The 2018 Kia Sportage AWD with the 2.4L engine gets 23 MPG combined, a figure that most owners accept, not adore. This compact SUV isn’t bought by hypermilers. It’s a practical choice driven by value, warranty, space, and available all-wheel drive for those living in challenging climates. Fuel economy falls somewhere down the list, acknowledged but rarely celebrated.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates 21 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway for the 2018 Kia Sportage AWD 2.4L. These numbers show a vehicle working harder than it should. The small difference between city and highway MPG suggests the engine strains to maintain highway speeds, diminishing the benefits of steady-state cruising. The Sportage’s weight plays a major role, as does the older six-speed automatic transmission. It’s adequate, but lacks the more modern 8-speed or continuously variable units in some competitors that positively impact fuel efficiency. This translates to more frequent downshifts and higher engine RPMs, hurting fuel economy on longer drives. Expect the city number to be fairly accurate if you reside in urban areas with stop-and-go traffic, but achieving the highway number requires a conscious effort towards smooth acceleration and consistent speed.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA calculates the annual fuel cost for the 2018 Kia Sportage AWD 2.4L to be $1,900. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using the national average fuel prices at the time of calculation. Keep in mind that this is an estimate, and your actual fuel costs may vary depending on your driving habits, the type of fuel you use, and the prevailing fuel prices in your area. While $1,900 is a substantial sum, it is important to put it within context. If you prioritize the Sportage’s other attributes, its interior space, straightforward controls, or that reassuring all-wheel drive system, then the fuel cost may be a necessary tradeoff. You can explore SPORTAGE MPG across all years to understand trends across model iterations.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a standardized estimate, real-world fuel economy can vary significantly. Owners report figures that hover around the EPA’s combined rating, with some reporting slightly lower numbers, particularly in colder climates or hilly terrains where the AWD system is engaged more frequently. The 2.4L engine, while adequate for daily driving, requires a heavier foot to extract meaningful performance, which impacts fuel consumption. The transmission’s programming also favors responsiveness over ultimate efficiency. Drivers who prioritize a smooth, relaxed driving style will be more likely to achieve closer to the EPA estimates, while those who frequently accelerate aggressively or carry heavy loads will likely see their MPG dip below 23.

How it compares

Compared to its competitors in the compact SUV segment, the 2018 Kia Sportage AWD 2.4L’s fuel economy sits firmly in the middle of the pack. The Honda CR-V, for example, achieves an EPA-estimated 27 MPG combined with its AWD variant. The Toyota RAV4 with AWD comes in around 25 MPG combined. Even the Mazda CX-5, known for its sporty driving dynamics, manages a respectable 24 MPG combined with AWD. These rival numbers highlight the Sportage’s comparative weakness in fuel efficiency. The Sportage often offers a lower price point, and that price difference can offset the higher fuel costs over time. The Subaru Forester, another popular choice that comes standard with all-wheel drive, gets around 28 MPG combined, further emphasizing that all-wheel drive by itself does not guarantee poor mileage. Understand all Kia fuel economy data for other models.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid aggressive acceleration. The 2.4L engine responds best to smooth, gradual inputs. Hard acceleration forces the transmission to downshift and the engine to work harder, immediately impacting fuel economy. Anticipate traffic flow and maintain a steady pace whenever possible.

Check your tire pressure regularly. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to burn more fuel. Monitor your tire pressure, and inflate them to the recommended levels indicated on the door jamb sticker. Even a few PSI below specification can noticeably affect fuel economy.

Minimize idling. Idling wastes fuel, especially in modern vehicles. If you anticipate being stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Restarting consumes less fuel than prolonged idling. This holds true even on cold days.

Reduce excess weight. Carrying unnecessary cargo adds weight to the vehicle, which decreases fuel economy. Remove any items from the trunk or cargo area that you don’t need. A lighter vehicle requires less energy to accelerate and maintain speed.

Consider using cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a consistent speed helps to optimize fuel efficiency. Cruise control prevents unintentional speed fluctuations, especially on undulating terrain. This is particularly true for longer journeys where variations in throttle input add up over time.