The now-iconic compact SUV Kia Sportage is in its fifth generation. The design objective of developing a city-dwelling SUV that can operate offroad or in difficult situations hasn’t changed throughout those generations. This all began with the first-generation Kia Sportage, which was offered with front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.
The only Sportage built with a four-wheel-drive (4×4) option was the first generation model, which was sold in the US from 1995 to 2002. Since then, Kia has made the Sportage available with all-wheel drive.
The Sportage has had an AWD version in all four of the models that have come after it. This is always available as an alternative to front-wheel drive as standard. An excellent example of this is the brand-new 2022 Kia Sportage.
There are four trim levels for the 2022 Kia Sportage: LX, Nightfall Edition, EX, and SX Turbo. All four grades provide an AWD option, according to the model year’s specs comparison page. AWD for all four wheels is a feature that calls for an upgrade from FWD.
As a result, Kia decided to replace the Sportage’s 4×4 option with an AWD model. But ultimately, was this a wise move? Let’s examine the differences between the two drivetrains and how AWD contributes to the Sportage’s uniqueness.
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What’s the Difference Between a 4×4 and AWD?
Despite working toward the same objectives, 4×4 and AWD drivetrains are not interchangeable. Four-wheel-drive (4WD), commonly known as a 4×4, is typically employed in off-road situations at low speeds.
All four wheels of a 4WD vehicle receive the same torque and power to move the vehicle forward. This occurs no matter how much traction is present, and it will carry on even if one of the tires lifts off the ground.
All four tires spin to move the car forward when it has an all-wheel-drive (AWD) system, but the system is more sophisticated. In the event of a loss of traction, AWD systems monitor the traction of each wheel and modify the torque levels in other wheels.
AWD systems often operate with regular driving, such as on the highway, and are typically always on. Although they make driving safer, they occasionally add extra weight to a car. Combining that with the additional power required to move four tires as opposed to two, as in a front-wheel-drive system, might result in a reduction in fuel efficiency.
What does AWD Mean on Kia Sportage?
As a result, a Kia Sportage with the letters AWD beside it indicates that the SUV has all-wheel drive. This contrasts with the common FWD found on many Sportage models. Front-wheel drive, or FWD, is the most typical drivetrain configuration for automobiles. Additionally, AWD will be displayed in place of 4WD or 4×4, as mentioned above.
A Kia Sportage has four wheel drive, right?
You might be curious as to which Kia Sportage trims offer all-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is an option across the board for the LX, S, EX, and SX trim levels. To have all-wheel traction, you must upgrade from the front-wheel drive system that comes standard.
An intelligent all-wheel drive system is DynamaxTM All-Wheel Drive. This implies that it continuously checks the wheels to see when slippage occurs. Although the system typically drives the front wheels, it has the ability to transfer torque to the back wheels when necessary.
Also keep in mind that every Sportage comes standard with Electronic Stability Control. It gives you more control and aids in keeping you moving in the direction you wanted.
Which variants of the Kia Sportage are 4×4?
The 2.0-liter diesel engine is available with clever four-wheel drive if you’re heading off-road. The system’s simple 4×4 lock switch aids with traction on slick or challenging terrain.
Engines
Three different engines are available, with the entry-level 1.6-liter gasoline or 1.7-liter diesel driving only the front wheels. The 1.6 GDI petrol, which produces 131 horsepower, feels reasonably active at low speeds but gets a little out of breath on the freeway. Although the 1.6-liter petrol engine in the Sportage feels the most refined, the diesel engines are more desirable and are the ones we’d advise because of their performance and efficiency.
The 1.7 diesel feels lot more nimble, especially at lower revs, despite having less power (112 bhp) on paper. This is because its torque (or pulling power) is actually much stronger. In addition, it is more appropriate for long-distance travel than the 1.6 petrol.
There are two tuning options for the 2.0-liter diesel engine: 132 and 181 horsepower. These are the engine choices to select if you frequently tow or haul heavy loads. And if you want a 4×4, a 2.0 diesel will have to do. Only this Sportage variant is available with four-wheel drive.
The situation is the same if you want an automatic transmission: only 2.0-liter variants may be ordered with one. But we’d suggest the manual because it fits the car better, drives much more smoothly in town, and is less expensive to maintain.
MPG, CO2 and Running Costs
For a crossover, modern engines provide respectable fuel efficiency numbers, and the Sportage retains its value well.
The Sportage offers outstanding value for the money, as you would expect from Kia, even though it costs slightly more than earlier models.
Its impressive showroom attractiveness is increased by affordable costs, a comprehensive list of standard features, and the manufacturer’s renowned seven-year, 100,000-mile warranty. In addition, Kia provides a three-year, all-inclusive pre-paid servicing package.
Avoid 4×4 and automatic gearbox vehicles if you want to maintain your operating costs as low as possible because they have inferior economies and greater CO2 emissions than comparable front-wheel drive and manual versions.
What does “AWD” mean on my Kia Sportage?
Kia vehicles come with the Dynamax All-Wheel-Drive system, which has a locking center differential. A distinct business called Magna Powertrain, which creates parts for multiple manufacturers, is the maker of the Dynamax AWD.
All four wheels receive torque from this unique AWD system, but not equally. As the terrain and tire traction change, the AWD system adapts intelligently. It increases the torque applied to the wheels with remaining traction in the event of slippage. As a result, the vehicle is more stable and the driver has better control.
