23 MPG combined. That’s the fuel economy of the 2021 Kia Sportage FWD with the 2.0L four-cylinder engine. While it’s not the best or worst in its class, this figure helps explain who buys this Sportage and why. This configuration is a practical choice for buyers who want space, features, and Kia’s warranty, and are willing to trade off some fuel efficiency.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2021 Sportage FWD 2.0L are 20 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway. These numbers are based on the engine and six-speed automatic transmission. In city driving, the 2.0L engine works harder to accelerate from stops, which increases fuel use. The Sportage performs better on the highway. At constant speeds, the engine doesn’t strain as much, and the transmission uses higher gears, resulting in the 28 MPG rating. However, expect that number to decrease if you drive on hills or over the speed limit.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2021 Kia Sportage FWD 2.0L is $1,900. This is calculated using 15,000 miles per year and national average fuel prices. Your actual fuel costs will vary depending on how much you drive, the type of driving (city or highway), and gas prices in your area. Short trips in stop-and-go traffic will likely cost more than $1,900 per year. Highway commutes and driving fewer than 15,000 miles annually may cost less. This number is a useful starting point, but individual results will vary.

Real-world expectations

EPA numbers are a good reference, but real-world fuel economy can differ. Drivers might see their average MPG fluctuate based on driving style, traffic, and even tire pressure. Don’t be surprised by numbers slightly above or below the official ratings. Hard acceleration and braking will hurt fuel economy, but smooth driving will improve it. Extra cargo and air conditioning can also subtly reduce MPG. Track your fuel consumption to get a more accurate idea of what to expect from your Sportage.

How it compares

The 2021 Sportage’s 23 MPG is in a competitive class. The Honda CR-V LX with front-wheel drive gets 28 MPG combined, a significant advantage. The Toyota RAV4 LE FWD gets 30 MPG combined, better than the Sportage. Even the Mazda CX-5, known for its sporty handling, gets 28 MPG in its front-wheel drive base configuration. The Sportage buyer often balances value and fuel costs. They might sacrifice some MPGs compared to the leaders, but the initial price and longer warranty often make the total cost of ownership competitive. Owners can discover all Kia fuel economy data on our site.

Tips to Maximize Efficiency

Regular maintenance is important for fuel economy. Inflating your tires properly and keeping up with oil changes can improve your MPGs. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which makes the engine work harder. Old or dirty oil can also reduce engine efficiency.

Avoid aggressive driving. Rapid acceleration and hard braking waste fuel. Accelerate smoothly and maintain a steady speed. Anticipate traffic and avoid sudden stops. The Sportage is not a sports car, and driving it like one will hurt your fuel economy.

Minimize idling. If you’re stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Modern engines restart quickly, so you won’t damage anything. Excessive idling burns fuel and creates unnecessary emissions. This is relevant for Sportage owners using the car for school drop-offs or errands.

Reduce weight. Extra cargo in your Sportage can hurt fuel economy. Remove unneeded items, such as sporting equipment or tools. Lighter vehicles require less engine effort, and improve MPG. Check the SPORTAGE MPG across all years to see how weight impacts fuel economy over time.

Use cruise control on the highway. Maintaining constant speed on the highway improves fuel economy and reduces driver fatigue. Cruise control prevents speed fluctuations, which can waste fuel, allowing the Sportage’s engine to operate efficiently.