The 2018 Kia Sportage sits at an interesting point in the compact SUV timeline. Coming off a major redesign in 2017, the model entered 2018 as a confident carry-over—yet Kia didn’t let the year go by without adding meaningful updates. This version arrived with new driver-assistance features now available to lower trims, a refreshed appearance package, and subtle refinements that made it feel more polished than before. Even years later, the 2018 Sportage remains a sought-after option for buyers who want a blend of comfort, technology, and all-weather capability wrapped in a well-balanced compact SUV.
A Quick Look at What’s New for 2018
Although the architecture and core design stayed the same, Kia quietly refined the lineup. The LX trim gained access to the Technology Package, unlocking advanced features once restricted to higher trims. The EX model received a sporty new appearance package and the option for heated rear seats—features that elevated mid-level shoppers’ choices. The SX Turbo trim, the range-topping variant, introduced an electronic parking brake, adding a touch of modern convenience.
These updates didn’t overhaul the model, but they sharpened a package already praised for its driving refinement and long list of comfort features.
Trim Levels and Pricing: LX, EX, and SX Turbo
The 2018 Sportage was offered in three main trims, each with its own character. Pricing varied based on drivetrain, with front-wheel drive as standard and Kia’s Dynamax all-wheel-drive system available on all trims.
LX
- FWD: $23,600
- AWD: $25,100
The LX is the most budget-friendly entry but far from basic. It delivers a solid set of standard features along with the optional Technology Package, which adds systems like Blind Spot Detection, Lane Departure Warning, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. This alone made the LX far more appealing than other base models in the segment at the time.
EX
- FWD: $26,400
- AWD: $27,900
The EX builds on the LX with more comfort and style. Leather-trimmed seats, upgraded interior materials, and additional convenience tech set it apart. The new Sport Appearance Package for 2018 gave the EX a sharper, more athletic exterior, appealing to drivers who wanted a bit more visual presence.
SX Turbo
- FWD: $32,900
- AWD: $34,400
This trim is for those who crave performance and premium features. A stronger turbocharged engine, advanced driver aids, sporty suspension tuning, and luxury touches make the SX Turbo feel like a step up into near-luxury territory.
Engine Options and Driving Performance
Under the hood, the 2018 Sportage carried two powertrain choices, each suited for a different kind of driver.
2.4-Liter GDI I-4 (LX and EX)
Producing 181 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque, this engine gives the Sportage enough strength for everyday driving. Paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, it delivers smooth acceleration and predictable performance in city traffic and on highways. It’s not overly aggressive, but it’s refined—especially compared to similarly powered rival models.
2.0-Liter Turbo GDI I-4 (SX Turbo)
This is where things get exciting. With 240 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, the turbocharged engine transforms the Sportage into one of the more spirited compact SUVs of its era. Strong passing power, quick throttle response, and confident acceleration make the SX Turbo feel lively, even fully loaded. The same six-speed automatic is used here, but its behavior feels more athletic thanks to different tuning.
Fuel Economy: What to Expect
The Sportage’s fuel efficiency varied depending on engines and drivetrain:
2.4L Models
- FWD: 23 city / 30 highway / 26 combined
- AWD: 21 city / 25 highway / 22 combined
2.0L Turbo
- FWD: 21 city / 26 highway / 23 combined
- AWD: 20 city / 23 highway / 21 combined
The numbers are competitive but not class-leading. However, real-world drivers often noted that the Sportage delivered consistent mileage even in mixed conditions, aided by its smooth transmission and aerodynamic design.
Technology and Infotainment: Modern for Its Time
One of the Sportage’s biggest strengths in 2018 was its tech-forward approach. The touchscreen interface is responsive and easy to navigate, while smartphone compatibility through available features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto elevates the daily commute.
The optional navigation system, premium audio upgrades, and Kia’s user-friendly UVO services made the cockpit feel more advanced compared to rivals that offered clunky or outdated infotainment setups. Even the LX, especially when upgraded with packages, felt well-equipped for tech-focused drivers.
Safety and Driver Assistance Features
Kia expanded its suite of advanced driver aids in 2018, making safety tech more accessible.
Available Systems Included:
- Autonomous Emergency Braking
- Forward Collision Warning
- Lane Departure Warning
- Blind Spot Detection
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Dynamic Bending Lights
The SX Turbo included most of these features as standard, while LX and EX buyers could add them through packages. This democratization of safety tech helped the Sportage stand out in a segment where many competitors reserved advanced features for top trims only.
Interior Comfort, Space, and Cargo Practicality
The cabin is where the 2018 Sportage truly feels like a step above its mainstream price point. The seats are supportive, with ample cushioning and thoughtful ergonomics. Soft-touch surfaces and quality materials are present even in lower trims, while the EX and SX Turbo add more premium finishes.
Passenger space is generous, thanks to the model’s wide stance and smart interior packaging. The rear seats provide respectable legroom for adults, and the availability of heated rear seats (new for 2018 EX) makes cold-weather comfort more appealing.
Cargo capacity maxes out at 129.3 cubic feet, offering plenty of room for luggage, groceries, or gear. While some competitors offered slightly larger cargo holds, the Sportage made up for it with easy-to-use storage layouts and wide-opening doors.
Exterior Design and 2018 Enhancements
Kia’s “tiger-nose” grille remains one of the Sportage’s most defining features. The bold front fascia, sleek headlights, strong shoulder lines, and modern proportions give the SUV a distinctive presence. The Sport Appearance Package introduced in 2018 for EX trims added sportier visual cues through unique wheels, revised trims, and subtle aerodynamic enhancements.
The SX Turbo stands out with LED lighting elements, larger wheels, and exclusive design touches that make it feel more upscale.
Ride, Handling, and All-Wheel Drive Capability
The ride quality is one of the highlights of the 2018 Sportage. It absorbs bumps with confidence yet maintains enough firmness to stay composed around corners. Steering is precise, offering good feedback, and the handling feels stable thanks to its wide stance.
The optional Dynamax all-wheel-drive system adds versatility for drivers who face rain, snow, or gravel roads. It reacts quickly to wheel slip, distributing power to the wheels that need it most, helping maintain traction without sacrificing smoothness.
Related: 2017 Kia Sportage Overview
Conclusion
The 2018 Kia Sportage blends performance, comfort, safety, and technology into a well-rounded compact SUV package. Its thoughtful updates for the year improved value without raising prices dramatically, and the mix of trims ensures there’s an option for every type of driver. Whether you’re shopping for an affordable, reliable used SUV or seeking turbocharged performance with premium features, the 2018 Sportage continues to deliver far more than its modest price suggests.
The combination of refined ride quality, advanced tech, all-weather confidence, and strong feature availability helps the 2018 Sportage stand tall—both among its contemporary rivals and as a smart used-car purchase today.