According to Dynamax, their AWD systems account for shifting road conditions. Other AWD systems, on the other hand, are only able to respond after an incident on the road. Other AWDs operate mechanically, whereas the Dynamax AWD operates electronically.
This reduces the size and weight of the AWD’s component elements, which helps to improve fuel efficiency.
Here is a video that explains the workings and advantages of the Kia Sportage’s Dynamax AWD:
How does AWD Work on the Kia Sportage?
The Dynamax All-Wheel-Drive system that we just discussed is the AWD system on the Kia Sportage. The Sportage’s technology operates similarly, shifting power to each wheel according to how much traction it has. However, the Sportage AWD’s other characteristics aid it in navigating tricky circumstances.
What is AWD Lock on the Kia Sportage?
The AWD lock on your Kia Sportage might be able to save you if you become stranded in snow or mud. Some Kia Sportage models have an AWD Lock option that enables the driver to convert the sophisticated and quick AWD system into a straightforward four-wheel drive.
No of how much traction each tire has, this characteristic causes the wheels to all turn with the same torque. It is helpful for starting the car from a stopped position in snow or mud. In the video below, you can see how the feature is used in action.
Please be aware that you shouldn’t constantly drive at high speeds when using AWD lock or any other 4×4 option. They are designed to be utilized on slick or dangerous terrain at low speeds.
It’s possible that not all Kia Sportage vehicles will have the AWD lock, and only those with AWD systems will have it. In the center console, look for a button right next to the gear shifter to see if your Sportage has an AWD lock feature.
The left side of your steering wheel is another possible location for this button. In either case, there’s a button with the phrase “Lock” beneath it and a picture of four wheels on it. This will turn your AWD Kia into a real 4×4 for the duration and engage and disengage the system.
Kia Sportage is it 2WD?
Kia has created variants of Sportage 2WD for 18 years. They achieve a combined average of 20.9 miles per gallon, with the most recent 2014 Sportage 2WD achieving a combined MPG of 23.
Which Kia automobiles have four wheel drive?
What Models from Kia Have All-Wheel Drive?
- Kia Sportage: Any trim level of the new Kia Sportage is available with AWD.
- Kia Sorento: Every trim level of the new Kia Sorento is available with all-wheel drive.
- Kia Telluride: The new Kia Telluride comes with a 3.8L V6 engine, several AWD settings, and optional AWD.
Has Kia ever had a 4×4?
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Can Kia Sportage handle snow well?
The Kia Sportage is a reliable option for winter travel, with the all-wheel-drive model being the best. The Sportage performs admirably in the winter thanks to its traction control, stability control, ABS, and Driver Assist Technology features, but its 6.4-inch ground clearance places some restrictions on it.
Why is the Kia Sportage broken?
There were undoubtedly a number of issues with the Kia Sportage that were sold in the US. Some engine failures were linked to a bad batch of engine bearings, while others were attributed to an oil sump leak that allowed too much oil to leave, starving the engine of oil until it was completely wrecked. The latter issue was resolved by Kia by installing an oil-pressure warning light with a more pro-active trigger-point.
However, making the assumption that the same make and model sold in the USA (or anywhere else) will have the same issues as cars delivered in Australia is risky. Even if they have the same name and emblem, cars from different markets frequently come from various manufacturers and use parts from various sources. To adapt to local conditions and preferences, there are occasionally significant mechanical adjustments made, which can produce quite varied dependability results.
However, some owners have reported issues with the Theta engines found in local Kias, including catastrophic engine breakdowns. Even though the vehicle is only nine years old and has comparatively few miles on it, there is no certainty that Kia Australia will offer financial assistance with the cost of repairs.
Does AWD equate to 4WD?
AWD is normally constantly on, whereas 4WD has a toggle switch that allows you to switch between having it on and off. AWD is more common on cars and SUVs, although 4WD is a feature you’ll typically find on trucks.
How can I tell if my car has two or four wheels?
Great inquiry. You can check your car’s handbook or conduct your own research to determine if it has four-wheel drive (4WD).
Typically, you can learn the solution by:
- Look for 4WD-specific badges on the liftgate or the sides of the vehicle. Your Explorer might have 4WD inscribed someplace on it because automakers love to sell the characteristics of their vehicles.
- reading the manual for your car.
- obtaining a vehicle history report using your vehicle identifying number (VIN) from a website like CarFax.
- a Ford dealership service advisor in your area.
If you want to conduct your own research:
- On the underside of your car, look to determine if there is a front- and a rear-drive axle. To get an idea of what these look like, you can check at images online.
- Examine the engine. Vehicles with 4WD have engines that are longitudinally positioned (front to rear), with belts on the front.
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AWD or 4WD: Which is preferable?
AWD reduces some of the drama associated with driving on snow and ice. When dealing with severe snow and ice, 4WD is the way to go. Without a doubt, 4WD is superior if you also want to venture off the beaten path into the wilderness. Additionally, 4WD vehicles often have a far higher towing capacity than AWD vehicles.
What Kia Sportage models are available?
Seven model levels are available for the 2023 Kia Sportage: LX, EX, X-Line AWD, SX, SX Prestige, X-Pro, and X-Pro Prestige. A 187-horsepower four-cylinder engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission are standard on all variants.