The Kia Sportage has consistently turned heads in the compact SUV market, and the 2018 model is no exception. In May 2018, I embarked on an extensive road trip from Phoenix to Denver in a 2018 Kia Sportage SXT, covering over 3000 miles over nearly a month. This provided a unique opportunity to thoroughly assess the vehicle’s capabilities and comfort from a road trip perspective. This review dives deep into my experiences, offering a comprehensive look at the 2018 Kia Sportage and what makes it a contender in the competitive crossover segment.
Initial Thoughts: A Solid Road Trip Companion
My initial assessment of the Kia Sportage SXT was overwhelmingly positive. It proved to be a robust and enjoyable vehicle for long journeys. The driving experience was surprisingly fun, characterized by excellent acceleration and a comfortable, spacious interior. Handling was also commendable, though the low-profile tires did transmit a noticeable amount of road noise into the cabin, more than initially anticipated. Equipped with All-Wheel Drive (AWD), this model suggested off-road potential, but the low-profile street tires and modest ground clearance limited its adventurous spirit to well-maintained dirt roads. It’s important to remember that the Sportage is classified as a crossover, not a full-fledged SUV. However, the AWD system would undoubtedly be a valuable asset in adverse weather conditions like rain, snow, and ice, although these were not encountered during my late spring road trip. Fuel efficiency was satisfactory, aligning closely with the manufacturer’s stated figures, which we’ll explore in more detail.
Vehicle Model and Trim Levels
The specific vehicle tested was the 2018 Kia Sportage SX Turbo with all-wheel drive, the top-tier trim level. Kia offers the Sportage in a range of models to cater to different needs and budgets. The lineup begins with the base LX model, progresses to the EX trim, and culminates in the premium SX Turbo. The SX Turbo, while offering significant upgrades and performance enhancements, carries a price tag approximately $10,000 higher than the entry-level LX.
Under the Hood: Performance Specifications
Delving into the specifications, the 2018 Kia Sportage SX Turbo boasts a potent 2.0L Turbocharged I-4 engine, delivering 240 horsepower. Fuel economy is rated at 21 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. It features a smooth 6-Speed Automatic Transmission and a suite of advanced technology, including the UVO infotainment system with an 8″ Touch-Screen and Voice-Command Navigation. Audiophiles will appreciate the Premium Surround sound Harman/Kardon® QuantumLogic™ system, and the Panoramic Sunroof adds an airy, open feel to the cabin.
Pricing and Value
The base price for the 2018 Kia Sportage starts at $23,600. However, the model tested, the fully-equipped SX Turbo, reached a price of $36,135 as tested, reflecting the added features and performance upgrades.
Road Trip Performance Ratings (Out of 50 Miles)
To provide a structured evaluation, I rated various aspects of the Kia Sportage’s road trip performance on a scale of 1 to 50 miles, with 50 being the highest score.
- Acceleration: 42/50 miles. The Sportage offered confident acceleration and ample power for passing maneuvers on the highway.
- Braking: 44/50 miles. Braking was responsive and reliable, providing a sense of security.
- Climate Control: 49/50 miles. The climate control system was exceptional, offering powerful air conditioning, effective heating, and individual controls for personalized comfort.
- Sound System: 42/50 miles. The Harman/Kardon sound system delivered rich, high-quality audio and seamlessly integrated with smartphones and SiriusXM radio.
- Navigation System: 43/50 miles. Bluetooth connectivity was excellent, and the lane guidance feature was helpful. Apple CarPlay and SiriusXM integration were included. However, the integrated maps were less user-friendly, leading to a preference for Google Maps on my phone.
- Windshield Wipers: 48/50 miles. Windshield wipers performed effectively and reliably.
- Seat Comfort: 38/50 miles. While the seats offered extensive power adjustments, they felt somewhat narrow for my average build. The side bolsters, intended for support, occasionally felt uncomfortable if my seating position wasn’t perfectly centered.
- Gas Mileage: 41/50 miles. Over ten fill-ups, the Sportage averaged 23.9 mpg, aligning well with expectations for this class of vehicle.
- Miles Per Tank: 47/50 miles. The Kia Sportage SXT offered impressive range. The longest distance covered on a single tank was 338 miles before the low fuel light illuminated. With a 16.4-gallon tank, a safe range of around 300-350 miles between fill-ups is recommended for road trips.
