84.0%
pass rate across 129,258 tests
81.2% first-time pass rate
65,266 mi median at test
Kia Sportage 2016 vs 2019
The same model, 3 years apart, compared on 234,432 real MOT tests. The raw pass rate mostly measures age; the like-for-like row and the mileage bands show what survives that adjustment.
88.7%
pass rate across 105,174 tests
87.4% first-time pass rate
37,038 mi median at test
The short answer
The 2019 Sportage passes more — but most of it is age
Across 234,432 tests, the 2019 Sportage passes 88.7% of MOTs and the 2016 84.0%. The 2019 cars are 3 years newer and were tested at a median 37,038 miles against 65,266, so part of that gap is simply age and use. Against what their age and mileage predict, the 2019 is −0.8 points and the 2016 0.0 — a like-for-like gap of −0.8 points. Most of the raw advantage disappears once the two are matched. Typical repair bills are £39–£97 on the 2016 and £29–£72 on the 2019. The older year is the more expensive of the two when it fails. Repairs under £30 account for 17% of the 2016's recorded faults and 33% of the 2019's. Both years fail most often on brake pads set.
- Pass rate: 84.0% vs 88.7%
- Tests: 129,258 vs 105,174
- Like-for-like: 0.0 vs −0.8 pts
- Median mileage: 65,266 vs 37,038 mi
- Typical repair: £39–£97 vs £29–£72
- Cheap fixes: 17% vs 33%
| Measure | 2016 | 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| MOT tests on record | 129,258 | 105,174 |
| Pass rate, all MOTs | 84.0% | 88.7% stronger figure |
| First-time pass rate | 81.2% | 87.4% stronger figure |
| Against the UK average | 0.0 pts stronger figure | −0.8 pts |
| Like-for-like, age and mileage adjusted | 0.0 pts stronger figure | −0.8 pts |
| Average mileage at test | 67,526 mi | 39,531 mi |
| Median mileage at test | 65,266 mi | 37,038 mi |
| Typical repair bill | £39–£97 | £29–£72 stronger figure |
| Repairs under £30 | 17% | 33% stronger figure |
| Most common failing part | Brake Pads Set | Brake Pads Set |
| Variants recorded | 1 | 4 |
| Main fuel | Diesel 71% | Petrol 67% |
A ✓ marks the stronger figure in each row. It compares the two model years, not either one against the national average.
What goes wrong most often
The most common priced failures on each year, as a share of that year's tests. Repair costs are estimates from UK parts data, not quotes.
2016 Sportage
- Brake pads less than 1.5 mm thick 2.2% £18–£45
- Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm 1.9% £45–£95
- Windscreen damaged but not adversely affecting driver's view 1.9% £80–£200
- Track rod end ball joint has excessive play 1.4% £18–£45
- Rbt (sp) efficiency below requirements 1.3% £45–£110
2019 Sportage
- Brake pads less than 1.5 mm thick 1.8% £18–£45
- Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm 1.6% £45–£95
- Wipers does not clear the windscreen effectively 1.5% £8–£22
- Wipers blade defective 1.5% £8–£22
- Windscreen damaged but not adversely affecting driver's view 1.3% £80–£200
Does the gap hold at higher mileage?
Pass rate by the mileage recorded at test. If the lead shrinks in the high-mileage bands, part of the headline difference was a younger, lower-mileage sample.
| Mileage | 2016 | 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| 0–30,000 mi | 92.4% · 4,100 tests | 91.8% · 33,722 tests |
| 30,000–60,000 mi | 87.0% · 48,095 tests | 87.7% · 59,114 tests |
| 60,000–90,000 mi | 82.7% · 57,043 tests | 85.5% · 10,891 tests |
| 90,000–120,000 mi | 78.9% · 16,673 tests | 84.7% · 1,264 tests |
| 120,000+ mi | 78.1% · 3,327 tests | 83.8% · 179 tests |
What to check before you buy
2016 Kia Sportage
- Brake pads less than 1.5 mm thick — 2.2% of tests · £18–£45
- Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm — 1.9% of tests · £45–£95
- Windscreen damaged but not adversely affecting driver's view — 1.9% of tests · £80–£200
- Check the MOT history for the exact vehicle, not just the model year.
2019 Kia Sportage
- Brake pads less than 1.5 mm thick — 1.8% of tests · £18–£45
- Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm — 1.6% of tests · £45–£95
- Wipers does not clear the windscreen effectively — 1.5% of tests · £8–£22
- Check the MOT history for the exact vehicle, not just the model year.
Compare another pair of years for the Kia Sportage? Pick two years →
Compare a different pair of years? Pick two years of the Kia Sportage →
Or put the Sportage against another model: Compare the Kia Sportage side by side →