Are There Rear Speakers in a 2018 Kia Sportage? (Solved)

Are There Rear Speakers in a 2018 Kia Sportage?

Yes, all trim levels of the 2018 Kia Sportage come equipped with rear speakers located in the lower panels of the rear passenger doors. Depending on your specific trim level—LX, EX, or SX Turbo—the configuration ranges from a standard 6-speaker setup to a premium 8-speaker Harman Kardon® Surround Sound system.

In my experience testing various Kia Sportage models, many owners mistakenly believe their rear speakers are missing because the factory “Fade” setting is often biased toward the front. If you aren’t hearing audio from the back, it is likely a software setting or a specific audio mode rather than a lack of physical hardware.

Quick Summary: 2018 Kia Sportage Audio Specs

Key Takeaways for Sportage Owners

• Location: Rear speakers are always found in the rear door cards, not the C-pillars or the trunk.
• Trim Differences: The SX Turbo includes an upgraded amplifier and a dedicated subwoofer, significantly improving rear sound pressure.
• Troubleshooting: Check the UVO Infotainment settings; often, the “Fade” is set to “Front +2,” which mutes the rear experience.
• Speaker Size: The 2018 Kia Sportage typically uses 6.5-inch round speakers in both the front and rear doors.

Understanding the 2018 Kia Sportage Audio Layout

When we look at the interior architecture of the 2018 Kia Sportage, the audio engineers focused on “staging.” This means the speakers are positioned to create a “wall of sound” in front of the driver.

The Standard 6-Speaker System (LX & EX Trims)

The standard audio system is surprisingly robust for a base model. We have found that the 2018 Kia Sportage LX utilizes:

1. Two Tweeters: Located on the dash near the A-pillars.


2. Two Front Woofers: Located in the bottom of the front doors.


3. Two Rear Full-Range Speakers: These are located in the bottom of the rear doors.

The rear speakers in a 2018 Kia Sportage LX/EX are responsible for both mid-range and high frequencies. Because they are mounted low in the door, the sound can sometimes feel muffled if passengers are sitting in the back or if heavy floor mats are used.

The Premium 8-Speaker Harman Kardon System (SX Turbo)

If you are driving the SX Turbo or an EX with the Technology Package, you have one of the best audio systems in the compact SUV class. This system adds:

• A Center Channel Speaker in the middle of the dashboard.


• A Dedicated Subwoofer located in the right-side wall of the rear cargo area.


• Clari-Fi™ Music Restoration Technology, which fixes digitally compressed files (like Spotify or SiriusXM) in real-time.

Why You Might Think Your Rear Speakers Aren’t Working

In our shop, we frequently hear from Kia Sportage owners who think their rear speakers are dead. Before you assume you need a replacement, check these three common “invisible” issues.

The Infotainment “Fade” Setting

Kia’s UVO Infotainment system allows you to shift the sound balance.

• The Fix: Go to Setup > Sound > Position.


• Ensure the “crosshair” is centered in the middle of the cabin. If it is moved toward the top of the screen, the rear speakers will be silent.

QuantumLogic Surround Mode

On Harman Kardon equipped models, the QuantumLogic setting can sometimes process stereo signals in a way that minimizes rear output to simulate a “concert stage” feel. Turning this off often brings more traditional volume back to the rear doors.

Blown Factory Voice Coils

The factory speakers in the 2018 model use paper cones. If the previous owner consistently listened to bass-heavy music at high volumes, the rear speakers may have blown. You won’t hear total silence, but you will hear a “crackle” or a very thin, distorted sound.

Step-by-Step: How to Test Your Rear Speakers

If you are still wondering, “Are there rear speakers in a 2018 Kia Sportage?” follow this professional testing process:

1. Start the Engine: Ensure the battery has full voltage for the amplifier.
2. Select a High-Quality Source: Use a CD or a wired Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connection. Avoid FM radio as the signal can be weak.
3. Adjust the Fade: Move the audio balance 100% to the “Rear.”
4. Physical Inspection: Place your hand on the speaker grille at the bottom of the rear door. You should feel the vibration of the magnet and cone moving.
5. Check the Wiring: If one side works and the other doesn’t, the wiring harness inside the door bellows (the rubber boot between the door and the frame) may be pinched.

Upgrading Your 2018 Kia Sportage Rear Speakers

If you find that the factory rear speakers are lacking punch, upgrading them is a popular weekend project. We recommend looking for high-efficiency 6.5-inch coaxial speakers.

Recommended Upgrade Components

• Speaker Size: 6.5″ (Standard) or 6.75″ (with adapter).
• Mounting Depth: Keep it under 2.5 inches to ensure the window glass doesn’t hit the magnet when rolled down.
• Wiring Adapters: Use Metra 72-7301 connectors. These allow you to plug your new speakers directly into the Kia factory harness without cutting any wires, preserving your warranty.

The Benefit of Better Rear Speakers

While the driver sits in the front, the rear speakers provide “rear fill.” Upgrading these creates a much deeper “soundstage,” making the cabin feel larger and more premium. In my experience, even a $100 pair of Kicker or JBL speakers can outperform the factory paper cones significantly.

Other Notable Interior Features of the 2018 Kia Sportage

While the audio system is a highlight, the 2018 Sportage is packed with other tech features that complement the driving experience.

Connectivity and Navigation

• Apple CarPlay & Android Auto: Standard on the EX and SX trims, and available on the LX with the Popular Package. This integrates your phone’s music apps directly into the rear speaker system.
• UVO eServices: Provides vehicle diagnostics and parking minders via your smartphone.

Comfort and Utility

• Dual-Zone Climate Control: Found on EX and SX trims, ensuring rear passengers stay as comfortable as the driver.
• Reclining Rear Seats: A rare feature in this class that allows rear passengers to angle themselves better toward the door-mounted speakers for a better listening angle.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I add rear speakers to a 2018 Kia Sportage if it didn’t come with them?

Every 2018 Kia Sportage manufactured came with rear speakers from the factory. There is no trim level where they were omitted. If yours are missing, a previous owner likely removed them or the grilles are empty due to a custom modification.

What size are the rear speakers in a 2018 Kia Sportage?

The rear door speakers are 6.5 inches. This is a standard size, making it very easy to find aftermarket replacements from brands like Alpine, Sony, or Pioneer.

How do I remove the rear door panel to access the speakers?

You will need a Phillips head screwdriver and a plastic trim removal tool. There is a hidden screw behind the door handle cover and another inside the armrest pull-cup. Once these are removed, the panel “pops” off using plastic clips.

Does the 2018 Kia Sportage have speakers in the trunk?

Only models equipped with the Harman Kardon® system have a speaker in the trunk area—specifically an 8-inch subwoofer located on the passenger side of the cargo compartment. Standard trims do not have speakers in the rear cargo area.

Why is the volume lower in the rear speakers than the front?

This is by design. Kia engineers the system to prioritize the “front stage” for the driver. To balance the volume, you must manually adjust the Fade setting in the infotainment menu toward the rear by 2 or 3 notches.

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