Used Kia Sportage 4th Gen (2017-2022): Buyer's Guide

Kia told 2017-2021 Sportage owners to park outside and away from structures until their recall repair was complete. That's not a routine maintenance reminder. That's a fire risk advisory. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit in the ABS system can short-circuit and ignite the engine compartment.

The 2022 model year doesn't have that recall. Neither does the engine class action settlement that covers 2017-2018 models. One year's difference in production separated buyers into meaningfully different ownership groups.

The 4th gen Sportage is a genuinely good compact SUV. Owners consistently praise the ride quality, interior finish, and reliability of the post-2020 cars. But the 2017-2019 window carries specific, documented risks that a buyer needs to understand before handing over money.

This Generation at a Glance

The 4th gen Kia Sportage (QL platform) launched in North America as a 2017 model year. It ran through 2022, when the 5th gen (NQ5 platform) took over for model year 2023.

A meaningful mid-cycle refresh arrived with the 2020 model year. The front and rear were restyled with cues from the Kia Stinger. A new "S" trim slotted between LX and EX. Apple CarPlay became standard across all trims. Driver assistance features including forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, and lane keeping assistance became standard equipment on all trims. None of these were standard before 2020.

The powertrains did not change during the 2020 refresh. Engine specs stayed consistent from 2017 through 2022.

Market data from CarScout as of March 2026 shows 2,227 listings for 2017-2022 Sportages. The 2020 model year has the deepest used inventory at 524 listings. That's a reflection of strong 2020 sales volume.

Explore inventory by year: 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022

Powertrain and Trim Breakdown

2.4L GDI (LX, S, EX Trims)

The 2.4L GDI is a naturally aspirated four-cylinder producing 181 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque. It's paired with a six-speed conventional automatic transmission. FWD and AWD versions are available across all trims that carry this engine.

Owners describe the 2.4L as smooth and adequate but not quick. There's enough power to keep pace with highway traffic. Passing requires planning. This engine earns its keep in the 2020-2022 years especially, where owners consistently report it as dependable and low-drama.

Engine bearing issue (2017-2018): Kia's 2.4L GDI engine uses the Theta II engine family. Manufacturing debris in the crankshaft oil passages (metal shavings from machining operations that weren't fully cleaned during production) can restrict oil flow to the connecting rod bearings. Restricted oil flow increases bearing temperatures. Worn bearings produce a cyclic knocking noise. If ignored, the bearing can fail completely, potentially stalling the vehicle while moving. In severe cases, oil from a failed engine can contact hot exhaust components and ignite.

A class action settlement (consolidated from nationwide lawsuits filed in 2017 and 2018) covers 2017-2018 Kia Sportage and "certain" 2019 model year Sportage vehicles equipped with 2.4L and 2.0L Theta II GDI engines. Settlement terms provide a 15-year or 150,000-mile extended warranty, whichever comes first from original retail delivery, on the engine short block and long block assembly for damage caused by connecting rod bearing wear. Both original and subsequent owners are eligible.

Critical requirement (and a documented denial trap): To activate this extended warranty, the KSDS (Knock Sensor Detection System) software update must be completed at a Kia dealership before engine failure occurs. The update programs the vehicle's knock sensor to detect abnormal vibration patterns from early bearing wear before catastrophic failure. Owners who skipped the KSDS update and then experienced engine seizure have been denied warranty coverage under the settlement. Multiple forum threads on Kia-Forums.com document this outcome. The dealer can confirm KSDS update status by VIN. If the update has not been done on a 2017-2018 Sportage you're considering, have the dealer perform it before you buy, or walk.

What "certain 2019" means: The 2019 coverage is VIN-specific. Not all 2019 model year Sportages fall under the settlement. Check the specific VIN against the settlement website at kiaengineclasssettlement.com before purchasing a 2019.

Mileage context from owners: Engine failure complaints at CarComplaints.com for the 2017 Sportage average at around 95,500 miles. Some owners have reported oil consumption beginning at 70,000 miles. Others have driven 2017 and 2018 Sportages past 150,000 miles with no bearing issues, particularly where the KSDS update was completed early and oil changes were kept current.

Oil consumption watch: A subset of 2017-2018 owners report consuming oil faster than the manufacturer recommends monitoring. If you're looking at a high-mileage 2017 or 2018, check the oil at the test drive. Ask about consumption history.

