Kia Sportage vs Toyota RAV4: which is the better used buy?
On DVSA MOT records the Toyota RAV4 does better at its MOT: measured against cars of the same age, it comes out 6.2 percentage points ahead of the Kia Sportage on first-time MOT passes. That comparison covers 45,925 real tests across every generation on the road, not a survey. A pass with rectification at the station counts as a pass here, and as a failure in DVSA's own initial-test measure. The MOT checks safety and emissions items, not the engine, clutch or gearbox, so this is one measure of how each car holds up rather than a full reliability verdict; the common faults below cover the rest.
MOT first-time pass rate
Counted from DVSA’s anonymised MOT test records. “vs age-matched” compares each model against what the national fleet scores at the same age — the only fair better-or-worse number, because an older fleet fails more whatever its build quality.
| Model | Pass rate | Age-matched national | Difference | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kia Sportage | 80.5% | 81.7% | -1.3 | 32,024 |
| Toyota RAV4 | 82.6% | 77.7% | +4.9 | 13,901 |
These figures count every generation still on the road, not only the one described below: mostly Kia Sportages registered 2010–2022 and Toyota RAV4s registered 2002–2022.
Source: DVSA MOT Anonymised Data 2025 (Open Government Licence v3.0). National first-time pass rate 77.3%. Class 4 tests in Great Britain, test type NT (a normal annual test), retests excluded. A pass, or a pass with rectification at the station, counts as a first-time pass; DVSA's own initial-test measure counts a rectified pass as a failure and so reports a lower figure. Testing in Northern Ireland is run separately by the DVA under its own rules. The difference is worked out before rounding, so it can be 0.1 away from the two rounded figures beside it.
Kia Sportage
NQ5, 2022+ · compact crossover SUV
The NQ5 Kia Sportage (UK deliveries from 2022) shares the Hyundai Tucson's platform and engines, so faults are similar: 1.6 T-GDI oil consumption claims (largely resolved), PHEV battery cooling pump, and minor TPMS quirks. Kia's 7-year warranty covers most of the risk. Best-buy: 2023+. Worst: early 2022 PHEV.
What goes wrong
1.6 T-GDI oil consumption (shared with Hyundai)moderate
Oil drop between services2022 · Usually goodwill within 7-yr warranty; out of warranty engine rebuild £3,500+Check: Dipstick at viewing; service history.PHEV battery cooling pumpmajor
"Hybrid system" warning; reduced EV range2022 PHEV · Under warranty; £1,200+ otherwiseCheck: PHEV battery health check (£30–£50 at Kia dealer).TPMS sensor faultsminor
"Tyre pressure" warning despite correct pressuresAll NQ5 · £80–£140 per sensorCheck: Visual check on dash — no warnings.Front suspension bushingsminor
Knocking on rough roadsAll NQ5 · 50,000+ miles · £250–£400Check: Rough-road test drive.
- Typical asking price:
- not given as a fixed figure — the model guide shows the median and middle 80% of asking prices for the cars advertised on Autoza that day, when at least 10 qualify
- Fuel economy:
- 38–45 mpg 1.6 T-GDI petrol; 1.6 hybrid 43–50 mpg
- Vehicle tax:
- £200/year standard rate from the second year, hybrids included — the alternative-fuel discount ended on 1 April 2025 (2026/27 rates). A car registered from April 2017 that listed at over £40,000 new (options included) also pays the £440/year Expensive Car Supplement in years 2–6 — it is the price when new that counts, not what you pay for it used.
- Best years:
- 2023, 2024
- Years to avoid:
- 2022 (PHEV)
Toyota RAV4
XA50, 2019–2024 (Hybrid) · mid-size hybrid family SUV
The XA50 Toyota RAV4 (2019–2024), sold in the UK only as a hybrid or plug-in hybrid, has a strong reliability record. Owners report occasional false pre-collision warnings and rear vent rattles on early cars, and some 2019 builds are covered by brake-booster and suspension-arm safety recalls. Best-buy years: 2021–2023. Worst: no single year stands out on DVSA MOT results.
What goes wrong
Safety recall R/2023/279recall
On affected vehicles there is a possibility that the DCM may not complete the shutdown process within a specific period of time when the ignition is turned off causing the DCM to not restart at the next ignition cycle and making the e-Call function unavailable.27,327 vehicles in the whole recall (DVSA’s figure for every model it covers) · built between 17 January 2023 and 18 July 2023Large recall — 27,327 vehicles. Check a car by registration on GOV.UK.Safety recall R/2021/315recall
The emergency calling system (ECALL) may not function when required26,575 vehicles in the whole recall (DVSA’s figure for every model it covers) · built between 14 July 2020 and 15 March 2021Large recall — 26,575 vehicles. Check a car by registration on GOV.UK.Pre-collision system false alerts / phantom brakingmoderate
Sudden brief braking on open motorway or dual carriageway with no obstacle; "Pre-Collision Alert" warning appearing on clear roads; forward collision warning sounding without cause2019–2020 (pre-software update) · Free under Toyota software update — dealer apply at next serviceCheck: Ask the dealer whether the pre-collision system software has been updated. A quick 15-minute motorway stint during the test drive is the most direct check.Hybrid battery — very long-term degradationminor
Slightly reduced mpg; less frequent EV-mode trips; battery gauge dropping faster in cold weatherAll hybrids; typically year 8–10+ in UK conditions · 125,000+ miles (UK used-car context: rarely seen this high yet) · £3,000–£6,500 for battery replacement if it is out of warrantyCheck: Toyota's hybrid battery is covered by its Service Activated Warranty (3 years or 60,000 miles as standard on cars sold new from 1 June 2021, extendable to 10 years or 100,000 miles; earlier cars were sold with 5 years or 100,000 miles), which is renewed by each qualifying service at an authorised Toyota dealer — it is conditional, not automatic. Ask for the service record, and ask a Toyota dealer whether a service would bring the car back into cover.
- Typical asking price:
- not given as a fixed figure — the model guide shows the median and middle 80% of asking prices for the cars advertised on Autoza that day, when at least 10 qualify
- Fuel economy:
- 48–50 mpg official WLTP combined for the 2.5 Hybrid (Toyota UK specification sheet).
- Vehicle tax:
- £200/year standard rate from the second year, hybrids included — the alternative-fuel discount ended on 1 April 2025 (2026/27 rates). A car registered from April 2017 that listed at over £40,000 new (options included) also pays the £440/year Expensive Car Supplement in years 2–6 — it is the price when new that counts, not what you pay for it used.
- Best years:
- 2021, 2022, 2023
Also compare:
Which one suits you
Kia Sportage
Good for: Family buyers wanting Kia's 7-year warranty for peace of mind.
Less good for: Buyers needing premium badge.
Toyota RAV4
Good for: Families wanting a reliable, low-running-cost SUV. Commuters doing mixed town/motorway miles who want the hybrid fuel savings without the hassle of plug-in charging. Buyers who prioritise long-term reliability over prestige badge.
Less good for: Buyers wanting a sporty drive — the RAV4 Hybrid prioritises economy over driver engagement. Off-road purists (the RAV4 has on-demand AWD via a rear electric motor, not a locking diff). Anyone wanting a third-row seat — the RAV4 is strictly 5-seat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more reliable, the Kia Sportage or the Toyota RAV4?
How do the MOT pass rates of the Kia Sportage and the Toyota RAV4 compare?
Which years of the Kia Sportage and Toyota RAV4 should I avoid?
Is the Kia Sportage or the Toyota RAV4 cheaper to run?
MOT figures are counted from DVSA records and are the only measured statistic here. Prices, economy and tax bands are indicative and vary by specification, condition and where the car has lived. Last reviewed: 2026-10-06 / 2026-10-06.