- Headlights: 50/50 miles. The headlights provided outstanding illumination, enhanced by the auto high beam feature, which automatically dimmed the lights for oncoming traffic.
- Sun Visor: 30/50 miles. The sun visors were smaller than ideal and lacked extenders, limiting their effectiveness in blocking sunlight.
- Wind with Window Down: 38/50 miles. With the driver’s window down, a noticeable amount of wind entered the cabin.
- Blind Spots: 47/50 miles. Visibility was excellent, with minimal blind spots, contributing to confident driving.
- Controls: 48/50 miles. All vehicle controls were intuitively laid out and easily accessible.
- Heated Seats: 50/50 miles. The heated seats functioned perfectly, offering three levels of warmth for cold weather comfort.
- Cooling Seats: 36/50 miles. While a novel feature, the cooling seats were slow to cool down the seats, especially after the car had been parked in the sun.
- Heated Steering Wheel: 45/50 miles. The heated steering wheel was a pleasant feature, though perhaps less essential than cooling seats, particularly in warmer climates.
- Road Trip Storage: 41/50 miles. The Kia Sportage provides adequate storage for two people on a road trip. However, for four occupants on longer trips, space could become limited. The hatchback area includes a retractable cargo cover, but its height is slightly restrictive for standard checked baggage laid on its side. A cargo net is a useful addition for securing items. A roof rack option is available to expand storage capacity.
- Sunroof: 50/50 miles. The panoramic sunroof was a highlight, extending nearly the entire length of the roof and providing excellent ventilation and natural light. It was particularly enjoyable on warm evenings for stargazing (while parked, of course).
- Autonomous Features: No rating. The 2018 Kia Sportage SX Turbo lacked significant autonomous features, aside from a lane departure warning system. The absence of more advanced driver-assistance systems, common in vehicles at this price point at the time, was somewhat surprising.
Overall Road Trip Rating: 41.42 / 50 Miles
Fuel Economy in Detail
The Kia Sportage SXT model, with its turbocharged engine and AWD, is rated at 21 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. This is slightly lower than the LX model’s 23/30 mpg rating, but the SXT compensates with its significantly more powerful engine. Over the course of the road trip, the overall average fuel economy was 23.9 mpg across ten fill-ups. The majority of driving was on highways, but as the detailed fill-up data below illustrates, fuel economy fluctuated somewhat between fill-ups. The Sportage offers three driving modes: ECO, Standard, and Sport. Throughout the trip, I primarily used Standard mode (approximately 85% of the time), with ECO mode accounting for about 5% and Sport mode for 10%. The paddle shifters in Sport mode added an element of driving engagement.
- 9.52 gal, 207.3 miles = 21.7 mpg
- 10.3 gal, 260 miles = 25.2 mpg
- 8.6 gal, 178 miles = 20.6 mpg
- 11.7 gal, 260 miles = 22.2 mpg
- 11.2 gal, 290 miles = 25.8mpg
- 10.8 gal, 264 miles = 24.4mpg
- 13.5 gal, 338 miles = 25.0 mpg
- 5.9 gal, 157 miles = 26.6 mpg
- 12.5 gal, 310 miles = 24.8 mpg
- 10.7 gal, 243 miles = 22.7 mpg
Final Verdict: A Capable Crossover for Road Trips
SUVs and crossover vehicles, like the Kia Sportage, are ideally suited for road trips that incorporate elements of off-road exploration, camping, hiking, and other outdoor activities that necessitate carrying more equipment and require ample cargo space. The Kia Sportage SXT proved to be an excellent companion for the extensive road trip from Phoenix to Denver and back. It was genuinely fun to drive and, for the most part, provided a high level of comfort. The vehicle’s handling characteristics – acceleration, braking, and tight suspension – instilled confidence and a sense of control in various driving situations. Visibility was commendable, enhancing awareness of surroundings. The effective climate control and user-friendly navigation system further contributed to a comfortable and enjoyable road trip experience. The heating and cooling systems were quick to respond and maintain a comfortable cabin temperature. One minor annoyance was the audible lane departure warning system, which, while intended as a safety feature, became somewhat intrusive. It highlighted how frequently one might drift near lane markings. While not a negative feature in itself, the absence of lane-keeping assist, which would actively steer the vehicle back into the lane, was noted.
If you have experience owning or driving a Kia Sportage, your insights are welcome. Please share your thoughts in the comments below. If you have any specific questions about this vehicle, feel free to ask, and I’ll do my best to provide answers based on my experience.
