The 23 MPG combined fuel economy is what many 2019 Kia Sportage FWD 2.0L owners experience. It’s adequate for daily use, such as hauling kids, groceries, and gear. Affordability, dependability, and Kia’s warranty are more important than segment-leading MPG to those who buy this Sportage, and they understand that fuel economy is not its strongest suit.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2019 Kia Sportage FWD 2.0L are 21 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. Stop-and-go traffic diminishes fuel economy, resulting in a lower city rating. The 26 MPG highway figure is achievable during road trips, but aggressive driving or high speeds will reduce it. The 6-speed automatic transmission is generally smooth and reliable, but isn’t as efficient as the 8- or 10-speed units in some competitors.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $1,900 for the 2019 Kia Sportage FWD 2.0L. This is based on 15,000 miles per year and national average fuel prices when the EPA testing occurred. Your actual fuel costs may vary based on driving habits, local fuel prices, and gasoline grade. However, $1,900 is a helpful benchmark when comparing vehicles and understanding long-term ownership expenses for this Sportage model.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates provide a benchmark, but real-world fuel economy often differs. If you drive conservatively and primarily on the highway, expect to see numbers close to the sticker. If your commute involves stop-and-go driving, short trips, or hard acceleration, you may see closer to 20 MPG. Tire pressure, weather, and cargo weight also influence fuel consumption. The 2.0L engine requires more effort to merge onto the freeway or pass, resulting in more fuel consumption. Owners who track their fuel economy with fuelly.com or similar apps report a range between 20 and 25 MPG in mixed driving.

How it compares

The 2019 Kia Sportage’s fuel economy is competitive, but not class-leading. The 2019 Honda CR-V FWD achieves 28 MPG combined, the Toyota RAV4 LE FWD gets 30 MPG combined, and the Nissan Rogue S FWD gets 29 MPG combined. Even the Mazda CX-5 manages 28 MPG combined in its base FWD configuration. Sportage customers often sacrifice MPG for Kia’s value, which includes a lower price and a great warranty. You can explore SPORTAGE MPG across all years to see the range of fuel economy outcomes.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid aggressive acceleration and hard braking. The 2.0L engine consumes more fuel when stressed, so smooth acceleration improves fuel economy. Anticipate traffic and maintain a steady speed whenever possible. This applies to all Kia vehicles. See all Kia fuel economy data.

Check your tire pressure frequently. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, so the engine works harder and consumes more fuel. See the sticker on your driver’s side doorjamb for the recommended tire pressure and inflate your tires regularly.

Reduce weight in the vehicle. Extra cargo increases weight, decreasing fuel efficiency. Remove unnecessary items from the trunk or backseat that you don’t need daily. Even small weight reductions can add up over time.

Minimize idling. If stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. Modern engines restart quickly, and idling wastes fuel. This is beneficial during city driving, where long stops at traffic lights are common.