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.
In This Article...
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.
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.
The 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 Kias are 4×4?
Introducing the line of Kia SUVs and 4×4 vehicles. They are strong, cozy, and lively, offering functionality without compromising design. Maybe you’ll be seduced by our small crossover, the Kia Stonic. Or you could have your head turned by our sleek SUV Sportage.
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 all-wheel drive preferable to four-wheel drive?
The Function of Four-Wheel Drive Similar to AWD systems, 4WD is made to distribute torque to all four wheels of a vehicle to improve traction as necessary. However, 4WD systems are typically more durable and capable of navigating more difficult terrain than AWD systems. They also come in full-time and part-time varieties.
What Kia vehicles come with AWD?
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.
What 4×4 vehicle is the least expensive?
The 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer’s true starting price is a little bit lower than what is stated below, but all-wheel drive is only available with the ES trim level or higher. The high-performance Evolution model of this small, five-passenger sedan is no longer offered, but the all-wheel drive Lancer nevertheless provides commendable driver-focused dynamics. In spite of the fact that the Lancer is one of the least expensive 4-wheel drive vehicles, some passengers may be surprised by its ability to make sharp turns and take rough corners.
Kia Sportage AWD: What is it?
Launched in Pakistan in August 2020, the KIA Sportage AWD is a stylish compact SUV. It will be offered with AWD and FWD at launch. The Kia Sportage AWD is a completely functional SUV that is automatic and simple to use.
The 2020 KIA Sportage has a 6-speed transmission with SportMatic. It boasts a 2.0L Gasoline MPI engine that cranks out 196nm of torque at 4000 RPM and 154 horsepower at 6200 RPM. Sportage has an 8197 bore & stroke and a 10.3 compression ratio. Both AWD and FWD will have ABS, Electronic Stability Control, Hill Assist Control, and two airbags (one for the driver and one for the passenger). Steel spare wheels will be included with the Kia Sportage FWD, while alloy spare wheels will be included with the Sportage AWD.
Offset mogul
The purpose of an offset mogul is to push the other two diagonally opposed wheels to carry the tractive load of the vehicle by forcing the diagonally opposing wheels to have limited contact with the ground.
It’s not a problem in a true off-road vehicle because you can simply lock a center differential, which evenly distributes torque between the front and rear axles, and a rear differential, which evenly distributes torque between the two rear wheels.
With the aid of these devices, the vehicle’s diagonally opposed wheels can control the traction needed to drive.
All of our SUVs will struggle to varying degrees because the majority of them lack mechanical rear differential locks and center locking differential mechanisms.
Chassis rigidity
Although a strong body construction will permit some flex, it won’t be enough to stop the doors from opening and shutting.
This test will fail if we find any evidence of contact between the door and the metal body guide.
Mount Logmore
It’s similar to Mount Rushmore, but less beautiful and covered in slick, muddy, and damp logs.
The purpose of this test is to determine how well the cars control their traction and how far they can go up the logs before we release the pin. A climb like this would cause the majority of medium-SUV owners to likely reverse course. We’re interested to see how the climb goes, though, for those courageous few.
The ascent itself isn’t particularly dangerous; rather, the descent is.
Get a great deal today
Want to purchase one of these vehicles? Fill out your information, and we’ll put you in touch with our staff.
The SUV may come down at an unusual angle and perhaps roll if the vehicle deviates from the straight-ahead stance while coming down.
The litmus test will be to observe how far the most extreme will travel and how each car utilizes the available traction since we don’t anticipate any of them making it up here. We also fully understand that these vehicles’ ability to climb the logs will be constrained by their tires.
RESULTS
Instead, the front axle is powered by a gasoline engine in conjunction with an electric motor, while the rear axle is solely propelled by an electric motor. A braked traction-control system also serves as a limited-slip differential for the rear electric motor.
I had high hopes as we approached the offset mogul because of the additional flexibility of being able to control traction separately on the rear axle. The car was switched to “Trail mode,” which engages the off-road controls and engages the rear axle.
However, it fell well short of our expectations. Even though it made it across the offset hump, the rear axle didn’t seem to have any traction control engaged.
The wheel in the air just started spinning freely and didn’t stop until I applied the brake manually. This caused a problem when trying to reverse out of the mogul since it suddenly stopped spinning after making contact with the ground.
The car experienced a shunt as a result, which wasn’t great for the rear-mounted electric motor. Thankfully, there were no problems with the chassis flex test.
After that, it had trouble with the log climb and had trouble getting over the first few logs. Again, the wheels appeared to be spinning freely and the traction control system didn’t appear to be working.
Although it clearly has adequate power for the job at handthe Holden Equinox was the fastest SUV in our most recent Medium SUV Mega Testis it capable of doing some moderate off-roading?
