Kia Sportage vs Lexus RX
The Kia Sportage is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 43 mpg combined versus 36 mpg for the Lexus RX, a 7 mpg advantage and costs about $650 less per year to fuel.
Across 5 measured categories, the Kia Sportage leads in 5. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.
2015–2027
Kia Sportage
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 69 configurations
2015–2026
Lexus RX
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 59 configurations
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Kia Sportage | Lexus RX |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 43 mpg ✓ | 36 mpg |
| Best city MPG | 42 mpg ✓ | 37 mpg |
| Best highway MPG | 44 mpg ✓ | 34 mpg |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $1,450 ✓ | $2,100 |
| Lowest CO2 output | 55 g/mi ✓ | 89 g/mi |
| Engines offered | SIDI; PHEV, SIDI & PFI, SIDI; Hybrid, SIDI | SIDI & PFI, SIDI & PFI; Hybrid, SIDI & PFI; PHEV, 3.5 |
| Transmissions | Automatic (AM-S6), Automatic (S8), Automatic (S6) | Automatic (S8), Automatic (AV-S6), Automatic (S6) |
| Drivetrains | All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive | Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Regular Gas and Electricity, Regular | Premium, Premium and Electricity, Regular |
| EPA class | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD |
| Years covered | 2015–2027 | 2015–2026 |
| Configurations on record | 69 | 59 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
Sportage vs RX: common questions
Which is better on gas, the Kia Sportage or the Lexus RX?
The Kia Sportage is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 43 mpg combined versus 36 mpg for the Lexus RX, a 7 mpg advantage and costs about $650 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 $2,100 for the Lexus RX — a difference of roughly $650 per year.
What engines do the Sportage and RX offer?
Kia Sportage: SIDI; PHEV, SIDI & PFI, SIDI; Hybrid, SIDI. Lexus RX: SIDI & PFI, SIDI & PFI; Hybrid, SIDI & PFI; PHEV, 3.5.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
Yes — the EPA classifies both the Kia Sportage and the Lexus RX as Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD, so they compete directly.
More Sportage comparisons
Comparison id: kia-sportage-vs-lexus-rx