25 MPG combined is acceptable for the 2023 Kia Sportage AWD with its 2.5L four-cylinder engine. It won’t win any efficiency awards, but it’s also not a gas guzzler. This MPG is a reasonable balance of capability and economy for buyers who prioritize practicality, year-round usability, and modern technology over saving fuel. They are willing to trade some MPGs for all-wheel drive and a versatile compact SUV.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2023 Kia Sportage AWD gets 23 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects stop-and-go driving, where the vehicle’s weight and constant acceleration/deceleration affect mileage. The 28 MPG highway rating is more indicative of steady-state cruising, where the engine operates more efficiently. These numbers suggest the Sportage AWD is reasonably well-suited for daily commutes and longer road trips. Drivers who spend most of their time on the open road will likely see fuel economy closer to the highway estimate, while those primarily driving in urban environments should anticipate numbers closer to the city number.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2023 Kia Sportage AWD 2.5L at $1,750. This calculation is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, the types of roads you drive on, and the price of gasoline in your area. If you drive more or less than 15,000 miles per year, or if you live in an area with particularly high or low gas prices, your actual fuel expenditure will differ from this figure.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates provide a standardized benchmark, but real-world fuel economy can differ. Factors like driving style, weather conditions, and even tire pressure can influence how efficiently the Sportage AWD operates. Aggressive acceleration, frequent hard braking, and consistently exceeding speed limits will negatively impact fuel economy. Similarly, cold weather and driving with underinflated tires can reduce efficiency. The topography of your driving environment also plays a role. Expect lower numbers if you live in a hilly area with lots of elevation changes.

How it compares

The Sportage AWD’s fuel economy is in the middle of its class. For example, the Toyota RAV4 AWD manages around 27 MPG combined, offering a slight efficiency advantage. The Honda CR-V AWD achieves very similar ratings to the Kia. The Mazda CX-5 AWD, known for its more engaging driving experience, typically returns around 24 MPG combined. These small differences might not sway someone completely sold on the Sportage’s styling, value, or technology, but for budget-conscious buyers, a few extra MPGs can make a meaningful difference over the long run. For those willing to forego all-wheel drive, the front-wheel-drive version of the Sportage sees a slight increase in fuel economy. Explore all Kia fuel economy data to see how the Sportage compares across the lineup. You can also see SPORTAGE MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Gently accelerate and smoothly brake to maximize fuel economy in any vehicle, including the Sportage AWD. Avoid “jackrabbit” starts and try to anticipate traffic flow to minimize the need for sudden stops. The Sportage’s automatic transmission shifts early for better fuel economy. Let it do its job, instead of aggressively forcing downshifts, and you will save fuel.

Tire pressure is important for fuel efficiency. Check your tire pressure regularly and ensure that your tires are inflated to the recommended level, typically found on a sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb. Underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel.

Minimize unnecessary weight which adds to the vehicle’s load, requiring more energy to accelerate and maintain speed. Remove any items you don’t need from the cargo area and passenger compartment. Even small amounts of extra weight can contribute to reduced fuel economy over time.

Reduce aerodynamic drag. Roof racks and cargo carriers can significantly increase wind resistance, especially at higher speeds. If you’re not using them, remove these accessories to improve your Sportage’s fuel efficiency. Leaving windows open at highway speeds can negatively impact aerodynamics.

Consider using cruise control on the highway. Cruise control helps maintain a constant speed, minimizing fluctuations in throttle input and allowing the engine to operate more efficiently. Be mindful of using cruise control in hilly areas, as the system may downshift frequently to maintain speed, potentially negating some of the fuel-saving benefits.