Hey guys! Let's dive into the 2018 Kia Sportage All Wheel Drive (AWD), a vehicle that blends practicality with a touch of style. If you're considering an SUV that offers both capability and comfort, the 2018 Sportage AWD is definitely worth a look. This review will cover everything from its performance and features to its overall value, helping you make an informed decision. We’ll explore why this model stands out in a crowded market and whether it fits your specific needs. Let's get started!

Overview of the 2018 Kia Sportage

The 2018 Kia Sportage represents the fourth generation of this popular compact SUV, and it brings a lot to the table. Kia has consistently improved the Sportage over the years, and the 2018 model is a testament to that evolution. The Sportage is known for its distinctive styling, comfortable interior, and a range of features that make it a competitive option in the compact SUV segment. The all-wheel-drive variant enhances its appeal, providing added confidence in various driving conditions. Whether you're navigating city streets or tackling rougher terrain, the AWD Sportage aims to deliver a balanced and enjoyable driving experience.

Kia's commitment to quality and value is evident in the 2018 Sportage. It offers a compelling package that includes a well-designed interior, user-friendly technology, and a comprehensive suite of safety features. The availability of all-wheel drive adds another layer of versatility, making it suitable for drivers who face challenging weather conditions or occasionally venture off the beaten path. In this review, we'll delve into the specifics of the 2018 Sportage AWD, examining its performance, interior, technology, and overall value proposition. By the end, you'll have a clear understanding of what this SUV has to offer and whether it aligns with your needs and preferences.

Performance and Handling

When it comes to performance, the 2018 Kia Sportage AWD offers a choice of two engines, each providing a different driving experience. The base engine is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder that produces around 181 horsepower. This engine is adequate for daily commuting and provides decent fuel economy. However, if you're looking for more power, the available 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, found in the SX trim, delivers a more robust 240 horsepower. This engine transforms the Sportage into a surprisingly quick and responsive vehicle, making it more enjoyable to drive, especially on the open road.

The all-wheel-drive system in the 2018 Sportage enhances its handling and stability, particularly in adverse weather conditions. The AWD system automatically distributes power between the front and rear wheels, providing improved traction on slippery surfaces like snow, ice, or wet roads. This feature gives drivers added confidence and control, making the Sportage a reliable choice for those who live in areas with unpredictable weather. The suspension is tuned to provide a comfortable ride, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road with ease. While it's not designed for serious off-roading, the AWD Sportage can handle light trails and gravel roads without any issues. The steering is responsive and provides good feedback, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces and around corners. Overall, the 2018 Kia Sportage AWD offers a balanced and capable driving experience, suitable for a variety of driving conditions and preferences.

Interior Comfort and Features

Stepping inside the 2018 Kia Sportage AWD, you'll find a well-designed and comfortable interior with a focus on user-friendliness. The cabin is spacious enough to accommodate five passengers, with ample headroom and legroom in both the front and rear seats. The seats are supportive and comfortable, making long drives more enjoyable. The quality of the materials used in the interior is generally good, with soft-touch surfaces in key areas. The overall design is modern and functional, with controls that are easy to reach and operate.

The 2018 Sportage comes with a range of features designed to enhance comfort and convenience. Depending on the trim level, you can find features such as leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a power-adjustable driver's seat. The infotainment system is user-friendly, with a touchscreen display that provides access to navigation, audio controls, and smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The available premium sound system delivers clear and crisp audio quality, enhancing the overall driving experience. The Sportage also offers a good amount of cargo space, making it practical for carrying groceries, luggage, or other gear. The rear seats can be folded down to create even more space, allowing you to transport larger items when needed. Overall, the interior of the 2018 Kia Sportage AWD is a comfortable and well-equipped space that caters to the needs of both drivers and passengers.

Technology and Safety

The 2018 Kia Sportage AWD is equipped with a range of technology and safety features that enhance both convenience and peace of mind. The infotainment system is a standout, with a user-friendly touchscreen display that provides access to navigation, audio controls, and smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This allows you to seamlessly connect your smartphone and access your favorite apps, music, and contacts while on the go. The available premium sound system delivers excellent audio quality, making your daily commute or road trips more enjoyable.

In terms of safety, the 2018 Sportage comes standard with a suite of advanced safety features, including a rearview camera, anti-lock brakes, and multiple airbags. Higher trim levels offer additional safety technologies such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. These features help to prevent accidents and protect occupants in the event of a collision. The 2018 Kia Sportage has also received good safety ratings from reputable organizations like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), further attesting to its safety credentials. Overall, the 2018 Kia Sportage AWD offers a comprehensive package of technology and safety features that make it a smart and safe choice for families and individuals alike.

Fuel Economy

Fuel economy is always a crucial factor to consider when purchasing a vehicle, and the 2018 Kia Sportage AWD offers reasonable numbers for its class. The base 2.4-liter engine with all-wheel drive is estimated to deliver around 21 miles per gallon in the city and 25 miles per gallon on the highway. While these figures are not class-leading, they are competitive and should be adequate for most drivers. If you opt for the more powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, the fuel economy drops slightly, with estimates of around 20 miles per gallon in the city and 23 miles per gallon on the highway. However, the added power and performance may be worth the trade-off for some drivers.

It's important to note that real-world fuel economy can vary depending on driving conditions, habits, and other factors. If you do a lot of city driving or have a heavy foot, you may not achieve the EPA estimates. However, if you primarily drive on the highway and practice efficient driving techniques, you may be able to exceed the estimates. Overall, the 2018 Kia Sportage AWD offers acceptable fuel economy for a compact SUV with all-wheel drive. It's not the most fuel-efficient option in its class, but it strikes a reasonable balance between performance and efficiency.

Pricing and Value

When evaluating the 2018 Kia Sportage AWD, pricing and value are key considerations. The Sportage typically offers a competitive price point compared to other vehicles in its segment, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers. The base trim level with all-wheel drive starts at a reasonable price, and even the higher trim levels with more features and the turbocharged engine remain relatively affordable.

In terms of value, the 2018 Kia Sportage AWD offers a lot for the money. It comes with a comprehensive set of standard features, a comfortable interior, and a choice of two engines. The available all-wheel-drive system enhances its versatility and makes it suitable for a variety of driving conditions. Kia also offers a generous warranty, which provides added peace of mind and protects against unexpected repair costs. When you factor in its competitive pricing, features, and warranty, the 2018 Kia Sportage AWD represents a strong value proposition in the compact SUV market. It's a vehicle that offers a lot of bang for your buck and is well worth considering if you're looking for an affordable and capable SUV.

Pros and Cons

To summarize, here's a quick rundown of the pros and cons of the 2018 Kia Sportage AWD:

Pros:

• Available all-wheel drive for enhanced traction and stability.
• Choice of two engines, including a powerful turbocharged option.
• Comfortable and well-designed interior.
• User-friendly technology features, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
• Comprehensive suite of safety features.
• Competitive pricing and strong value proposition.
• Generous warranty.

Cons:

• Base engine can feel underpowered for some drivers.
• Fuel economy is not class-leading.
• Limited off-road capability.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the 2018 Kia Sportage AWD is a well-rounded and capable compact SUV that offers a lot to like. It combines practicality, comfort, and technology in a stylish package. The available all-wheel-drive system enhances its versatility, making it suitable for a variety of driving conditions. While it's not perfect, its strengths outweigh its weaknesses, making it a compelling option in the competitive compact SUV market. If you're looking for an affordable, well-equipped, and capable SUV, the 2018 Kia Sportage AWD is definitely worth considering. Test drive one today and see if it's the right fit for you!