Kia Sportage vs Lexus NX
The Kia Sportage is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 43 mpg combined versus 40 mpg for the Lexus NX, a 3 mpg advantage and costs about $450 less per year to fuel.
Across 4 measured categories, the Kia Sportage leads in 4. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.
2015–2027
Kia Sportage
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 69 configurations
2015–2026
Lexus NX
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 58 configurations
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Kia Sportage | Lexus NX |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 43 mpg ✓ | 40 mpg |
| Best city MPG | 42 mpg | 42 mpg |
| Best highway MPG | 44 mpg ✓ | 38 mpg |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $1,450 ✓ | $1,900 |
| Lowest CO2 output | 55 g/mi ✓ | 87 g/mi |
| Engines offered | SIDI; PHEV, SIDI & PFI, SIDI; Hybrid, SIDI | SIDI & PFI; Hybrid, SIDI & PFI, SIDI & PFI; PHEV, 2.5 |
| Transmissions | Automatic (AM-S6), Automatic (S8), Automatic (S6) | Automatic (AV-S6), Automatic (S8), Automatic (S6) |
| Drivetrains | All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive | Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Regular Gas and Electricity, Regular | Premium, Regular, Premium and Electricity |
| EPA class | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD |
| Years covered | 2015–2027 | 2015–2026 |
| Configurations on record | 69 | 58 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
Sportage vs NX: common questions
Which is better on gas, the Kia Sportage or the Lexus NX?
The Kia Sportage is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 43 mpg combined versus 40 mpg for the Lexus NX, a 3 mpg advantage and costs about $450 less per year to fuel.
Which costs less to run per year?
By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the Kia Sportage runs about $1,450 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $1,900 for the Lexus NX — a difference of roughly $450 per year.
What engines do the Sportage and NX offer?
Kia Sportage: SIDI; PHEV, SIDI & PFI, SIDI; Hybrid, SIDI. Lexus NX: SIDI & PFI; Hybrid, SIDI & PFI, SIDI & PFI; PHEV, 2.5.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
Yes — the EPA classifies both the Kia Sportage and the Lexus NX as Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD, so they compete directly.
More Sportage comparisons
Comparison id: kia-sportage-vs-lexus-nx