The 2017 Kia Sportage FWD 2.0L gets 23 MPG combined. It’s not the most fuel-efficient SUV, but it balances practicality, affordability, and adequate acceleration for commuting. The Sportage is popular because it’s a stylish, well-equipped compact SUV that’s affordable. The fuel economy is simply an acceptable expense because the Sportage is strong in other areas.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2017 Kia Sportage FWD 2.0L gets 21 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the heavy demands of stop-and-go traffic, where the 2.0L engine and automatic transmission work harder. On the open road, the Sportage settles into a more efficient rhythm. The highway figure is suitable for road trips, allowing reasonable distances between fill-ups. Drivers maintaining a steady speed, avoiding quick acceleration, and using cruise control will likely achieve close to that 26 MPG estimate.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA calculates the annual fuel cost for the 2017 Kia Sportage FWD 2.0L at $1,900. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year using national average fuel prices. It’s a useful benchmark for comparing running costs. Of course, individual spending may vary depending on local fuel prices and how much someone drives each year. Keep an eye on local gas prices to predict whether your annual spending will be more or less than $1900.

Real-world expectations

Manufacturer MPG figures are a good starting point, but consider them optimistic. Driving style, tire pressure, vehicle maintenance, and weather conditions all affect real-world fuel economy. Expect slightly lower figures than the EPA estimates, especially in congested city driving. Regular maintenance ensures the engine operates efficiently, helping maintain fuel economy close to the EPA rating. Quick acceleration and hard braking can easily reduce fuel economy.

How it compares

The 2017 Kia Sportage FWD 2.0L competes in a crowded segment. Many SUVs offer better MPG. For example, the Honda CR-V with its 1.5L turbocharged engine achieves 28 MPG combined. The Toyota RAV4 delivers around 26 MPG combined in its gasoline-only variants. Even the Nissan Rogue, which prioritizes maximizing space, manages around 29 MPG combined. For drivers prioritizing less gas, these are alternatives. But MPG isn’t everything. Some buyers might prefer the Sportage’s styling over the RAV4, or the Sportage’s lower price compared to a similarly equipped CR-V.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The 2.0L engine in the Sportage is sensitive to driving style. Avoiding fast acceleration and maintaining a consistent speed can improve fuel consumption. Drive smooth and steady instead of using bursts of power.

Tire pressure is important for fuel economy. Underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder. Regularly check your tire pressure and inflate them to the recommended level, usually on a sticker inside the driver’s side door.

Excess weight burns more fuel. Remove any unnecessary items from the trunk and back seats to lighten the load. Even a few extra pounds can make a difference.

Air conditioning increases fuel consumption, so use it sparingly, especially on short trips. On the highway, using the A/C is often more fuel-efficient than driving with the windows down because open windows at higher speeds create aerodynamic drag.

Consider using cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a constant speed minimizes unnecessary acceleration and deceleration, improving fuel efficiency, especially on long, flat stretches of road.

For access to all Kia fuel economy data, FuelEconomyHub has the information you need. Plus, you can see the SPORTAGE MPG across all years.