2018 Kia Sportage
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2018 models.

- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- AWD 4dr SUV, AWD Turbo 4dr SUV, FWD 4dr SUV
- Engines
- 2.4L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
- Horsepower
- 181–240 hp
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 26 combined · 23 city / 30 hwy
- Length
- 176.4 in
- Curb weight
- 3,596–3,997 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 3 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Strong performanceUp to 240 hp, versus about 185 hp for similar 2018 models.
- AWD / 4WD available
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
Watch out for
- "Park outside" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 22 similar 2018 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2018 Kia Sportage is a small SUV offered with 2 engines (2.4L 4-cyl and 2.0L 4-cyl turbo) and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 176 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 105-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,739 lb (AWD 4dr SUV).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 26 MPG combined (23 city / 30 highway), 4% better than the 2018 small SUV average of 24.9 MPG, for an estimated $2,600 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 165 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2018
- Now crash-tested by NHTSA: 5 stars overall
Compared with 2017; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2017 Sportage →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Built in: Gwang-Ju, South Korea
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2018 Sportage configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AWD 4dr SUV | 176.4 in | 73.2 in | 65 in | 105.1 in | 63.4 / 63.4 in | 3,739 lb | 59/41 |
| AWD Turbo 4dr SUV | 176.4 in | 73.2 in | 65 in | 105.1 in | 63.4 / 63.4 in | 3,997 lb | 59/41 |
| FWD 4dr SUV | 176.4 in | 73.2 in | 65 in | 105.1 in | 63.4 / 63.4 in | 3,596 lb | 59/41 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sportage FE FWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 30 / 26 | +4% | $2,600 | 351 |
| Sportage FWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 29 / 25 | 0% | $2,700 | 358 |
| Sportage FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 26 / 23 | -8% | $2,900 | 392 |
| Sportage AWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 21 / 25 / 23 | -1% | $2,900 | 397 |
| Sportage FE AWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 21 / 25 / 22 | -5% | $3,050 | 400 |
| Sportage AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 20 / 23 / 21 | -9% | $3,200 | 424 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2018 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Kia Sportage SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 14.7% |
| 2018 Kia Sportage SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 15.5% |


Similar 2018 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Kia Sportage (this car) | 26 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2018 Toyota RAV4 | 32 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2018 Honda CR-V | 30 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2018 Hyundai Tucson | 27 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2018 Subaru Forester | 28 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2018 Mazda CX-5 | 29 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan | 24 MPG | ★★★★★ | 14 |
Recalls (3)
Trailer Hitches · Sep 19, 2022 Park outside
NHTSA campaign 22V703000 · 70,887 vehicles
- Problem
- Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Sorento, 2021-2022 Sorento Hybrid (HEV), 2022-2023 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV), and 2017-2022 Sportage vehicles equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Kia dealership. Debris and moisture accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (PCB) may cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire.
- Risk
- A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect the vehicle, and, as necessary, replace the fuse and/or tow hitch harness module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 11, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC249.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module · Mar 4, 2021 Park outside
NHTSA campaign 21V137000 · 379,931 vehicles
- Problem
- Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Sportage and Cadenza vehicles. The electrical circuit in the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may short-circuit, which can cause a fire in the engine compartment.
- Risk
- An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures as a precaution until the recall repair is complete. Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace certain fuses in the electrical junction box. Vehicles equipped with an electronic parking brake (EPB) will also receive a HECU software update. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on April 30, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC206.
Engine · Dec 19, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V907000 · 71,653 vehicles
- Problem
- Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.
- Risk
- A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.
Not every 2018 Kia Sportage is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2018 Kia Sportage buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Safety-critical recall. At least one recall carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Do not buy until the VIN shows it was repaired.
- Engine — 91 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Electrical System — 29 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Power Train — 18 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 18,400 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2018 Kia Sportage. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Sportage years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Sportage | 41 | 184.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
| 2026 Sportage | 42 | 184.3 in | Not rated | 1 | 40 |
| 2025 Sportage | 43 | 183.5 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 74 |
| 2024 Sportage | 43 | 183.5 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 110 |
| 2023 Sportage | 43 | 183.5 in | ★★★★★ | 7 | 309 |
| 2022 Sportage | 26 | 176.4 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 46 |
| 2021 Sportage | 26 | 176.4 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 54 |
| 2020 Sportage | 26 | 176.4 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 164 |
| 2019 Sportage | 25 | 176.4 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 71 |
| 2017 Sportage | 26 | 176.4 in | Not rated | 4 | 403 |
| 2016 Sportage | 23 | 174.8 in | Not rated | 2 | 134 |
| 2015 Sportage | 23 | 174.8 in | Not rated | 2 | 146 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Kia. How we calculate this →