“I love my Kia Sportage. It's roomy and comfortable. Lots of fun to drive. I've owned them before and they are good cars. Never had an issue with them mechanically. I will buy another.”
2018 Kia Sportage: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The most important change for the 2018 Kia Sportage is that the EX gains standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Otherwise, this is a light trim-equipment update following the full 2017 redesign.
About the 2018 Kia Sportage
4th generation, introduced for 2017; 2018 is the second year of that generation.
Kia positioned the Sportage as a stylish small SUV with a more upscale cabin feel than many mainstream rivals. The emphasis was on bold design, a quiet and comfortable interior, easy-to-use technology, and strong passenger space rather than maximum cargo room. In this lineup, the regular 2.4-liter trims focused on daily comfort and value, while the top turbo model added quicker acceleration and a richer feature set for shoppers who wanted more personality.
The LX is the straightforward version, with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, a 5-inch touchscreen, and stain-resistant cloth seats. EX adds leather, heated front seats, smartphone integration, and more safety equipment, while SX brings a turbocharged engine, sport-tuned suspension, navigation, and heated and ventilated front seats.
What changed, by category
Safety
Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert become standard on EX.
Tech
The LX’s 5-inch touchscreen moves from optional to standard. SX gains an electronic parking brake with Auto Hold, which can keep the SUV stopped without the driver holding the brake pedal.
Styling
LX receives upgraded stain-resistant cloth upholstery. EX adds piano-black cabin trim plus heated, power-folding outside mirrors with LED turn signals.
2018 Kia Sportage specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, GDI, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, GDI, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, GDI, 2.0L |
| Transmission | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive & Sportmatic | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive & Sportmatic | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive & Sportmatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 22 mpg | 21 mpg | 21 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 29 mpg | 25 mpg | 26 mpg |
| Horsepower | 181 hp | 181 hp | 237 hp |
| Torque | 175 lb-ft | 175 lb-ft | 260 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 2000 lb | 2000 lb | 2000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 30.7 cu-ft | 30.7 cu-ft | 30.7 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 38.2 in | 38.2 in | 38.2 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Automatic Headlights | |||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||
| Park Assist | |||
| Rear View Camera | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| Fog Lights | |||
| Heated Mirrors | |||
| LED Tail Lights | |||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | |||
| Rear Spoiler | |||
| Roof Rails | |||
| LCD Instrument Cluster | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Premium Audio | |||
| Satellite Radio | |||
| Smartphone Interface | |||
| Subwoofer | |||
| Touch Screen Monitor | |||
| USB Ports | |||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||
| Dual Power Front Seats | |||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Heated Rear Seats | |||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||
| Power Driver Seat | |||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||
| Remote Start | |||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2018 Kia Sportage?
The biggest change is added standard safety equipment on the 2018 Sportage EX. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert become standard on that trim.
Was the 2018 Kia Sportage redesigned?
No, the 2018 Kia Sportage was not redesigned. It is the second model year of the generation introduced for 2017, and its updates are limited mainly to trim equipment.
How does the 2018 Kia Sportage differ from the 2017 model?
The 2018 Sportage mainly adds equipment rather than changing the underlying SUV. EX gains standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, LX gets a standard touchscreen and upgraded stain-resistant cloth, and SX adds an electronic parking brake with Auto Hold.
Did the 2018 Kia Sportage get new engines?
No, the 2018 Sportage carries over its engines. LX and EX use a 2.4-liter four-cylinder, while SX has a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder.
Which 2018 Kia Sportage trim has the turbocharged engine?
The 2018 Sportage SX has the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. It also has a sport-tuned suspension, an 8-inch navigation screen, and heated and ventilated front seats.
2018 Kia Sportage Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2018 Kia Sportage.
4.2
2018 Kia Sportage
(296 reviews)
“I love the ease of handling, gas mileage, & low maintenance costs the most along with the aesthetics of styling. What I dislike is the back spoiler with the 3rd brake light, its styling is such that it's very difficult to clean or scrape the window as you can't get under the light. In the winter you HAVE to rely on the rear defroster.”
“The vehicle has great safety ratings, is a good value for the price and has great gas mileage.”