Review: Popular KIA Sportage Hybrid (HEV) Provides Pathway to Electrification

The Kia Sportage is a compact crossover SUV that was originally produced in 1993 as a body-on-frame chassis making it an SUV. It was later transitioned in its second generation to a car-based platform placing it into the compact crossover SUV class. The Sportage has always been one of Kia's top-selling models around the world because of its reputation as a sharp, sporty exterior design vehicle with a spacious cabin, and a long list of standard features. It's easy to see why it receives praise as an excellent value proposition. It earned the Best-Selling Kia model globally in 2016 after surpassing the Kia Rio and in 2018, the model reached the 5 million production milestone

New for 2023

In terms of performance, the Sportage has offered in the past a choice of two petro engines: a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produced 181 horsepower and a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 240 horsepower. But that is no longer the case, this spring the all-new fifth-generation Sportage will offer for the first time, a hybrid version to its already successful petro Sportage options. The hybrid powertrain combines a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine with a 44-kilowatt motor to achieve up to 43 mpg. The seamless electrified performance of the engine and motor will produce 227 horsepower channeled to either the front wheels or an active all-wheel-drive system. That 48mpg translates to an estimated range of 500 miles. For even more perspective, that means you could load the family up and take a trip from Dallas Texas to Kansas City Missouri, or New Orleans on one tank of gas.

The new Sportage Hybrid SUV marks yet another step in Kia's advance on sustainable mobility, as part of our global 'Plan S' efforts. In addition to paving a new pathway to electrification, the Sportage Hybrid also delivers superb driving dynamics, cutting-edge design, and a vast array of technology for a world-class in-car experience.

Sean Yoon, president and CEO, Kia America, Kia North America

The Sportage will have a new platform that is also used on the Kia Sorento line of vehicles. This allows the Sportage to add an additional 7.1 inches to its overall length which translates to a new longer wheelbase of 3.4 inches, best-in-class rear legroom at 41.3 inches, and best-in-class rear cargo capacity of 39.5 cu-ft. of space. This new Sorento will achieve the distinction of going from one of the smallest SUVs in its class to one of the largest.

The new platform is more rigid because of the use of hot-stamped parts and ultra-high-strength steel for increased average tensile strength and torsional stiffness. The stronger platform allows the Sportage to also be Best-In-Class with a towing capacity of 2,000 lbs. That's enough for a pop-up camper or a trailered jet ski. That extra strength provides for better overall driving dynamics for a safer ride, and minimized road, wind, and engine noise with superior sound absorbing and insulating materials.

This new Sportage will be taller, wider, stronger, and quieter all the while producing 48mpg. I don't think the Sportage is going to lose its standing as the lead sled dog in the Kia fleet or its excellent value proposition. So, if you are looking for a practical and enjoyable crossover SUV that provides a safe and comfortable ride, with composed handling, and good fuel efficiency I would highly suggest you visit a dealer and see what all the worldly fuss is about.

Specifications

Engine: 1.6-liter turbo GDI engine, 44kW permanent magnet electric motor
Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission with rotary style shifter
Wheels: 18” Dark Gray Alloy
Sound: Harman-Kardon9 premium audio system
Color: Shadow Matt Gray
Fuel: Up to 43 mpg in FWD
MSRP (starts): $38,530

Learn More

For more information or to test drive this vehicle for yourself, stop by a local dealer or visit online at:
KIA | Sportage