Verified Performance Tests Updated May 2026 · 37 recorded runs

Kia Sportage 0–60 Times

The Kia Sportage 0–60 times and quarter-mile times below are from 37 recorded performance tests sourced from reputable automotive resources such as Car and Driver, Motor Trend and Motor Week and more.

The fastest tested Kia Sportage is the 2011 Kia Sportage SX T-GDI, which went from 0 to 60 mph in 6.10 seconds, reaching the ¼ mile in 14.70 seconds at 96.0 mph, according to Car and Driver.

The slowest tested Kia Sportage is the 1998 Kia Sportage SUV, which took 12.80 seconds to reach 60 mph, running the ¼ mile in 19.10 seconds at 72.0 mph, according to Car and Driver.

Out of all the Kia Sportage tests in our database, the average 0–60 mph time is 8.42 seconds. The average quarter-mile time is 16.38 seconds at 86.05 mph.

Fastest 0–60 6.10sec 2011 SX T-GDI · stock

Average 0–60 8.42sec Across 37 runs

Avg ¼ Mile 16.38sec @ 86.1 mph trap

Slowest 0–60 12.80sec 1998 SUV

Across 37 verified runs, the Kia Sportage ranges from 6.10 to 12.80 seconds 0–60, with a 8.42-second average.

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Kia Sportage Performance Overview

Kia’s Sportage has moved from basic compact-SUV pace to mid-pack modern crossover performance across 37 verified tests spanning 1996 to 2026. Early NB-generation examples used a 130-hp FE naturally aspirated four-cylinder and sat at the slow end of the model’s range, with the 1998 SUV taking 12.8 seconds to reach 60 mph, while the 1996 EX improved that to 11.8. The JE/KM generation brought V6 power and a modest step forward, led by the 2005 EX V6 at 10.2 seconds.

The major shift came with the 2010-2015 SL generation, when output expanded from 176 hp to 260 hp and turbocharging arrived through the Theta II family. That era produced the model’s quickest recorded result, the 2011 SX T-GDI at 6.1 seconds to 60 mph and a 14.7-second quarter-mile at 96 mph. The 2015-2021 QL generation broadly maintained that level, with the 2017 SX T-GDI posting 6.7 seconds.

Today’s NQ5 generation has widened the Sportage’s powertrain mix beyond gasoline to include hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions, with outputs ranging from 187 to 261 hp. Among current models, the 2023 PHEV X-Line Prestige at 6.9 seconds is the quickest tested, showing that the latest Sportage remains close to the turbocharged peak while adding electrified options.

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Kia Sportage 0–60 Times by Generation: NB to NQ5

5 generations

Generation	Years	Avg 0–60	Fastest 0–60	Tests	Notes
NQ5	2021–present	7.70s	6.90s — 2023 PHEV X-Line Prestige	12	The NQ5 generation (2021–present) averaged 7.70 seconds to 60 mph across 12 tests, led by the 2023 PHEV X-Line Prestige at 6.90 seconds. Output ranged from 187 to 261 hp across 1.6L Turbo I-4 + Elec, 1.6L Turbo I-4 + Elec 1.5-kWh, 2.5L I-4 configurations.
QL	2015–2021	7.71s	6.70s — 2017 SX T-GDI	9	The QL generation (2015–2021) averaged 7.71 seconds to 60 mph across 9 tests, led by the 2017 SX T-GDI at 6.70 seconds. Output ranged from 181 to 260 hp across 2.0L Turbo I-4, 2.4L I-4 configurations.
SL	2010–2015	8.37s	6.10s — 2011 SX T-GDI	11	The SL generation (2010–2015) averaged 8.37 seconds to 60 mph across 11 tests, led by the 2011 SX T-GDI at 6.10 seconds. Output ranged from 176 to 260 hp across 2.0L Turbo I-4, 2.4L I-4 configurations.
JE/KM	2004–2010	10.30s	10.20s — 2005 EX V6	2	The JE/KM generation (2004–2010) averaged 10.30 seconds to 60 mph across 2 tests, led by the 2005 EX V6 at 10.20 seconds. Output was 173 hp across 2.7L V6 configurations.
NB	1993–2004	12.37s	11.80s — 1996 EX	3	The NB generation (1993–2004) averaged 12.37 seconds to 60 mph across 3 tests, led by the 1996 EX at 11.80 seconds. Output was 130 hp across 2.0L I-4 configurations.

