Image via Kia.com.
The 2021 Kia Sportage is a sporty SUV that is both fun to look at and to drive. We know an SUV is an excellent way to move people, cargo, the occasional pet, or a combination of these, but that is not all this SUV can move. What you may not realize is that the Sportage has a hardworking side and is able to tow and haul an impressive amount of payload for its size.
How Much Can the 2021 Sportage Tow?
Simply put, the Sportage can tow a ton – literally! Its towing capacity is a hefty 2,000 pounds, provided you have trailer brakes installed on your trailer. If you do not have trailer brakes installed, the towing capacity reduces to 1,653 pounds, which still is rather remarkable for this size of vehicle. Of course, we recommend that your trailer have brakes installed not only for the increased payload, but also for your safety and that of those traveling around you on the road. The four-wheel disc anti-lock braking system is designed to stop the Sportage itself safely and efficiently and will work most optimally if what you are towing has its own braking system.
For those items that will not fit or do not travel well on the trailer, you need a fairly decent amount of cargo volume inside your vehicle. The Sportage delivers in the cargo volume category as well. With the rear seats upright, you can enjoy 30.7 cubic feet of cargo volume. Fold the rear seats down, and you will nearly double the volume to 60.1 cubic feet. Have even more to carry? Most Sportage trim packages (with the exception of the LX – more on the trim options below) have roof rails as a standard feature.
What Are the Sportage’s Specs?
To achieve a 2,000-pound towing capacity, the 2021 Sportage needs a strong power plant and the mechanical ability to pull a heavy load. Again, you can count on Sportage to be ready for every situation you can conjure.
First, let us consider that the Sportage is available in four trim levels: LX, EX, S, and SX Turbo. There are some cosmetic differences among these trims as well, but we will focus on capabilities here. The LX, EX, and S are powered by a 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder (I4) engine, and the SX Turbo carries a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. Both engines are 16-valve, dual overhead cam with variable-valve timing.
The LX, EX, and SX Turbo are all front-wheel drive, with the option to upgrade to all-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is a standard feature on the S trim package. An electronically controlled six-speed automatic transmission overdrive with Sportmatic turns the Sportage’s drivetrain. To keep every ride in the Sportage smooth and comfortable, Kia has equipped every Sportage regardless of trim package with MacPherson struts and gas shock absorbers in the front and independent, multi-link high-performance dampers in the rear.
With that in mind, what can you expect from the Sportage in terms of performance output? The I4 engine outputs 181 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 175 pound-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm. The turbo engine can reach 240 horsepower at 6,000 rpm in the front-wheel drive configuration or 237 horsepower if the all-wheel drive option is selected. The turbo engine can also churn out 260 pound-feet of torque at 1,450 rpm to 3,500 rpm.
Fuel economy for the 2.4-liter engine is an estimated 30 mpg on the highway and 23 mpg in the city. Opt for the turbo model, and your fuel economy becomes 26 mpg and 21 mpg, respectively. Of course, your fuel economy may decline a bit while towing as your Sportage pulls the weight of your belongings. However, with such a high starting point for fuel economy, even a slight reduction will keep you away from the gas station longer than you might expect. Fewer fuel stops make your travels more budget-friendly – or it might add to the road trip snack budget. When it does come time to refuel, the Sportage can hold 16.4 gallons of regular unleaded in its fuel tank.
What Can a New Sportage Tow?
We know your Kia Sportage can tow up to 2,000 pounds. What exactly does that mean? What kinds of things can the Sportage tow? Broadly speaking, the Sportage can tow a small boat or a small pop-up type camper, either item perfect for a weekend getaway to explore all of Minnesota’s natural beauty. If you need to move to a new address, you have a fairly large DIY project to tackle, or you majorly scored at a garage sale, your Sportage can likely haul your possessions or purchases with very little trouble.
When towing, you should be mindful of your trailer’s weight capacity. Remember that the trailer’s weight counts toward the 2,000-pound Sportage towing capacity. Other items you might stow in your camper or boat add weight too, especially heavy items like fuel tanks, coolers, batteries, food, clothing, and other supplies.
Be sure to refer to your Sportage’s owner’s manual and any information that came with your camper, boat, and/or trailer to ensure that your Sportage is properly equipped and that you are following all necessary safety precautions. You should always remain alert, keeping an eye on your trailer any time you are towing. Your Sportage has a full suite of safety technologies, including forward collision avoidance, rear cross traffic alerts, lane keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring that can assist you while driving, but you will still need to be very aware of your surroundings since your trailer does not have these safety features. Remember also that you tow will add to your vehicle’s overall length, which for the Sportage is over 14 feet (176.4 inches). You will need to adjust your driving accordingly.
The Kia Sportage is truly ready for adventure, whether it’s a fishing outing, a romantic camping getaway, or a simple errand run across town. Check out the inventory at Tom Kadlec Kia to find the right Sportage for your next venture.
Contact us online, or give us a ring at 507-215-8923 to check out the Sportage for yourself.
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Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.