The 2019 Kia Sportage AWD with the 2.0L four-cylinder engine gets 21 MPG combined. While not class-leading, it’s what buyers can expect for the Sportage’s practicality, available all-wheel drive, and Kia’s value. This isn’t a hybrid; it’s a compact SUV designed for everyday family life, weekend trips, and driving in bad weather.

City and highway performance

The EPA rates it at 20 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects stop-and-go traffic, cold starts, and low average speeds, all impacting fuel consumption. The 2.0L engine, while acceptable for daily driving, works harder to accelerate or navigate city traffic, decreasing efficiency. The highway figure improves as the engine cruises at a consistent speed, requiring less acceleration. However, the Sportage’s aerodynamics and the all-wheel-drive system’s energy losses prevent truly impressive highway fuel economy. The six-speed automatic transmission, while generally smooth and reliable, impacts fuel consumption. Some competitors have eight-speed transmissions that could improve highway MPG.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2019 Kia Sportage AWD 2.0L at $2,100 per year. This is based on 15,000 miles per year and national average fuel prices. Your actual fuel costs may vary depending on your driving habits, the type of driving you do, and local gasoline prices. For example, a driver who primarily drives in the city and accelerates quickly will likely spend more than $2,100 per year on fuel. A driver who does mostly highway driving and drives conservatively may spend less. It’s important to consider these factors when judging the long-term cost of owning this vehicle.

Real-world expectations

The EPA estimates provide a baseline, but real-world fuel economy often differs. Many drivers get the EPA’s 23 MPG highway rating during long, steady trips at reasonable speeds. However, aggressive driving, frequent short trips, and extended idling can reduce fuel economy. Tire pressure, vehicle maintenance, and air conditioning use also matter. Most owners report average fuel economy between 19 and 23 MPG, depending on driving habits and conditions. The SPORTAGE MPG across all years shows a consistent trend in this range.

How it compares

The 2019 Kia Sportage AWD 2.0L is in a competitive segment. The Honda CR-V gets significantly better fuel economy. The CR-V AWD boasts 29 MPG combined with its 1.5L turbo engine. The Mazda CX-5, known for its sporty driving, betters the Sportage’s fuel economy, delivering 26 MPG combined with its 2.5L engine and AWD. The Toyota RAV4 LE AWD also significantly outperforms the Sportage, achieving 28 MPG combined. These differences are important to buyers who want good fuel economy. The Kia’s lower price and longer warranty make the somewhat lower fuel economy a tolerable trade-off for value-focused buyers.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid accelerating and braking hard. The 2.0L engine in the Sportage responds best to smooth inputs. Frequent hard acceleration will quickly lower your MPG. Anticipate traffic and maintain a steady speed.

Ensure your tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and use more fuel. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended pressure listed on the driver’s side doorjamb.

Avoid idling. Letting the engine idle for extended periods wastes fuel and lowers MPG. If you’re going to be stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine.

Remove unnecessary weight. Excess cargo reduces fuel economy. Remove any items you don’t need to carry regularly, such as sporting equipment or tools, to lighten the load and improve MPG.

Consider the drive mode. The Sportage may have different drive modes. Try them to see if they can improve fuel economy. Also, consider searching all Kia fuel economy data to find the most efficient Kia for your needs.