses of Top Gear and their endless and increasingly grating copiers. Good stuff.

[@bocckoka]

James' reviews might not be as enjoyable as we are used to, but at least he ships them quite frequently!

[@Pipsicle330]

Need to see one in the metal. Interior heaps better but exterior maybe not. Loving the current batch of reviews. Nice to have a presenter with a personality.

[@normalmann4377]

Love my new 2.0ltr GT line. Considered buying the older model at a heavily discounted price but to be honest the drive just does not compare to the newer model. Love the new look and have only received positive comments by people who would truly say what they think!

[@MegaVector2011]

I was rapidly losing interest in Carbuyer reviews until this guy came along. Excellent. Breath of fresh air, much needed.

[@quantumeseboy]

It looks absolutely better then the previous version.

[@pedromarques5596]

I was one of your critics, James, but this is your best video at Carbuyer until now. Nevertheless, where is Ginie?

[@predragpesic3980]

I miss Rebeca and her bananas:(

[@klasseact6663]

Where did she go? I subscribed because of her alone!! That said I do enjoy this guys reviews, very easy to listen to.

[@conorjackson5360]

Klasse Act she is now on telegraph cars search it up on youtube apparently carbuyer pays their employees very poorly

[@panathaninf]

+Klasse Act telegraph cars

[@Sandouras]

+Chrstian “Driver” mrclep I wish

[@klasseact6663]

+panathaninf Thank you and everyone else for the heads up. She's "girl next door hott" and she knows her stuff, a win win!

[@KonaKoo]

He's so cute. :) The front reminds me of the old Subaru Tribeca.

[@galloping5273]

Very good review. One of the best Carbuyer have done in a while. Keep up the good work. Car looks decent too. Although not 100% sure about the nose

[@borjastick]

I like it and feel it could be right for me when I change. However it isn't cheap here in France and for the same money, about €23000, I could get a nearly brand new hi spec Yeti, or a nice Citroen etc. Another excellent review by Mr Batchelor though. I think he's very good and credible.

[@leone666100]

This guy is an accomplished car reviewer.Very good!

[@natashahunter6463]

Mine is arriving next month, ordered the 1.7CRDi in Phantom Black

[@escobar770]

my arriving to haha white fusion

[@biggunsclub1]

Good review although everyone keeps on comparing handling with the Ford Kuga. However after owning a kuga I can tell you the handling was atrocious. Not stable and crashes over every bump. Worse handling car I've owned. Had to sell it because of that!! And whilst I'm moaning, what is the deal with the water bottle in the door test. I don't know if it's just me but I've never done that or wanted to do it.

[@B.A.512]

This is the first Kia I kinda like to look at :)

[@mayhsalaam9321]

James is the best Carbuyer presenter his funny humor is absolutely fabulous cheap plastic and packet crisp car buyer bottle 2-liter test and humbugs sweets hahaha

[@alek123ish]

nice omega at 0:56, so coping up with all the hate does seems to pay off :)

[@sickboy123uk]

Looking forward to buying ours today.

[@rambo0071]

this guy much better review day by day Succes

[@DarthAndre24]

The back looks so futuristic... and that's not a bad thing if you ask me. I hope they change the front though, it feels disproportioned.

[@nickcobra4638]

I'm getting used to this guy now, he's alright, this was a good review, just the front of this car is a bit bulbous and takes getting used to but the rear I fall in love with

[@Arturo124]

Would you say that the Mazda Cx-5 ride is much softer than Kia's ?

[@Damocles178]

Well he's right the older Sportage did look nicer. I think the problem is much like Ford Kia is going to slap that grill on every last one of their newer cars. Now to be fair I do like the grills but they can look a little off putting on certain models. No doubt that Grill is fantastic to look at on the Ceed/Pro ceed but I'm not so sure about this one. It's still a good car but trying to put the same styling on every car can be hit or miss especially when you look at the Porsche Suv's.