Transmission shudder on 2.4L models: Separate from the engine bearing issue, the 6-speed torque converter automatic can develop a shudder between 30 and 45 mph under light throttle. Owners describe it as feeling like driving over rumble strips. This is a torque converter lock-up clutch issue, not catastrophic, but uncomfortable. Repair cost: around $1,900. Full transmission replacement if it progresses: $3,500 to $5,000. Transmission fluid changes at 50,000 to 60,000 miles using Kia SP4 fluid are critical to preventing early degradation. Many used 2.4L Sportages arrive at resale without a documented fluid change.

2019 and later (non-settlement years): By most owner accounts and reliability trackers, the 2019 through 2022 model years show significantly improved engine reliability. Engine failures in the 2020-2022 range are rare in documented owner reports. Kia appears to have addressed the manufacturing debris issue in later production runs, which is consistent with why those years aren't covered by the settlement.

Repair cost if not covered: Dealer engine replacement runs $10,000 to $13,000+ for long block replacement at dealer labor rates. Independent shop with a remanufactured engine: $3,500 to $7,000. Both figures assume the extended warranty is not in play. Before buying any out-of-warranty 2017-2019 Sportage with high mileage, treat this as the worst-case downside scenario in your offer math.

2.0T GDI Turbo (SX Turbo Trim)

The 2.0T GDI Turbo produces 240 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. It's paired with the same six-speed conventional automatic transmission as the 2.4L. AWD is standard. The SX Turbo trim is the only way to get this engine.

This is a genuinely quick engine for the segment. The 60 extra horsepower over the base engine is noticeable. On ramps, highway merges, and mountain grades, the 2.0T feels meaningfully different. Owners who chose the SX Turbo tend to stick up for it.

The 2.0T also falls under the Kia engine class action settlement for 2017-2018 model years. The same KSDS update requirement applies, and the same 15-year/150,000-mile coverage is available for settlement-eligible VINs.

Transmission note: Unlike some other turbocharged compact SUVs in this era that used dual-clutch transmissions with documented reliability concerns, the Sportage SX Turbo uses a traditional torque converter automatic. Forum threads at Kia-Forums.com confirm this, and owner reports of transmission shudder or hesitation at launch are rare in the 4th gen. DCT problems in Kia's lineup are better associated with the 2021-2023 K5 and certain Sorento configurations, not the Sportage SX Turbo.

Fuel economy tradeoff: The 2.0T returns approximately 19 mpg city / 25 mpg highway / 21 mpg combined. That's about 5 mpg worse combined than the 2.4L AWD. At current fuel prices, the performance premium costs roughly $600-$900 per year in fuel for average-mileage drivers.

Cooling and maintenance: The turbocharged engine benefits from consistent oil change intervals. If you're looking at a used SX Turbo with a spotty oil change history, budget for a full cooling system inspection. Oil starvation from extended change intervals accelerates the bearing wear pattern that the settlement exists to address.

Trim-Specific Notes

The 4th gen Sportage lineup reorganized at the 2020 refresh. Here's what existed and when:

2017-2019:

• LX (base): 17-inch alloys, 5-inch touchscreen, cloth seats, six-speaker audio
• EX (mid): 18-inch alloys, 7-inch touchscreen with smartphone integration, leather seats, heated front seats, power driver seat, dual-zone climate, blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
• SX Turbo (top): All EX content plus the 2.0T engine, 19-inch alloys, panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, navigation

2020-2022:

• LX (base): Adds Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard, forward collision warning, AEB, lane departure and keeping, same basic spec as before
• S (new for 2020): Between LX and EX. Adds some EX convenience features at a lower price point. Good value trim.
• EX: Adds blind spot monitoring, heated rear seats, power tailgate on some configurations
• SX Turbo: Adds all EX content plus the 2.0T, panoramic sunroof, ventilated seats

What to pay up for: The EX is the sweet spot for most buyers. Blind spot monitoring and dual-zone climate are worth the step up from LX. The AWD option on the EX adds meaningful capability in snow and poor weather with minimal fuel economy penalty. Heated front seats aren't standard on LX.

