2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid Review

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.