NQ5 2021–present

Avg 0–60 7.70s

Fastest 6.90s

Tests 12

2023 PHEV X-Line Prestige

The NQ5 generation (2021–present) averaged 7.70 seconds to 60 mph across 12 tests, led by the 2023 PHEV X-Line Prestige at 6.90 seconds. Output ranged from 187 to 261 hp across 1.6L Turbo I-4 + Elec, 1.6L Turbo I-4 + Elec 1.5-kWh, 2.5L I-4 configurations.

QL 2015–2021

Avg 0–60 7.71s

Fastest 6.70s

Tests 9

2017 SX T-GDI

The QL generation (2015–2021) averaged 7.71 seconds to 60 mph across 9 tests, led by the 2017 SX T-GDI at 6.70 seconds. Output ranged from 181 to 260 hp across 2.0L Turbo I-4, 2.4L I-4 configurations.

SL 2010–2015

Avg 0–60 8.37s

Fastest 6.10s

Tests 11

2011 SX T-GDI

The SL generation (2010–2015) averaged 8.37 seconds to 60 mph across 11 tests, led by the 2011 SX T-GDI at 6.10 seconds. Output ranged from 176 to 260 hp across 2.0L Turbo I-4, 2.4L I-4 configurations.

JE/KM 2004–2010

Avg 0–60 10.30s

Fastest 10.20s

Tests 2

2005 EX V6

The JE/KM generation (2004–2010) averaged 10.30 seconds to 60 mph across 2 tests, led by the 2005 EX V6 at 10.20 seconds. Output was 173 hp across 2.7L V6 configurations.

NB 1993–2004

Avg 0–60 12.37s

Fastest 11.80s

Tests 3

1996 EX

The NB generation (1993–2004) averaged 12.37 seconds to 60 mph across 3 tests, led by the 1996 EX at 11.80 seconds. Output was 130 hp across 2.0L I-4 configurations.

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Kia Sportage 0–60 Times by Year and Trim

37 tests · 12 years

▾

Model Year 12

2026 Kia Sportage

2 verified runs

Avg 0–60 7.40 sec

Avg ¼ Mile 15.55 sec

Recorded Tests 2

#10

2026 Kia Sportage HEV SX-Prestige

7.30sec 0–60

0.0s · 0mph 0.0s · 0mph

15.60s ¼ mi @ 90.3 mph

▾

0–60 mph: 7.30 sec
¼ Mile ET: 15.60 sec
Trap Speed: 90.3 mph
Engine: 1.6L Turbo I-4 + Elec 1.5-kWh
Drivetrain: AWD
Transmission: 6A
Horsepower: 231 hp
Torque: 271 lb-ft
Curb Weight: 3,900 lbs
Power-to-Weight: 16.9 lbs/hp
MPG EPA: 35 C / 36 H
Production Vehicle
Body Type: Crossover
Powertrain: Hybrid
Test Source: Motor Trend
Overall Rank: #10 of 37

#15

2026 Kia Sportage HEV SX-Prestige

7.50sec 0–60

0.0s · 0mph 0.0s · 0mph

15.50s ¼ mi @ 91.0 mph

▾

0–60 mph: 7.50 sec
¼ Mile ET: 15.50 sec
Trap Speed: 91.0 mph
Engine: 1.6L Turbo I-4 + Elec 1.5-kWh
Drivetrain: AWD
Transmission: 6A
Horsepower: 231 hp
Torque: 271 lb-ft
Curb Weight: 3,900 lbs
Power-to-Weight: 16.9 lbs/hp
MPG EPA: 35 C / 36 H / 36 Obs
Production Vehicle
Body Type: Crossover
Powertrain: Hybrid
Test Source: Motor Week
Overall Rank: #15 of 37

How we verify Kia Sportage performance data

We include only independently published road-test results from automotive publications. Manufacturer-claimed 0–60 times are excluded unless clearly labeled. When multiple publications test the same Kia Sportage trim, each run is listed separately — weather, tires, surface, rollout, and instrumentation all affect results.

