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2018 Kia Sportage

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

Kia Sportage
Pictured: 2025 Kia Sportage S front only. Photo: LuvsMG481, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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

Engine181 hp2.4L 4-cyl
Engine240 hp2.0L turbo 4-cyl
DriveAWD/4WD

Trims

QL

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

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
AWD 4dr SUV176.4 in73.2 in65 in105.1 in63.4 / 63.4 in3,739 lb59/41
AWD Turbo 4dr SUV176.4 in73.2 in65 in105.1 in63.4 / 63.4 in3,997 lb59/41
FWD 4dr SUV176.4 in73.2 in65 in105.1 in63.4 / 63.4 in3,596 lb59/41

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Sportage FE FWD2.4L 4-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive23 / 30 / 26+4%$2,600351
Sportage FWD2.4L 4-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive22 / 29 / 250%$2,700358
Sportage FWD2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive21 / 26 / 23-8%$2,900392
Sportage AWD2.4L 4-cylAutomatic (S6)All-Wheel Drive21 / 25 / 23-1%$2,900397
Sportage FE AWD2.4L 4-cylAutomatic (S6)All-Wheel Drive21 / 25 / 22-5%$3,050400
Sportage AWD2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)All-Wheel Drive20 / 23 / 21-9%$3,200424
5/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
5/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $1,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
24.9 MPG2018 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2018 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2018 Kia Sportage SUV AWD★★★★★★★★★★4★ / 5★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★14.7%
2018 Kia Sportage SUV FWD★★★★★★★★★★4★ / 5★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★15.5%
StandardElectronic stability control
OptionalForward collision warning
OptionalLane departure warning
Frontal crash test — 2018 Kia Sportage SUV AWD
Frontal crash test — 2018 Kia Sportage SUV AWD. Photo: NHTSA.
Side crash test — 2018 Kia Sportage SUV AWD
Side crash test — 2018 Kia Sportage SUV AWD. Photo: NHTSA.

Similar 2018 small SUVs

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2018 Kia Sportage (this car)26 MPG★★★★★3
2018 Toyota RAV432 MPG★★★★★3
2018 Honda CR-V30 MPG★★★★★5
2018 Hyundai Tucson27 MPG★★★★★1
2018 Subaru Forester28 MPG★★★★★3
2018 Mazda CX-529 MPG★★★★★3
2018 Volkswagen Tiguan24 MPG★★★★★14

Recalls (3)

Safety advisory: 2 recalls for this model year carry a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Check your VIN now.
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.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2018 Kia Sportage is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

165Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
7Involved a crash
12Involved a fire
5Injuries reported
18,400 miTypical mileage at failure
Engine91
Electrical System29
Unknown Or Other20
Power Train18
Fuel/Propulsion System11
Steering9
Vehicle Speed Control8
Exterior Lighting6
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
24/08: 224/10: 124/11: 125/01: 425/02: 225/03: 425/04: 125/05: 225/06: 425/07: 325/09: 225/10: 625/11: 325/12: 226/01: 226/02: 226/03: 326/04: 126/05: 326/06: 226/07: 126/08: 326/09: 226/10: 124/0825/0125/0425/0725/1126/0226/0526/08max 6

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2018 Kia Sportage buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. 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.
  3. Engine — 91 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  4. Electrical System — 29 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  5. Power Train — 18 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  6. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 18,400 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  7. 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 →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2027 Sportage41184.3 inNot rated01
2026 Sportage42184.3 inNot rated140
2025 Sportage43183.5 in★★★★★174
2024 Sportage43183.5 in★★★★★3110
2023 Sportage43183.5 in★★★★★7309
2022 Sportage26176.4 in★★★★★146
2021 Sportage26176.4 in★★★★★254
2020 Sportage26176.4 in★★★★★2164
2019 Sportage25176.4 in★★★★★271
2017 Sportage26176.4 inNot rated4403
2016 Sportage23174.8 inNot rated2134
2015 Sportage23174.8 inNot rated2146

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Kia. How we calculate this →