In a section dominated by standouts just like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, it is arduous to take the market by storm with a brand new compact crossover. That did not deter Kia when it launched the first-generation Sportage again in 1993, however the South Korean crossover by no means actually felt on-par with its Japanese rivals. Quick ahead to 2022 and the fifth-generation 2023 Kia Sportage is able to change that narrative. The Sportage is Kia’s best-seller within the US, and it seems like the corporate put each effort into this new one to seize much more market share.
Enter the 2023 Sportage Hybrid, the primary electrified Sportage ever. Whereas the gasoline mannequin solely will get 187 horsepower and as much as 28 mpg mixed, Kia took the Toyota method by making the hybrid extra highly effective and extra environment friendly. A 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder pairs with an electrical motor to ship 227 hp and as much as 43 mpg mixed; one of the best of each worlds. With one-of-a-kind styling, a nicely thought out inside, aggressive pricing, and an environment friendly drivetrain, the Sportage Hybrid takes Kia’s compact crossover from forgettable to a possible class chief.
Drivetrain: Higher Than The Numbers
Kia’s hybrid drivetrain is exclusive from lots of its opponents as a result of it makes use of a six-speed computerized transmission somewhat than a direct drive (or eCVT). Eager drivers might desire this setup, because it avoids the rubber-bandy energy supply and engine drone sometimes related to hybrids. Acceleration feels enough with 227 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque on faucet.
This “sportier” really feel comes on the detriment of smoothness although, and we do not suppose the Sportage Hybrid matches the RAV4 Hybrid on this regard. Ditto for Kia’s hybrid calibration; modulating the throttle to maintain the engine off is less complicated with Toyota, however we did get extra aware of find out how to maximize the Sportage’s gas economic system after a full week of driving.
The Sportage Hybrid is rated at 42/44/43 mpg metropolis/freeway/mixed on the front-wheel-drive LX trim. All different trims get all-wheel drive as normal, rated at 38 mpg in all three classes. In a full week, we managed to exceed these estimates and obtain a 41-mpg common with combined driving.
Inside: Kia Cleverness
After proving it may construct a luxury-quality inside at an reasonably priced worth with the Telluride, Kia is transferring its cabin design downmarket to smaller fashions just like the Sportage. A big 12.3-inch touchscreen sits on the sprint (an eight-inch touchscreen is normal on the LX) with clear graphics and intuitive UI. Sadly, wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto nonetheless evades Kia’s bigger screens. The gauge cluster contains a fusion of retro and futuristic design, and we predict it would look dated shortly. Not like the gauges, the two-tone Misty Grey and Triton Navy SynTex artificial leather-based upholstery seems to be fashionable and forward-thinking with out being cheesy.
Even our mid-level EX tester was full of creature comforts like heated entrance seats, a heated steering wheel, spectacular lane-keep help, dual-zone local weather management, and a wi-fi charging pad. Kia’s lane-keep help is likely one of the finest within the enterprise, however we want the EX included adaptive cruise management, which is just normal on the SX Status. There are such a lot of intelligent touches on this cabin. Some examples embrace the pop-out cupholders, USB-C ports constructed into the entrance seats, and quite a few bag hooks within the again seat.
Exterior: Placing The Sport In Sportage
The Sportage would not have stood out in a crowd of crossovers earlier than, however this new mannequin goes in a vastly completely different styling path. Kia designed a particular iteration of its Tiger nostril grille that integrates the unique-looking, X-shaped headlights. This design will not be to everybody’s tastes, however no less than it isn’t mundane.
Our tester stood out even additional with its enticing Vesta Blue paint, which is daring with out being offensive. Kia stretched the Sportage by 7.1 inches on this technology with a 3.4-inch wheelbase enhance. These modifications lend to a extra substantial look with a number of advantages by way of area and trip consolation.
Practicality: Unmatched House
Because of the Sportage’s development spurt for this technology, it now leads the compact crossover class in plenty of essential inside classes. For instance, the rear seats supply 41.3 inches of legroom, which is greater than any competitor. Entrance-seat area is equally beneficiant with 41.4 inches of legroom. Behind these rear seats, the trunk measures 39.5 cubic toes of area, as soon as once more a class-leading quantity. Dropping the rear seats down opens the Sportage as much as 73.7 cubes, a quantity that is close to the highest of the section.
Pricing And Verdict: Get The Hybrid
The 2023 Sportage begins at $25,990 for the gas-powered LX trim, making it one of many extra reasonably priced entry factors in its section. Stepping as much as the LX Hybrid brings the value to $27,290, a $1,300 enhance. That worth delta varies relying on the trim however given the hybrid’s efficiency and effectivity will increase, we predict it is simply definitely worth the spend. Our EX Hybrid begins at $30,990 plus a $1,500 Premium Package deal with a panoramic sunroof, hands-free carry gate, and LED inside lighting. If you’d like the fully-loaded SX Status Hybrid, it is obtainable for $36,190.
For an much more electrified expertise, Kia additionally affords a Sportage Plug-In Hybrid that bumps the output to 261 hp and provides a focused 32 miles of electrical driving vary. The PHEV solely is available in X-Line and X-Line Status trims ($38,490 and $42,990, respectively). We love how the X-Line seems to be on the outside however since these fashions now not embrace a federal tax credit score, we do not know if they’re definitely worth the premium over the usual hybrid.