Kia Sportage Hybrid
With the debut of the fifth-generation Sportage in 2023, Kia added a hybrid-powered variant. The Sportage Hybrid benefits from the fifth-gen model’s numerous upgrades, most notably a roomier and more refined cabin. And thanks to its electrically assisted powertrain, the hybrid version also boasts better acceleration and fuel economy than the standard Sportage, earning as much as 43 miles per gallon in mixed driving, according to the EPA. On the downside, some may find its bold exterior styling unappealing. Additionally, despite its added power, the Sportage Hybrid lacks much in the way of driving excitement.
With the debut of the fifth-generation Sportage in 2023, Kia added a hybrid-powered variant. The Sportage Hybrid benefits from the fifth-gen model’s numerous upgrades, most notably a roomier and more refined cabin. And thanks to its electrically assisted powertrain, the hybrid version also boasts better acceleration and fuel economy than the standard Sportage, earning as much as 43 miles per gallon in mixed driving, according to the EPA. On the downside, some may find its bold exterior styling unappealing. Additionally, despite its added power, the Sportage Hybrid lacks much in the way of driving excitement.
Kia Sportage Hybrid Model Lineup
The Sportage Hybrid is a hybrid-powered variant of Kia’s popular compact crossover SUV, the Sportage. The five-seater slots between the subcompact Niro Hybrid and the midsize Sorento Hybrid in the Korean automaker’s lineup of hybrid sport utility vehicles. The Sportage Hybrid shares a platform and some components with the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, which is made by Kia’s sister company.
Motivating the Sportage Hybrid is a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors and a small battery pack. Together, they produce 227 horsepower, which is routed via a six-speed automatic transmission to the front wheels in the base LX trim and to all four wheels in higher trims (EX and SX Prestige). Kia also makes a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version of the Sportage, which is reviewed separately.
Kia offers the Sportage Hybrid in three trims: the entry-level LX, the mid-range EX, and the full-loaded SX Prestige. Standard equipment on the LX includes LED headlights, rear parking sensors, a digital instrument panel, dual-zone automatic climate control, and an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Also standard is forward collision mitigation and lane-keeping assist. The EX adds heated front seats, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, a heated steering wheel, a wireless smartphone charger, an upgraded 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, and blind-spot monitoring and intervention. The top-tier SX Prestige further includes a panoramic sunroof (optional on the EX), a power-adjustable passenger seat, ventilated front seats, premium Harman Kardon audio, a surround-view camera, front parking sensors, and adaptive cruise control.