Although the front-end lip protection made contact with the offset mogul’s higher portion, the car was still able to move further into the course.
From then, everything was rather simple. The front axle then received traction after the rear axle provided just enough tire slip to get the car moving (you can see that front-right tyre rotating, despite other tyres having no traction).
The traction-control systems did an outstanding job of controlling slide as it traveled the terrain, despite not making it up the full log mountain. Although you can see the front and rear wheels skidding, the traction-control systems kept things from getting worse.
We weren’t expecting it either, but despite its hunched-down front end, it also had enough clearance to pass over the top of the mogul. It also successfully completed the chassis flex test.
We wouldn’t be surprised if it could climb the logs further if it had some good all-terrain treads.
It nearly failed to complete the first section as the front-right wheel was allowed to spin freely. It eventually made it through, but depending on it off-road wouldn’t give us much confidence. It successfully completed the chassis flex test.
Over at the logs, the situation was the same. Wheel slip wasn’t really under control, so instead of having some degree of control over their rotation, all four wheels just sat spinning. Simply said, it felt ordinary.
The Forester is all about the adventurous lifestyle and was designed for those who spend more time outside on the weekends than I do.
Unsurprisingly, the Forester performed superbly. It swiftly and successfully coped with rogue wheel spin and walked through the offset mogul. The chassis flex test, meanwhile, went off without a hitch and did a good job.
How are the logs doing? Well, it reached the top of the slope the furthest. We’re actually very sure it could make it all the way up with a little bit of velocity and commitment, barring it becoming a little out of shape near the top.
The vehicle’s traction-control technology properly controlled wheel slip, and it easily and quietly walked up the logs until it lost traction. Subaru made a really great attempt.
With a superb balance of pricing and performance, Hyundai’s Tucson was once the go-to SUV in its market. But in recent years, the opposition has outperformed it. It is one of the few SUVs in the class with a dual-clutch transmission, and it isn’t particularly effective. It also explains why it performed so poorly on this test.
It failed to move forward due to erratic wheel spin and hesitation from the dual-clutch gearbox. It failed the offset mogul test but passed the chassis flex test.
It was the same story as we reached the logs. The Tucson’s transmission prevented it from providing torque gradually; instead, it provided it in bursts, making the vehicle difficult to control and preventing it from climbing the logs more smoothly. It reached the same distance as the others, but it didn’t feel secure in its accomplishment.
The Kia Sportage couldn’t be more different from the Tucson while sharing a basis, and the same is true of how well it handles off-road.
It moved through the first stage without even slowing down, pausing only at the halfway point to collect its thoughts, transmit torque to the tractive wheels, and then continue. Additionally, it passed the chassis flex test without any issues.
It performed admirably on the logs, but the traction control limited its ability to go further. It simply stretched all four wheels at the same time, which prevented it from moving farther, rather than restricting wheel slip. Nevertheless, an outstanding attempt.
We activated the “Off-road Mode,” which permits additional wheel slip as well as an off-road braking mode that permits the ABS to lock for an extended period of time during a hard stop.
We saw the front end touch down a few times as we got closer to the moguls, which suggests it might not be the ideal choice for long stretches of driving like this.
It had a little bit of trouble starting because of the dual-clutch transmission. Similar to the Tucson, it would appear to do little before doing everything at once, which led to a minor loss of control.
But it breezed through the second half of the course, which was encouraging.
The Tiguan really struggled with the logs. As the dual-clutch gearbox worked itself out, there were repeated clunking and clattering noises as it attempted to move up the slope. The reverse-moving hill descent control, which manages speed on a descent, was supported by the off-road mode, which was a positive outcome.
We didn’t have high expectations for the CR-V to perform well in this test, similar to the CX-5. But it astounded us, just like the CX-5.
However, it wasn’t quite as impressive over at the logs. When it got stuck on the beach, the traction control system completely stopped providing torque to the back wheels after initially helping it climb the first section of logs. Nevertheless, it was stunning.
The Nissan X-Trail, which emphasizes adventure, was the last cab to leave the station. Since it is built on the same platform as the Renault Koleos, we anticipated it to perform similarly.
The mogul easily navigated the first segment, but it had a little trouble with the second. There was a lot of wheel spin, but it didn’t feel like there was much control available.
When it finally gained traction, it lurched forward swiftly as well, demonstrating once more that there isn’t a lot of control available when it does so after slipping.
What about the logs, then? Not fantastic, I guess. Only the first few were passed before it abruptly came to a stop. Once more, the traction control did little to prevent the wheels from slipping, making it impossible to move forward. The X-Trail didn’t perform as well on the off-road circuit as we had anticipated.