Buyers of the 2020 Kia Sportage AWD with the 2.0L 4-cylinder engine can expect around 21 MPG combined. While this number might not be the best in its class, many accept it as a reasonable compromise for all-weather capability and a compact SUV footprint at a good price. The Sportage is geared toward a pragmatic buyer, someone who needs SUV utility but isn’t prioritizing top-tier fuel efficiency.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2020 Kia Sportage AWD 2.0L show a difference between city and highway driving. In the city, expect around 19 MPG, due to stop-and-go traffic. On the highway, where the engine cruises more efficiently, the Sportage achieves a slightly better 24 MPG. This difference is primarily due to the automatic transmission and the constant acceleration needed in urban areas.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for this Sportage configuration at $2,100. This is based on 15,000 miles of driving per year, with a 55/45 city/highway split, using national average fuel prices. Individual costs will vary, but this $2,100 provides a benchmark for comparing the Sportage’s fuel expenses to other vehicles across all years.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA figures offer a standard, real-world fuel economy varies. Factors like driving style, terrain, weather, and tire pressure all affect your actual MPG. Expect a drop in colder months when the engine needs more energy to warm up and with frequent use of the all-wheel-drive system in snow or ice. Regular maintenance like oil changes and air filter replacements helps maintain good fuel efficiency.

How it compares

The 2020 Kia Sportage AWD 2.0L doesn’t lead its class in fuel efficiency. The Toyota RAV4 LE AWD gets an EPA-estimated 27 MPG combined, saving potentially hundreds of dollars per year. The Honda CR-V LX AWD achieves 29 MPG combined, further highlighting the Sportage’s fuel consumption. A Mazda CX-5 with AWD, especially the base 2.5S model, gets around 26 MPG combined. Some buyers choose the Kia over its competitors because they value its styling or lower price.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Use the Sportage’s Eco mode. This setting adjusts the engine and transmission to prioritize fuel efficiency. You might notice a slight reduction in responsiveness, but it can improve your MPG, especially in the city.

Keep your tires properly inflated. The correct tire pressure is on a sticker inside the driver’s doorjamb. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and burn more fuel. Check your tire pressure regularly, especially with temperature changes.

Anticipate traffic flow and avoid aggressive acceleration and braking. Smooth acceleration and deceleration are key to maximizing fuel efficiency. Look ahead, anticipate traffic changes, and avoid hard braking, which wastes energy. Leave a reasonable gap to the car in front for smoother driving.

Minimize extra weight. Remove any unnecessary cargo, as added weight increases fuel consumption. When not needed, consider removing roof racks or cargo carriers because they create drag and reduce fuel efficiency.