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Kia Sportage 0–60 and quarter-mile distribution

0–60 vs ¼ mile · lower-left is faster

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Kia Sportage performance FAQs

11 questions

The 2026 Kia Sportage HEV SX-Prestige reaches 60 mph in 7.3 to 7.5 seconds across recorded tests. Current 2026 quarter-mile results are 15.5 to 15.6 seconds, with trap speeds of 90.3 to 91 mph. Those runs come from the 231-hp, 271-lb-ft AWD hybrid model.

The quickest Kia Sportage on record is the 2011 Sportage SX T-GDI, which runs 0-60 mph in 6.1 seconds. It also owns the model’s fastest quarter-mile result at 14.7 seconds at 96 mph. That makes the third-generation turbo SX the performance benchmark for the Sportage nameplate.

The fastest stock Kia Sportage is also the overall quickest one tested: the 2011 SX T-GDI at 6.1 seconds from 0-60 mph. Since all 37 recorded Sportage tests are production vehicles, there is no modified result ahead of it. Its 14.7-second quarter-mile at 96 mph is the best stock Sportage quarter-mile as well.

Across 37 verified Kia Sportage tests, the average 0-60 mph time is 8.42 seconds. The average quarter-mile is 16.38 seconds at 86.1 mph. That overall spread includes everything from the 12.8-second 1998 Sportage SUV to the 6.1-second 2011 SX T-GDI, showing how much Sportage performance has improved over time.

The fifth-generation Kia Sportage, code NQ5, averages 7.7 seconds from 0-60 mph across 12 tests. The fastest NQ5 result is 6.9 seconds, set by the 2023 PHEV X-Line Prestige. This generation spans 2021 onward and includes gasoline, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid powertrains with outputs ranging from 187 to 261 hp.

The quickest NQ5-generation Kia Sportage is the 2023 PHEV X-Line Prestige, with a 0-60 mph time of 6.9 seconds. Within the current fifth-generation lineup, that makes the plug-in hybrid the fastest version on record. The NQ5 generation as a whole averages 7.7 seconds to 60 mph over 12 tests.

The third-generation Kia Sportage, code SL, averages 8.37 seconds from 0-60 mph across 11 tests. Its quickest run is 6.1 seconds from the 2011 SX T-GDI, which is also the fastest Sportage ever tested. SL models ran with naturally aspirated and turbocharged gasoline engines ranging from 176 to 260 hp.

The fastest fourth-generation Kia Sportage, code QL, is the 2017 SX T-GDI at 6.7 seconds from 0-60 mph. Across nine tests, the QL generation averages 7.71 seconds. That puts it behind the quickest SL-generation turbo model, but still notably quicker than the earlier JE/KM and NB generations.

No. On record, the quickest hybrid Sportage result is 7.3 seconds from 0-60 mph for the 2026 HEV SX-Prestige, while the fastest plug-in hybrid Sportage is the 2023 PHEV X-Line Prestige at 6.9 seconds. Popular-trim averages also favor the plug-in hybrid, with 7.0 seconds versus 7.4 seconds for HEV SX-Prestige models.

The fastest SX T-GDI-badged Kia Sportage is the 2011 SX T-GDI, which reaches 60 mph in 6.1 seconds. Across 10 SX T-GDI tests, the trim averages 7.2 seconds and never does better than that 6.1-second run. It remains the strongest-performing Sportage trim family overall.

Across all 37 Kia Sportage tests, the average quarter-mile time is 16.38 seconds at 86.1 mph. The quickest Sportage quarter-mile on record is 14.7 seconds at 96 mph, set by the 2011 SX T-GDI. For the current 2026 HEV SX-Prestige, quarter-mile results fall between 15.5 and 15.6 seconds.

Sources

Car and Driver

Motor Trend

Motor Week

0–60 and quarter-mile times vary with driver, weather, tire temperature, and wear. We collect every verified run we can find — so you see the range of what a Kia Sportage can do, not a single marketing claim.

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