In brief, the 2013 Kia Sportage offered two gasoline engines in the United States: a 2.4-liter inline-4 with 176 horsepower, and a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 delivering around 260 horsepower on the SX Turbo.
Beyond the U.S. lineup, engine choices varied by market, with diesel options existing in Europe and other regions, while the turbocharged 2.0-liter was reserved for certain trims in many markets.
Engine options in the United States (2013 model year)
The following summarizes the two gasoline engines offered in the U.S. for the 2013 Sportage, along with typical transmission and drivetrain options.
- 2.4-liter inline-4 gasoline engine (GDI): 176 horsepower and 168 lb-ft of torque. Typically paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Drivetrain options included front-wheel drive (FWD) as standard and all-wheel drive (AWD) as an option on certain trims.
- 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 gasoline engine (GDI): about 260 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque. Also paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. AWD was available, particularly on the SX Turbo trim; FWD versions were less common.
In practice, the base 2.4L covered daily driving needs with good efficiency, while the 2.0L turbo offered stronger acceleration and sportier performance for buyers who chose the SX Turbo.
International variations
Outside the United States, the Sportage lineup included different powertrains, including diesel options such as a 1.7-liter CRDi and a 2.0-liter CRDi in several markets, reflecting regional demand for diesel efficiency.
Note that availability could vary by country, trim level, and model year, so buyers in other regions might see different engine options than those described above for the U.S. market.
Summary
The 2013 Kia Sportage offered two gasoline engines in the U.S.: a 2.4L I4 (176 hp) as the standard engine and a 2.0L turbocharged I4 (about 260 hp) on the SX Turbo, with transmission usually a 6-speed automatic and options for FWD or AWD depending on trim. Market variations included diesel engines in many regions.
What engine is in a 2013 Kia Sportage?
Yes, the following 2013 Sportage trims have turbo engines: SX Sport Utility 4D with a 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter. The following 2013 Sportage trims do not have turbo engines: Sport Utility 4D with a 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter, LX Sport Utility 4D with a 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter, etc.
What is the most common problem with a 2013 Kia Sportage?
Transmission and engine
Some Kia Sportage models have been plagued with engine issues, including problems with repeated stalling, misfires, and even engine failure. Some of these issues have been linked to problems with excessive engine oil consumption, which is an issue that affects many four-cylinder engines.
Which Kia engine to stay away from?
2.4 l Theta II 4 cylinder engines were the absolute worst. Some burned crazy oil at 25k. KIA and Hyundai refused to replace them, even under warranty. Lawsuits galore before the manufacturer finally caved after years and years of known problems.
What year to stay away from Kia Sportage?
The 2012 and 2017 Sportage managed to rack up the most customer complaints overall — far more than other model years. More recent 2019-2025 Sportage models come with the least baggage! Engine stopped working: Many drivers of older 2011-2017 Sportage models report needing a complete engine rebuild.