The 2022 Kia Sportage with its 2.4L engine and front-wheel drive gets 26 MPG combined. While this won’t win any efficiency awards, it’s a perfectly acceptable figure for a compact SUV aimed at value-conscious buyers who prioritize space, features, and affordability over fuel savings. The Sportage isn’t trying to be a hybrid; instead, it aims to offer a practical and comfortable experience at a competitive price.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2022 Sportage 2.4L FWD at 23 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway. The city MPG reflects the stop-and-go driving conditions that penalize vehicles without hybrid assist or advanced stop/start systems. The Sportage’s conventional automatic transmission and naturally aspirated engine aren’t optimized for maximizing efficiency in dense traffic. However, on the open road, the 30 MPG highway figure is respectable and achievable, making it suitable for longer commutes or road trips. Drivers can expect consistent highway fuel economy by maintaining reasonable speeds and avoiding aggressive acceleration.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of precisely $1,700 for the 2022 Kia Sportage 2.4L FWD. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Keep in mind that the actual cost will vary depending on individual driving habits, local fuel prices, and the type of fuel used. The 2.4L engine doesn’t specifically require premium fuel, and using a higher octane fuel won’t improve fuel economy, so regular unleaded is perfectly acceptable. The $1,700 estimate serves as a useful benchmark for comparing the Sportage’s fuel expenses to other vehicles in its class. Remember to factor in potential fluctuations in gasoline prices when budgeting for your vehicle’s running costs.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a standardized basis for comparison, real-world fuel economy can vary significantly. Drivers who frequently engage in short trips, heavy acceleration, or spend considerable time in stop-and-go traffic are likely to see numbers below the EPA estimates. On the other hand, those who primarily drive on the highway at moderate speeds may achieve or even exceed the 30 MPG highway figure.

Factors such as tire pressure, vehicle load, and weather conditions can also influence fuel consumption. Owners should track their own fuel economy over time to get a more accurate understanding of what to expect from their specific driving patterns and environmental conditions. You can also examine available SPORTAGE MPG across all years to get a sense of long-term fuel consumption trends for this model.

How it compares

Several competitors offer similar or slightly better fuel economy in the compact SUV segment. The Honda CR-V LX, for example, achieves 28 MPG combined with its standard 1.5L turbocharged engine, making it a more efficient choice. The Toyota RAV4 LE boasts 30 MPG combined, helped by its more efficient engine and transmission. Even the Mazda CX-5, often praised for its sporty driving dynamics, manages 26 MPG combined in its base 2.5 S configuration, matching the Sportage. The Hyundai Tucson, mechanically similar to the Sportage, also achieves 26 MPG combined with its standard 2.5L engine.

For buyers prioritizing fuel economy above all else, the CR-V and RAV4 present alternatives. However, the Sportage often compensates with a lower price point or a more generous set of standard features, appealing to a different set of priorities.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Gentle acceleration is key to getting the most miles out of a gallon. The 2.4L engine responds well to a light foot, so avoid aggressive starts and maintain a steady speed whenever possible. Anticipating traffic flow and maintaining consistent momentum can reduce fuel consumption and improve overall efficiency significantly.

Regular maintenance plays an important role in optimizing fuel economy. Ensure that your tires are properly inflated to the recommended pressure, as underinflated tires create increased rolling resistance. And keep up with scheduled oil changes and air filter replacements to ensure that the engine is running smoothly and efficiently. Neglecting maintenance can lead to a gradual decrease in fuel economy over time.

Reduce unnecessary weight in the vehicle. Carrying extra cargo adds to the vehicle’s overall weight, which increases fuel consumption. Remove any items that are not essential for your daily driving needs, such as sports equipment or unused tools. Reducing weight can have a noticeable impact on fuel efficiency, particularly in city driving.

Avoid excessive idling. Letting the engine idle for extended periods wastes fuel, especially in modern vehicles that warm up quickly. If you anticipate being stationary for more than a minute or two, it is generally more efficient to turn off the engine. Restarting the engine consumes less fuel than letting it idle unnecessarily. This is especially important for drivers in urban environments who often encounter frequent stops.

Consider using cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a constant speed can help to reduce fluctuations in fuel consumption. Cruise control helps to optimize engine performance for consistent highway driving especially on flat terrain. Though the driving data shows how the brand is committed to providing its customers several options, these tips and tricks could optimize your car’s performance even further.