The 2020 Kia Sportage AWD with the 2.4L four-cylinder engine gets 23 MPG combined. This figure balances fuel efficiency and practical capability. This Sportage configuration is for buyers who want all-weather traction and a slightly higher driving position, and who don’t need to maximize every mile per gallon. It’s a practical choice, not a fuel-sipping one.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2020 Kia Sportage AWD 2.4L are 22 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. The city figure is based on stop-and-go driving, where the engine idles and accelerates often. The 26 MPG highway rating suggests more efficient cruising at steady speeds, like on long commutes or road trips. These are EPA estimates, so real-world fuel economy varies based on driving style, traffic, and even the weather.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA says the annual fuel cost for the 2020 Kia Sportage AWD 2.4L is about $1,900. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. It’s a standard way to compare different vehicles. Your actual fuel costs may be higher or lower depending on how much you drive, where you live, and your driving habits. Changes in fuel prices also affect this number. $1,900 might seem like a lot, but it should be weighed against the vehicle’s utility and AWD capability.

Real-world expectations

The EPA provides a benchmark, but drivers often report different fuel economy. The 2020 Kia Sportage AWD 2.4L is no different. Hard acceleration, frequent short trips in cold weather, and heavy loads can all decrease fuel efficiency. A smoother driving style, proper tire inflation, and regular maintenance can help drivers get closer to the EPA estimates. The terrain also matters. Driving in hilly areas or on unpaved roads can increase fuel consumption, especially with all-wheel drive engaged.

How it compares

The fuel economy of the 2020 Kia Sportage AWD 2.4L is average for the compact SUV class. A comparable Honda CR-V AWD gets a slightly better 29 MPG combined, making it more fuel-efficient if MPG is your top priority. The Toyota RAV4 AWD, another popular choice, gets a combined MPG in the high 20s, depending on the trim. Some competitors, like the Mazda CX-5 with its turbocharged engine, offer similar performance but lower fuel economy, usually around 24 MPG combined, and it requires premium fuel. A Jeep Compass with 4×4 capabilities may get around 22 MPG combined. The Sportage is a compromise, offering AWD without being the least efficient in its class. Drivers can research all all Kia fuel economy data to get a broader sense of the brand’s efficiency.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Smooth acceleration and braking can improve fuel economy. Avoid speeding up quickly and watch traffic to avoid unnecessary stops. Keep a steady speed on the highway, instead of speeding up and slowing down. Cruise control on long, flat roads helps.

Proper tire inflation is important for fuel efficiency. Check your tires often and inflate them to the recommended pressure, which is on the sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance and can lower fuel economy by several miles per gallon. Also, use the right motor oil, as recommended by Kia. Thicker oils create more friction.

Reduce extra weight in your vehicle. Heavy items in the trunk or cargo area can hurt fuel economy. Remove items you don’t always need. Leaving ski equipment in the winter when you haven’t been skiing in weeks wastes fuel.

Minimize idling. If you’re stopped for more than a minute or two, it’s usually better to turn off the engine than to let it idle. New engines restart quickly, so you won’t hurt the engine by turning it off and on. If you’re waiting, turn the car off. Owners can also view SPORTAGE MPG across all years to understand longer-term trends in this model.