Kia Sportage AWD
26 MPG The 2026 Kia Sportage AWD is EPA-rated at 26 MPG combined (24 city / 30 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 577 gallons, $1846 a year in fuel, or $0.123 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 2015–2026 run it averages 23 MPG, improving by 4.5 MPG over 12 model years.
Running cost at different fuel prices and mileages
The figure everyone actually wants, and the one the EPA does not publish — because it depends on a fuel price no agency will commit to.
| Fuel price | Per mile | 10,000 mi/yr | 15,000 mi/yr | 20,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.50/gal | $0.096 | $962 | $1442 | $1923 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.115 | $1154 | $1731 | $2308 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.123 | $1231 | $1846 | $2462 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.135 | $1346 | $2019 | $2692 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.154 | $1538 | $2308 | $3077 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.173 | $1731 | $2596 | $3462 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.192 | $1923 | $2885 | $3846 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 26 MPG | 24 | 30 | $2400 | 339 | 1 |
| 2025 | 25 MPG | 23 | 27 | $2500 | 361 | 1 |
| 2024 | 25 MPG | 23 | 26 | $2500 | 363 | 1 |
| 2023 | 25 MPG | 23 | 28 | $2500 | 357 | 1 |
| 2022 | 22 MPG | 20.5 | 25 | $2825 | 405 | 2 |
| 2021 | 22 MPG | 20 | 24.5 | $2825 | 406 | 2 |
| 2020 | 22 MPG | 20.5 | 25 | $2825 | 404 | 2 |
| 2019 | 22 MPG | 20.5 | 24 | $2825 | 411 | 2 |
| 2018 | 22 MPG | 20.5 | 24 | $2825 | 411 | 2 |
| 2017 | 22 MPG | 20.5 | 24 | $2825 | 411 | 2 |
| 2016 | 22 MPG | 19 | 26 | $2850 | 401 | 1 |
| 2015 | 21.5 MPG | 19 | 25 | $2900 | 412 | 2 |
Where a model year offered several engines or drivetrains, the figure is the average across all EPA-tested trims that year — the trim count is shown so you can see how much averaging is involved.
How it compares in its class
Among the 130 small sport utility vehicle 4wd models tracked here, the Kia Sportage AWD ranks 39 on current figures, against a class average of 29.2 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Hyundai Kona AWD (26.5), Buick Encore GX AWD (27), Chevrolet Trailblazer AWD (27), Ford Escape AWD (27), Kia Seltos AWD (27).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 339 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 5.1 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Kia Sportage AWD get?
The 2026 Kia Sportage AWD is rated at 26 MPG combined by the EPA — 24 city and 30 highway. Across all 12 model years in the database it averages 23 MPG, ranging from 21 to 26 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Kia Sportage AWD cost in fuel per year?
At 26 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 577 gallons — roughly $1846 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.123 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2026 model is $2400.
Has the Kia Sportage AWD become more efficient over time?
Yes. It has gone from 21.5 MPG in 2015 to 26 in 2026 — an improvement of 4.5 MPG, or 21% across 12 model years.
Is the Kia Sportage AWD efficient for its class?
It ranks 39 of 130 in the Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD class on current figures, against a class average of 29.2 MPG. That is 3.2 worse than typical for the class.
EPA test figures from fueleconomy.gov. Cost per mile and annual fuel spend are computed at a reference price of $3.20 per gallon — use your own price. Estimates based on official test figures and average fuel prices. Real-world consumption varies with driving style, load, terrain and maintenance.