Comparison · family SUVs

Kia Sportage vs BMW X1: which is more reliable?

The BMW X1 does better at the MOT, with a score of 108 against 98 for the Kia Sportage, comparing each with cars of the same age. Based on 371,265 real MOT tests in 2024.

Kia Sportage

98About average
MOT tests272,202

BMW X1

108Above average
MOT tests99,063

By age

MOT Rank score for each age group (100 = an average car that age).

Age at testKia SportageBMW X1
3–5 years
97Below average
104Above average
6–9 years
100About average
108Well above average
10–14 years
97Below average
111Well above average
15+ years
89Well below average
–

Year by year

Share that passed first time, same registration year.

YearKia SportageBMW X1
202184.5%89.1%
202084.6%90.7%
201983.4%89.7%
201882.8%87.0%
201780.2%86.0%
201677.2%85.7%
201572.5%79.8%
201470.9%73.5%
201362.1%74.0%
201261.1%69.7%
201160.0%70.5%
201056.2%69.6%
200951.3%68.6%

Problem areas

Failure items per 100 tests.

AreaKia SportageBMW X1
Brakes12.73.8
Tyres6.97.0
Lights & electrics6.45.1
Suspension5.94.0
Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)4.92.8
Emissions & leaks2.01.0
Steering2.20.2
Body & chassis0.90.9

Kia Sportage: top failures

  1. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick3.3%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm3.3%
  3. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.0%
  4. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements1.5%
  5. Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play1.2%
  6. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn1.0%

BMW X1: top failures

  1. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords2.2%
  2. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn1.9%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.7%
  4. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed1.4%
  5. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.1%
  6. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid0.8%

Questions

Which is more reliable, the Kia Sportage or the BMW X1?

The BMW X1 does better at the MOT, with a score of 108 against 98 for the Kia Sportage, comparing each with cars of the same age.

Which years of the Kia Sportage and BMW X1 can be compared?

Both were tested for 13 registration years (2009–2021). The Kia Sportage had the higher pass rate in 0 of them and the BMW X1 in 13.

What fails most on each?

Kia Sportage: brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick; tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm. BMW X1: tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords; suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn.