Against 254 other Hybrid cars rated 2025–2027, the Sportage beats their 28 mpg average by 13 mpg, about $434 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1995, the 1.6L 4-cyl Hybrid (2023–2027), does 42.4 mpg and the thirstiest, the 2.7L 6-cyl (2005–2010), 20: $1,014 a year apart.
Every Kia Sportage engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6L 4-cyl Hybrid | 41.4 / 43.6 | 2023–2027 | $906 | |
| 1.6L 4-cyl Plug-in hybrid | 35.8 / 35.3 | 2023–2026 | $1,088 | |
| 2.5L 4-cyl | 25 / 32.5 | 2023–2026 | $1,371 | |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 22.2 / 29.6 | 2011–2022 | $1,530 | |
| 2L 4-cyl | 18.4 / 22.9 | 1995–2014 | $1,882 | |
| 2.7L 6-cyl | 17.3 / 23 | 2005–2010 | $1,920 |
Is the hybrid worth it? In our listings for 2023–2026 model years, a hybrid Sportage asks a median $4,447 more than a gas one of the same year. At 42.7 against 28 mpg it saves about $472 a year in fuel, so the extra pays back in about 9.4 years. Hybrids make up 6% of the gas and hybrid Sportage listings we track from the last ten model years.
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Toyota RAV4 gets 43 mpg, the Jeep Wrangler 18.8 mpg and the Honda CR-V 35 mpg, next to 41 mpg for the 2027 Sportage.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2027) | $0.078 |
| Fuel per year | $937 |
| Fuel over five years | $4,685 |
| Against other Hybrid cars, 2025–2027 | −$434 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $2,570 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2027 Kia Sportage gives up 2 mpg in town: 42 on the highway against 40 in the city, $46 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2027) | 40 mpg | $960 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 42 mpg | $914 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +2 mpg (5%) | Narrow — equally happy either way |
How the Sportage changed over the years
The Sportage peaked in 2027 at 41 mpg (40 city, 42 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 1997 at 18 — 23 mpg apart, or $1,196 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2027 model gains 5.7 mpg against 35.3 for the 2026, with 1 version instead of 3. The biggest single-year change came in 2023: 26 to 35.3 mpg.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | 40 / 42 | 1 | $937 | |
| 2026 | 33.7 / 37.7 | 3 | $1,088 | |
| 2025 | 34.3 / 37 | 3 | $1,088 | |
| 2024 | 34.3 / 37.3 | 3 | $1,088 | |
| 2023 | 34.3 / 37 | 3 | $1,088 | |
| 2022 | 23 / 30 | 1 | $1,477 | |
| 2021 | 23 / 30 | 1 | $1,477 | |
| 2020 | 23 / 30 | 1 | $1,477 | |
| 2019 | 23 / 30 | 1 | $1,536 | |
| 2018 | 23 / 30 | 1 | $1,477 | |
| 2017 | 23 / 30 | 1 | $1,477 | |
| 2016 | 21 / 28 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 2015 | 21 / 28 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 2014 | 20 / 26 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 2013 | 21 / 30 | 1 | $1,536 | |
| 2012 | 21 / 30 | 1 | $1,536 | |
| 2011 | 22 / 30 | 1 | $1,536 | |
| 2010 | 19 / 24 | 2 | $1,829 | |
| 2009 | 19 / 24 | 2 | $1,829 | |
| 2008 | 18.5 / 24 | 2 | $1,829 | |
| 2007 | 18.5 / 24 | 2 | $1,829 | |
| 2006 | 18 / 24 | 2 | $1,829 | |
| 2005 | 18 / 24 | 2 | $1,829 | |
| 2002 | 17 / 21 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 2001 | 18 / 21 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 2000 | 18 / 21 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 1999 | 17 / 21 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 1998 | 17 / 21 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 1997 | 17 / 20 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 1996 | 17 / 22 | 1 | $2,021 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 45 EPA ratings of the Kia Sportage — 6 engines across 1995–2027. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $2,570. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2027 Kia Sportage get?
41 mpg combined, 40 city and 42 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 1995 the Sportage has averaged 25.9 mpg.
Is the 2027 Sportage more efficient than the 2026?
Yes: 41 against 35.3 mpg combined, about $151 a year less to run.
Which Sportage year has the best gas mileage?
The 2027, at 41 mpg combined (40 city, 42 highway), which is also the latest model year we hold.
Does the Sportage get better gas mileage than the Toyota RAV4?
No: 41 mpg for the 2027 Sportage against 43 for the 2026 Toyota RAV4, about $44 a year more to run.
Is the Sportage hybrid worth the extra cost?
In our listings a hybrid asks a median $4,447 more than a gas Sportage of the same year and saves about $472 a year in fuel, so it pays back in about 9.4 years.
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