The 2017 Kia Sportage FE AWD with its 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine achieves 22 MPG combined. This is a small SUV with all-wheel drive, not a hybrid or a hyper-efficient compact. It’s designed for those who prioritize practicality, cargo space and year-round traction over segment-leading fuel efficiency. Owners probably accept this tradeoff, valuing the capability and utility more than saving on gas.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the Sportage FE AWD gets 21 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects typical urban stop-and-go driving conditions, where idling and accelerating increase fuel consumption. The highway number shows the 2.4-liter engine performs better at consistent speeds, but it’s still not exceptional. Do not expect much beyond the EPA’s 25 MPG on long drives unless you are hypermiling. The all-wheel drive system compromises efficiency on every trip. Front-wheel drive versions of the Sportage achieve slightly higher MPG.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost at $2,000 for the 2017 Kia Sportage FE AWD. This uses an assumption of 15,000 miles driven per year, based on national average fuel prices. This gives potential buyers an idea of the yearly expense associated with fueling this vehicle.

Your actual fuel costs may vary depending on your driving habits, the type of fuel you use, and local gasoline prices, making this only an estimate. However, it still provides a useful benchmark for comparing the Sportage’s running costs against other vehicles in its class. Review all Kia fuel economy data to see how the Sportage’s economy compares to other Kia models.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates provide a standardized benchmark, but real-world fuel economy often differs. Expect numbers within a few MPG of the EPA estimates. Driving style and conditions greatly impact the final results. Aggressive acceleration, frequent braking, and carrying heavy loads will decrease MPG. On the other hand, gentle driving and consistent speeds will improve it. Owner forums and fuel-tracking apps show that 20-24 MPG is a realistic range for most owners of this Sportage configuration.

How it compares

The 2017 Sportage FE AWD’s fuel economy is in the middle of the small SUV segment. The Honda CR-V offers better fuel economy in its base LX trim, achieving 28 MPG combined with all-wheel drive. The Toyota RAV4 LE AWD also edges out the Sportage with 25 MPG combined. The Jeep Compass with four-wheel drive is closer, at 22 MPG combined. These comparisons matter to buyers evaluating their options in a competitive market, especially those willing to sacrifice some all-weather confidence for less-frequent gas station visits. For other model years, check out SPORTAGE MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Gentle acceleration helps in the Sportage FE AWD. The 2.4-liter engine responds well to a light touch, and avoiding sudden bursts of speed minimizes fuel consumption. Let the transmission shift smoothly through its gears, avoiding unnecessary downshifts.

Check your tire pressure regularly. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and reducing fuel efficiency. Keep the tire pressure recommended on the sticker inside the driver’s side door for the best MPG.

Minimize idling. Turn off the engine if you’re stopped for more than a minute. Extended idling consumes fuel without covering any distance. This is especially relevant in urban environments.

Remove unneeded weight from the vehicle. The heavier the load, the more fuel the engine consumes. Clearing out any unnecessary cargo will lighten the load and improve MPG slightly. Also remove the roof rack when not in use.