[@KiaTaatje]

Buy the 2.0 diesel turbo 4 wd 6 sp auto , superb to drive ......best car I ever had . (After 2 Toyota Rav diesels 2014 model )

[@Memories-_]

Front should of been a bit sleeker, however thats what they'll do in the facelift obvs

[@fergalfoley6718]

Excellent review 👏

[@timmyotoole1]

I've never got into a car and started scratching things. I don't understand the obsession. It's a cheap car, so we know it's not going to have the interior of a Rolls Royce. Why is 'fun to drive' so important? It's irrelevant in this segment.

[@roozbehbey]

They brought back the Pontiac Aztec to life with that horrendous front end.

[@jackcaskie]

the rear light reminds me of the saab 95 which I would rather buy

[@PetroLar]

Thank you for a great review.

[@rzaner]

so long carbuyer! just subbed to Mat's channel

[@Mister_H]

Who hasn't done any reviews yet!

[@rzaner]

The new guy just doesn't do well. It's like everybody in this channel is trying to copy Mat but clearly can't.

[@nickolastiguan]

how is the resell value of Hyundai and Kia in the UK? thanks.

[@omarzain6219]

can you test the all new peugeot 508

[@juanborrero8868]

Good work. Keep it up!

[@aquateen77723]

Well done, James! I think this is a great little ute.

[@x3merx3mer]

Why wouldn't you mention the wireless phone charging? It's an awesome, yet not so common feature.

[@farmtracks1]

What flavour crisps does it come with?

[@SwPiotrek]

Great review. Thanks!

[@alisonbee483]

I have a Kia and my sisters have a Hyundai they're amazing cars!

[@aaronbraich6262]

Is this the briefcase guy from in-betweeners?

[@Memories-_]

I bet matt returns with a review of the focus RS MARK MY WORDS

[@garycampbell9036]

Fantastic looking car but that noise at 2:17 is unacceptable, that doors sounds like a 90's fiesta

[@alanjenkinson7812]

Oooooooooooooherrrrrrrrrr fizzy lemonade and mint humbugs, gorgeous

[@peaceandjustice3575]

How many times are you(Carbuyer) going to use James again? He's very good but I want Matt and Ginny as well.

[@Vandal42]

Mat left - new channel called Carwow

[@peaceandjustice3575]

+Vandal42 The hell!! but why???

[@Vandal42]

+Peace and Justice I only found out days ago, on his FB page he posted a video of his move. No explanation, but says his type of reviews, which i love, will be on Carwow. Same / similar review style. Mat should be on new Top Gear

[@johanfagerstromjarlenfors]

If u over 190cm the back seat is very small. Just fit my knees if the driver is under 170cm. Head room isn’t that much fot me either. But i was surprised i even would fit at all.... for 190cm+ there really are not much cars that u fit in. The only two i can think about is the superb and the mondeo where i fit good even if the driver is over 190cm too.

[@ast5515]

I think the 1.7 diesel is simply underpowered for this car. Also I don't like the front end. Otherwise it seems to be a nice and practical thing. Unfortunately in my country, ride is a lot more important than handling. Our roads are terrible even compared to the UK.

[@traction9961]

This dude is better than the previous dude

[@ultrafloss492]

Horrendous front, pretty modern back end though. James the goth, I liked the presentation. Thanks very much!

[@marinoint]

Very thorough review, thank you! Keep up the great work.

[@Nightowl-72]

If you break down doing this review at least you are right for snacks! ☺️

[@MrBravo143]

hi James, hope the new Outlander PHEV review on its way...

[@esteban75lover23]

This is the 2016 Kia Beluga Whale

[@TheSwedishGamerstsg]

Yes

[@nickdimopoulos4052]

consolence s *2015

[@aymanmj3828]

please make a review of the ford mustang shelby.

[@senseihEnRY16]

the new Sportage looks a bit fatter and lower than previous model which in my opinion gave it a distinct look. love the rear end but the front might take a long time to get used to

[@chrissorreda4982]

It hit me. The people who still hate Kia and Hyundai just because of the name are people trying to push up their social status up. The ones waiting for that "Yeah i know" confirmation from uber rich folks their trying to reach.

[@MhdAkmall]

This car might have a terrible design but it's actually acceptable . Unlike Nissan Juke. That car was god awful. I've got a nightmare just by thinking about the design

[@joesavory4976]

It looks really nice.

