2018 Kia Sportage front and side view

2018 Kia Sportage: What’s New?

2018 Kia Sportage Specs

For years, the Kia Sportage has been the vehicle chosen by drivers who are tired of hearing that they only have the same two stale options for a compact crossover. Just like the 2018 Kia Soul, the 2018 Kia Sportage challenges the status quo in a competitive class full of cookie-cutter shapes and dimensions. At Matt Castrucci Kia, we’re really big fans of the Kia Sportage for its space, style and performance.

Following a fun redesign last model year, the 2018 Kia Sportage brings feature and technical improvements. By offering a dense set of features and impressive specifications, the 2018 Kia Sportage works to raise the bar for compact crossovers everywhere.


[READ MORE: Is the Kia Sorento Bigger Than the Kia Sportage?]


2018 Kia Sportage New Features for 2018

For 2018, the Kia Sportage now offers upgraded cloth-trimmed seats in its LX (base) model. An exclusive technology package is available to the LX trim. This technology package provides base models with advanced active safety and driver-assist features like Blind-Spot Detection & Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane-Departure Warning System, Autonomous Emergency Braking and outside mirror turn signals on power folding mirrors.

The LX Popular package includes UVO3 with a 7″ touchscreen, full automobile temperature control, auto defogger and an air ionizer.

For the 2018 Kia Sportage EX model, active safety features are standard, as well as outside mirror turn signals, outside power folding mirrors, heated outside mirrors and a piano black high glossy trim. The EX AWD Technology package now includes heated rear seats. The 2018 Kia Sportage EX also has an available EX Sport Appearance package.

The turbocharged SX model remains mostly the same but gains an electronic parking brake w/auto hold as a standard feature.

2018 Kia Sportage Performance Specs

With three available trim levels and engine options, assume any spec applies to all models

  • 2.4L 4-cylinder engine
    • Standard on LX and EX models
    • 181-horsepower @ 6000 rpm (FWD and AWD)
    • 175 lb-ft. torque @ 4000 rpm
  • 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine
    • Standard on SX Turbo model
    • 240-horsepower @ 6000 rpm (FWD)
    • 237-horsepower @ 6000 rpm (AWD)
    • 260 lb-ft. torque @ 1,450 – 3,500 rpm
  • Electronically-controlled 6-speed automatic transmission w/overdrive and Sportmatic®
  • Standard front-wheel drive
  • Available all-wheel drive with locking center differential
  • Fuel Economy (EPA-estimated city/highway/combined real world usage may vary)
    • LX FWD – 23/30/26
    • LX AWD – 21/25/22
    • EX FWD – 22/29/25
    • EX AWD – 21/25/23
    • SX Turbo FWD – 21/26/23
    • SX Turbo AWD – 20/23/21
  • Brakes
    • 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS
  • Wheels
    • LX – 17″ alloy with 225/60R17 tires
    • EX – 18″ alloy with 235/55R18 tires
    • SX Turbo – 19″ alloy with 245/45R19 tires
  • Towing capacity
    • 2,000 lbs (with trailer brakes)

2018 Kia Sportage front and side view

The 2018 Kia Sportage is a fun and adventurous compact crossover. For questions, or to schedule a test drive, contact us today!