Panoramic sunroof (SX Turbo): The panoramic roof on SX Turbo models adds drama but also the usual panoramic sunroof concerns: drain clogs, leak potential, and added weight over the cabin. Inspect the headliner for watermarks. Check the drains (front corners of the roof) during a test drive if possible. This isn't a high-rate failure item on the Sportage, but it's worth inspecting on any used SUV with a panoramic roof.

The 2020-2022 S trim: Often overlooked, this trim delivers the refreshed exterior, all the standard safety tech, and a reasonable equipment list at a lower price than the EX. If CarPlay and the driver assistance features matter more than leather and power seats, the S is good value.

Pre-2020 LX caveat: A 2017-2019 LX lacks Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and standard AEB. Blind spot monitoring isn't available on the LX at all in those years. If modern smartphone integration and safety tech matter, the 2019 or earlier LX trim is a significant step back from what competitors offered for the same money.

Which Model Years to Target Within This Generation

2017-2018 (Caution): These are the model years where the engine bearing issue is most documented. The class action settlement provides a safety net, but only with the KSDS update completed and only for covered components. Average mileage on used 2017 examples is now around 100,000 miles per CarScout market data. At that mileage, you want documented oil change history and KSDS update confirmation before buying.

2019 (Acceptable with inspection): The 2019 sits in an ambiguous position. It's under the HECU fire recall. Class action coverage depends on the specific VIN. Engine reliability improves from the 2017-2018 pattern, but the uncertainty around settlement eligibility requires a VIN check before purchase.

2020 (Good): The 2020 is the entry point to the refreshed generation. Apple CarPlay standard on all trims, ADAS features standard, new styling. Two recalls: the HECU fire recall and the trailer hitch harness recall. Both need to be verified complete. Availability is high at 524 listings.

2021 (Good): Shares the same recall profile as 2020. If the HECU recall is confirmed complete, the 2021 is a strong choice. Owner satisfaction data for the 2021 consistently shows up as above-average for the generation.

2022 (Best value): One recall total. The HECU fire recall doesn't apply. This is the final, most refined year of the 4th gen platform. Used examples average around 58,000 miles per market data. The 2022 commands a price premium over 2020-2021, but the cleaner recall history and improved maturity of the platform justify the extra cost for most buyers.

Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

For Any 2017-2021 Sportage: HECU Fire Recall First

Before you talk about the engine or transmission, verify recall 21V137000 completion. This is non-negotiable for 2017-2021 vehicles. The fix replaces certain fuses in the electrical junction box and applies a HECU software update on vehicles with electronic parking brakes. Run the VIN at CarScout's recall lookup or the NHTSA lookup tool.

If the recall isn't done, Kia will complete it free of charge at any dealer. But park it outside until it's done.

For 2017-2019 Sportages with 2.4L or 2.0T: Engine Checks

• Cold start check: Start the engine before it's warmed up. Listen for a deep knocking noise from the engine block. A knock that follows RPM and doesn't fade as the engine reaches operating temperature is the rod bearing failure pattern. Do not proceed with purchase.
• KSDS update verification: Ask the dealer or seller to confirm KSDS completion at a Kia dealer. If it hasn't been done, a Kia dealer can perform it free of charge and then register the extended warranty under the class action settlement.
• Oil level check: Pull the dipstick on a used 2017-2018 before the test drive. Low oil on a vehicle being offered for sale is a bad sign. Ask about oil consumption history.
• Oil change records: Request service records. Consistent oil changes at or before the manufacturer's interval matter more here than on most vehicles.
• Settlement eligibility: Check the specific VIN at kiaengineclasssettlement.com to confirm eligibility and warranty status.

For 2.0T SX Turbo (Any Year)

• Turbo inspection: Cold start and listen for excessive turbo noise. A whistle that doesn't resolve is a sign of a boost leak.
• Oil condition: On a high-mileage SX Turbo, dark, gritty oil suggests extended change intervals. Fresh oil on a high-mileage car can sometimes mask recent neglect.
• Test drive under load: Merge onto a highway and apply full throttle. The transmission should upshift smoothly under load. Hesitation, slipping, or jerking under hard acceleration is worth flagging.

For 2022 Sportage Specifically

• Trailer hitch recall 22V703000: This is the only recall on the 2022. The wiring harness on vehicles with an aftermarket or dealer-installed tow hitch can chafe and short. Verify completion if the vehicle has a hitch receiver.
• Otherwise: The 2022 is the generation's cleanest example. Standard pre-purchase inspection applies.