[@scotianbank]

"It's not quite as good looking as the old one" wtf, I don't think so.

[@theoapbiker8398]

Very strange you did not mention the Hyundai Tucson at the end of the video in comparison to the Kia Sportage? The Hyundai Tucson is by far superior to the Kia Sportage!

[@Sandouras]

I swear to god i watch these videos mostly to look at the funny snide comments at the presenter. lol

[@mk2024b]

Nicely made and Decently built? Aren't made and built the same thing?

[@brahadeeshsuresh500]

i like the design of 2015 sportage

[@kevinmccormack6610]

Good Review

[@mirceamatache1704]

Fire this guy. The voice and face give me nightmares. Bring Mat back.

[@johndoe3665]

solid review.

[@timppa600]

Why all the hate? This guy is alright.

[@MrEnjaycee]

At 2:34 he says Im just under 5'11" in another review for the Mazda CX-5 he says I'm 5'10". Surely this could be a ploy for selling the comparable roof height in the passenger space?

[@dannyboyptm13]

working overtime

[@nickp31]

My Kia Sportage 2021 Gt line has just died - timing belt tensioner failure and possibly crank damage local dealer says they are flooding in and I will not see it for at least two months ! Avoid like the plague ! Mine 5300 miles only - absolute rubbish

[@ferrariitalia1000]

I WANT MAT BACK!!! He's miles better.

[@deltafx00]

what about petrol buyers no one reviews the petrol version you say most will buy diesel because of better fuel economy. but you fail to mention they not suited for the school run and short journeys which is what most people use the car for we are not all sales reps

[@LifeOfNathan]

Ive decided. It's the headlights. They should be the same high as the front grill, currently they look super ugly.

[@Visionist]

Doesn't this cost alot more than the old one as well? I mean the GT-line comes at a ridiculous price.

[@edreyez484]

price?

[@GhastlyB]

Do people really bother if one car costs £30 more to tax than another, when spending 25 - 30k?

[@ravs05]

First Rebecca leaves... And now Matt... He's joined Carwow

[@spyjordan85]

is that an omega?

[@militanthd6484]

Its diesel and the base model review what do you expect? Cant expect much for it seems to be the cheaper version of the five. I would not get this model if im owning one so this review doesnt speak to me, overall a very good review mate.

[@hsvcommodore4111]

At least there are Revies more often

[@vortexpvp5023]

im getting the model 3 tonight

[@jeviam]

PIKACHU MASTA you like it?

[@alexanderenglund645]

Is mat gone?

[@korgond]

i'm getting surprised to hear that the ford kuga is that fun to drive?

[@pedromarques5596]

+rolla They always say that about Fords. Fords are always the most fun cars to drive, in all segments. And Mazda come up next

[@mariolosberg4257]

Nice review.. it look's ok but Tucson is better in design and i rather have Hyundai.. and you want ugly car's..? new škoda octavia (look's like crap lol), Nissan juke and Kia soul... but this is the first Kia that I actually like.. oo yeah and queen of uglinest- multipla.. lol

[@Jysohn]

You forgot the wireless charging pad mate

[@gdmoto4176]

back then it looked like an SUV now it looks like a crossover hatchback wtf KIA

[@stuartcraigon2003]

Why oh why don't car reviewers just pull the rear head restraints up and then the seat will lie completely flat. Saying almost is utter crap they will be flat if you lift the head restraints! .

[@theenlightenedvan]

never mind the car i want that omega 007 watch!!

[@mlps93]

Reminds me of Subaru Tribeca

[@Sanpedranoazul]

+mlps93 I felt the same!!!

[@Spiderkid97]

Kia Sportage 2015 looks the best in my opinion.

[@rnburley]

As a Kia owner and fan of yesteryear, buy a Mazda CX5

[@jameslawton4534]

Lager for William?

[@uyeahuyeah]

1:20 finally 'CRISPSSSS'

[@alxactly]

Having "sport" in the name does make a car sporty, Kia.

[@WELLBRAN]

He days here a really cool feature in the back...can't see what exactly he is doing... And then does not tell us anything about it!

[@technohow6494]

Where's Matt?