The Kia Sportage was completely redesigned for the 2023 model year, and for the first time, there's an available hybrid model. It's the brand's third hybrid SUV, positioned above the smaller hybrid Niro and below the larger Sorento Hybrid. Looking at it, most won't think it's a Sportage because it looks nothing like the previous model and its interior is a vast improvement over the last one. The compact SUV is larger, offering more passenger and cargo room. In fact, its cargo now offers more space than the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and Honda CR-V Hybrid.
Under the hood is a fuel-sipping hybrid powertrain that consists of a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, a hybrid battery pack and a six-speed automatic transmission. The total system output is 227 horsepower, which is a bit more than you'll find in the CR-V Hybrid (204 hp) and RAV4 Hybrid (219 hp). The front-wheel drive model gets an impressive EPA-estimated 43 mpg combined, and the all-wheel-drive model is rated at 38 mpg.
The Sportage's new interior has a very modern look thanks to its available 12.3-inch digital instrument panel that's paired with an available 12.3-inch touchscreen display. Both displays share the same curved housing, giving the impression that it's one large continuous display. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration is standard, and a wireless charging pad and a new surround-view camera system are optional. Kia didn't forget about safety and loaded the Sportage with an impressive array of standard advanced driver aids like lane keeping assist, and if that isn't enough, there is a long list of additional tech features such as a navigation-based adaptive cruise control system that can slow down before curves.
When it comes to comfort, the new Sportage Hybrid has you covered. The interior provides ample room for all passengers, and the back seats have a class-leading 41.3 inches of legroom. The seats are comfortable and offer solid support, and the interior is serene at speed. Ride quality is smooth as the suspension effectively masks most road imperfections. The hybrid powertrain has capable acceleration and it's noticeably quicker than the non-hybrid model.
There's a lot to like about the all-new Sportage Hybrid, making it a strong choice for a compact hybrid SUV. Besides going toe-to-toe with the RAV4 Hybrid and CR-V Hybrid, it also competes with the Escape Hybrid and its Hyundai counterpart, the Tucson Hybrid. Check out our test team's Expert Rating below to help you decide on which hybrid SUV is best for you.
The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid is a compact SUV that's offered in three trim levels: LX, EX and SX Prestige. It's powered by a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a hybrid system. The total system output is 227 horsepower. You have a choice of front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive in the base LX trim, but the EX and SX Prestige are only available with AWD.
The 2022 CR-V Hybrid is one of our highest-ranked hybrid SUVs, but it was completely redesigned for 2023 and could be even better. We still don't have complete information as of this writing, but we do know that Honda made improvements to the hybrid powertrain, and all hybrid models will come standard with all-wheel drive. Thanks to the new CR-V's larger dimensions we expect more passenger and cargo room, which is good because the 2022 model offers less interior space than the Sportage. On the downside, the new CR-V Hybrid's price will likely rise because the hybrid powertrain is reserved for higher trim levels.
The RAV4 Hybrid is one of the oldest hybrid SUVs around, but that doesn't make it the better buy. If you opt for the base Sportage with front-wheel drive it gets you 5 more mpg (combined driving) than the RAV4. However, with all-wheel drive it's 2 mpg less efficient than the RAV4, which is AWD-only. The Sportage Hybrid boasts more cargo space and more rear legroom, and it's more affordable than the RAV4 Hybrid. Thanks to its redesign, the Sportage Hybrid looks more modern inside and out and offers superior tech.
The Tucson Hybrid is the Sportage Hybrid's counterpart from Hyundai. Both use the same hybrid powertrain and have similar fuel economy with all-wheel drive, but the Sportage's base front-wheel-drive model is significantly more fuel-efficient. Both cabins are large, providing plenty of passenger and cargo space. Each also boasts excellent ride quality and have similar tech. Choosing between the two will likely come down to looks or price. The Kia has a lower starting price but doesn't offer as many standard features, including adaptive cruise control and heated front seats.
The 2023 Kia Sportage is fully redesigned, and the Sportage Hybrid is the new fuel-sipping version. Highlights for this redesign include more interior passenger and cargo space, new technology features and distinctive styling. This is also the first time Kia has offered a hybrid powertrain on the Sportage.
The new Sportage Hybrid has a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, hybrid battery pack and six-speed automatic transmission. Kia estimates that total system output is 226 horsepower, which is similar to the outputs of the CR-V Hybrid (212 hp) and RAV4 Hybrid (219 hp). Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is optional.
One of the downsides with the 2022 Sportage is the lack of space inside the cabin. Its length places it right in between the extra-small and small SUV classes, so buyers looking for a family-friendly SUV but don't need the three-row Sorento may be disappointed. Kia heard the feedback and increased the 2023 model's overall length and wheelbase to give it considerably more rear passenger legroom and cargo space. There's 39.5 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats, which is excellent. (A RAV4 Hybrid, which is quite roomy, has 37.5 cubes.)
Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration comes standard on all trim levels. Buyers can opt for a digital gauge cluster on higher trims, which makes the instrument cluster look like it has a single 24-inch panoramic screen.
The Sportage Hybrid has not been formally tested by the EPA, but Kia is targeting 39 mpg in combined city/highway driving. If Kia's estimate holds up, the Sportage Hybrid should be right in the mix with the other small SUV hybrids for overall fuel efficiency. Kia also expects the Sportage Hybrid to have a driving range of more than 500 miles on a tank of fuel.
Edmunds saysWith sleeker looks, more space and greater fuel efficiency, the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid makes a compelling case for those in need of a small SUV. Check back with Edmunds in the coming months for additional information and our full test of the Sportage Hybrid.
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid:
The least-expensive 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid is the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid LX 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 6A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $27,490.
Other versions include:
