What is the best year for a Kia Sportage?

The 2022 Sportage (42 complaints, 10/10 NHTSA safety, 6 severe) is the standout used pick — the mature end of the fourth generation before the 2023 redesign. The new fifth-generation launch in 2023 had 177 complaints but settled quickly to 62 in 2024 and 46 in 2025. Avoid 2012-2013 and 2017, which saw complaint spikes tied to the Theta II engine recall era.

How much does Kia Sportage insurance cost?

Sportage insurance averages around $1,997/year, or about $166/month.

Is the Kia Sportage or Toyota RAV4 cheaper to maintain?

The RAV4 is $33/year cheaper — $429 versus $462 for the Sportage. Both carry the same reliability score and major repair probability. The Sportage's repair frequency of 19% is significantly lower than the RAV4's 26%, meaning fewer unscheduled shop visits despite the slightly higher annual maintenance figure.

Should I buy an extended warranty for a Kia Sportage?

Major repair probability of 11% at the class average, repair frequency well below it. Low-risk ownership. Extended warranty isn't strongly warranted for 2021+ models. For 2012-2013 and 2017 used models with documented engine recall history, coverage is worth taking seriously.

Is the Nissan Murano expensive to maintain?

The Murano averages $507/year in maintenance — $66 below the midsize segment average of $573. However, repair frequency of 51% is well above the class average of 40%, meaning owners visit for unscheduled repairs more often than most midsize rivals. Major repair probability of 14% is slightly above the 13% segment average. Lower annual cost but higher visit frequency — a mixed profile.

What is the best year for a Nissan Murano?

From available data, 2024 (4 complaints, 10/10 safety, 0 severe) and 2023 (6 complaints, 10/10 safety, 2 severe) are exceptional years. Complaint data has significant gaps in our records between 2013 and 2022, so years in that range can't be fully assessed. Recent production shows very low complaint activity.

How much does Nissan Murano insurance cost?

Murano insurance averages around $2,418/year — roughly $202/month.

Is the Nissan Murano or Chevrolet Blazer cheaper to maintain?

The Murano is $14/year cheaper than the Blazer — $507 versus $521 — a negligible difference. The Blazer has a higher reliability score (8 vs. 7), lower major repair probability (11% vs. 14%), and much lower repair frequency (28% vs. 51%). On total maintenance value, the Blazer holds a meaningful advantage despite nearly identical annual cost.

Should I buy an extended warranty for a Nissan Murano?

Repair frequency of 51% is the highest in the midsize segment. While the annual dollar cost is below average, the elevated visit frequency means more exposure to labor charges and potential additional repairs discovered during service. Warranty coverage is worth considering for used models to help contain those costs.

Kia Sportage vs Nissan Murano

Two compact SUVs compared on the numbers that matter — maintenance cost, reliability, and insurance.

// VERDICT

Our verdict

Buy the Kia Sportage — lower 5-year cost and better reliability.

Buy the Nissan Murano if its specific features or size suit your needs better.

// COST HEAD TO HEAD

Maintenance and ownership cost

	Kia Sportage	Nissan Murano
Annual maintenance	$462winner	$507
5-year total cost	$2,310winner	$2,535
Reliability score	8 / 10winner	7 / 10
Major repair risk (5yr)	11%winner	14%
Cargo space	73.7 cu ft	—
Starting price (new)	$30,900winner	$41,670
Best years to buy	—	2023

// RELIABILITY

Which is more reliable?

	Kia Sportage	Nissan Murano
RepairPal score	8 / 10winner	7 / 10
NHTSA complaints / 100k	176.6	166.8winner
Years to avoid	2010, 2012, 2013	2010, 2011, 2012
Value retained · 3 yr	75.7%winner	62.2%
Value retained · 5 yr	56.8%winner	47.3%
Value retained · 7 yr	45%winner	37.4%

// COMMON PROBLEMS

What breaks — and what it costs

	Kia Sportage	Nissan Murano
Engine	55.6%	5.7%winner
Electrical	6.1%winner	7.0%
ADAS	5.8%winner	5.9%
Brakes	8.5%winner	19.8%
Suspension	—winner	5.1%
Steering	1.5%winner	2.2%
Fuel system	1.1%	1.1%winner
Tires/Wheels	0.5%winner	1.5%
Glass/Windows	2.7%winner	8.1%
Airbags	2.5%winner	9.5%
Lighting	1.0%	—winner

One major repair on either model can run $1,500–4,000. A warranty caps your exposure, especially on known problem years.

// INSURANCE

Which is cheaper to insure?

	Kia Sportage	Nissan Murano
Avg annual premium	$1,997winner	$2,418

// FULL MODEL PAGES

GAS

Kia Sportage

$462/yr maint · 8 reliability

Full model page

GAS

Nissan Murano

$507/yr maint · 7 reliability

Full model page

// FAQ

Common questions

The Sportage averages $462/year in maintenance — $59 below the compact segment average of $521. Repair frequency of 19% is well below the class average of 30% — owners visit for unscheduled repairs far less often than most rivals. Major repair probability of 11% is at the class average. Low cost and low visit frequency make it a strong ownership value.

How we calculated this. Maintenance costs and reliability scores from RepairPal. Complaints and recalls from NHTSA. Fuel economy from the EPA. Insurance averages from CarEdge. Pricing from KBB. Depreciation from iSeeCars. Full methodology →