Two Great Engines
The 2021 Kia Sportage features two different engines, which are both equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The Sportage LX, S, and EX models all come equipped with a 2.4-liter DOHC 4-cylinder GDi engine. This engine produces 181 hp and 175 lb-ft of torque, which is quite satisfactory for an entry-level option. However, the Sportage does have a bit more power up its sleeve.
The Sportage SX Turbo has the more powerful 2.0-liter DOHC 4-cylinder Turbocharged engine. This utilizes its turbocharger to produce 240 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. For those in search of a fun, powerful SUV, this engine is the best choice. Plus, with this extra power, the Sportage SX Turbo is strong enough to tow up to 2,000 pounds, if you so desire. This is real power and strength, but how does this impact efficiency?
Not Just Powerful; Efficient Too
One thing you are sure to notice with both engines is exceptional fuel economy. The Sportage with the 2.4-liter engine and front-wheel drive provides drivers with an estimated 23 MPG in the city, 30 MPG on the highway, and 26 MPG combined. If you choose the Sportage with the same engine, but with the optional all-wheel drivetrain, you should get 21 MPG in the city, 25 MPG on the highway and a combined 23 MPG. These are fantastic numbers for an SUV that are even comparable to fuel-efficient sedans.
There is a slight drop with the Sportage SX Turbo, but the fuel economy is still above average for this vehicle class. The Sportage SX Turbo with front-wheel drive provides 20 MPG in the city, 28 MPG on the highway, and 23 MPG combined, while the optional all-wheel drive reduces fuel efficiency slightly to 19 MPG in city driving, 24 MPG miles per gallon in highway driving, and 21 MPG combined. With all of that in mind, the Sportage is powerful and efficient. This leads many people to wonder, could it get any better?
It Does Get Better
There are other pieces that impact your vehicle's performance, and, in this case, all of them will result in you loving to driver your 2021 Kia Sportage. For starters, with a tight turning diameter of 34.8 feet, getting into and out of tight spots a real breeze. Additionally, the Sportage uses independent MacPherson strut front suspension to provide exceptional handling and a rear torsion beam with coil springs to improve responsiveness and comfort regardless of the various road conditions.
Another thing that will impact the overall performance of your Sportage is the wheel size. The SX Turbo has 19-inch wheels, a full two-inches larger than those on the LX trim, which will give the Sportage absolutely exceptional handling, particularly at top speeds. This makes sense since the engine on the SX Turbo will be generally peppier than the standard one on the other three trims. However, this does come at the cost of fuel economy. In this way, Kia allows you to decide which performance feature is more important to you, the driver.