Running Costs

Fuel economy versus competitors: The Sportage is not the segment's fuel economy leader. The 2020 Honda CR-V's 1.5T achieves 32 mpg combined. The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid reaches 40 mpg combined. If fuel costs are a priority, the Sportage's 24-26 mpg combined is a real consideration.

AC compressor: The AC compressor is the Sportage's most common HVAC failure point across generations. Typical failure window: 60,000 to 70,000 miles. Symptoms are warm air and sometimes a grinding noise from the compressor. Kia declined to recall affected vehicles despite widespread complaints. Replacement cost: $750 to $810 (budget repair), $1,100 to $2,200 real-world depending on shop and refrigerant type.

What owners say about running costs: On KiaForums.com and in Reddit threads, Sportage owners consistently describe the car as inexpensive to maintain relative to its depreciation curve. Brake jobs, oil changes, and tires dominate the maintenance conversation for 2020-2022 models. Major unplanned repairs outside the engine issue are not a recurring thread topic for the refreshed generation.

Timing chain: The 2.4L GDI uses a timing chain, not a belt. No scheduled replacement at a fixed interval. The chain should last the life of the engine under normal maintenance conditions.

FAQ

Is the 4th gen Kia Sportage 2.4L reliable? The 2020-2022 models with the 2.4L are well-regarded by owners and reliability trackers. The 2017-2018 models have documented engine bearing issues from manufacturing debris, covered by a class action settlement that provides a 15-year/150,000-mile warranty after a dealer KSDS software update. Verify update status before buying a 2017 or 2018.

Which year Kia Sportage should I avoid? The 2017 and 2018 model years carry the most risk: four and three recalls respectively, plus the highest concentration of engine bearing failure reports. They're not cars to avoid outright, but they require more due diligence. Confirm KSDS update, settlement eligibility, and check the HECU fire recall before buying.

What is the HECU fire recall and does my Sportage have it? Recall 21V137000 applies to all 2017-2021 Kia Sportages. The ABS control module (HECU) can short-circuit and cause an engine compartment fire. Kia replaces fuses and applies a software update to fix it, at no cost. Run any 2017-2021 VIN through the recall lookup at usecarscout.com/tools/recall-lookup to check completion status.

Is the Kia Sportage SX Turbo reliable? The 2.0T SX Turbo uses a conventional six-speed automatic, not a dual-clutch, which avoids the DCT reliability concerns seen elsewhere in the Kia lineup. For 2017-2018 SX Turbos, the same engine class action settlement applies as for the 2.4L. Verify KSDS update completion. The 2020-2022 SX Turbo has a clean reliability record in owner reports.

How many miles does a 4th gen Kia Sportage last? Well-maintained examples with consistent oil changes regularly reach 150,000 to 200,000 miles, particularly with the 2.4L. Owner reports on KiaForums.com include Sportages past 180,000 miles on original engines where the KSDS update was completed and oil changes were kept current. The 2017-2018 examples that experienced engine failure typically had either deferred oil changes or were never updated with the KSDS software.

Bottom Line

The 2022 Kia Sportage is the generation's best buy. One recall, no fire risk advisory, no engine settlement complication. Clean. If the 2022 is out of budget, the 2021 is a strong second choice once you've confirmed the HECU recall 21V137000 is completed.

For 2017-2019 models: the deal has to be priced to reflect the work required. Confirm KSDS completion, verify settlement eligibility by VIN, and check the engine cold. A 2017 SX Turbo with KSDS done, clean oil change history, and a fresh inspection is a different risk profile than a mystery-history 2018 LX with unknown KSDS status.

Run every VIN through a recall check before committing. CarScout members can track price drops on specific Sportage trims and years at usecarscout.com.

Data sourced from NHTSA recalls database (recall campaigns 21V137000, 18V907000, 22V703000, 16V862000), Kia Engine Class Settlement (kiaengineclasssettlement.com and kiaenginesettlement.com), EPA fuel economy data, Safety Research and Strategies Inc. Theta II analysis, and real owner experiences from KiaForums.com, CarComplaints.com, BobIsTheOilGuy.com forums, r/kia, and r/whatcarshouldibuy. See the full Kia Sportage market data for current pricing and inventory.