2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid

Donning a striking and far more distinctive design for its fifth generation, the 2023 Kia Sportage promises a significantly improved experience over its predecessor. Not only has the new Sportage embraced a more extroverted design, but the SUV has also grown in size to provide even more cabin room and cargo space. The Sportage now comes in hybrid and plug-in hybrid format, both equipped with a 1.6-liter turbo-four engine supplemented by a single electric motor and battery. In the Hybrid, the powertrain develops up to 227 horsepower, making it more powerful and responsive than the 187-hp four-cylinder engine in the gasoline-only Sportage. With a more powerful electric motor and larger battery pack, the powertrain in the PHEV provides even more grunt, and grants the Sportage a 32-mile all-electric driving range. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard across the board and, while the entry-spec HEV can be had in either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, the rest of lineup comes exclusively in AWD.

The new Sportage SUV also comes extensively outfitted with comforts, conveniences, and some truly impressive tech, and can tow up to 2,000-pounds when properly equipped. Though some stalwart competitors such as the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, and even the Ford Escape Hybrid are more conventionally styled, the Sportage makes a strong case for itself.

Its striking boomerang LED headlights, bold new bodywork, and extroverted presence may not be everyone's cup of tea following the Kia Sportage's redesign, but with both the new HEV and PHEV offering more power, more room, and more in the way of high-end technology, the Sportage is a compelling package. Hybrid models make a combined 277 hp, which is more than what the gas models produce; sadly, the numb steering and unexciting drive don't do the Sportage Hybrid any favors. It works in the city environment, however, with an easy-to-drive nature that makes regular excursions pleasant enough. It's fairly fuel-efficient, too, and if you're willing to spend the extra money, the PHEV will also offer you a decent 32-miles of range on a single charge.

The Sportage is dependable and comfortable, and with the increase of over seven inches in length and a 3.4-inch longer wheelbase, there is now more room for rear-seat passengers and cargo, too. Occupants also get to enjoy the abundance of new tech Kia has equipped the compact SUV with, including a massive 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen that comes with full smartphone integration and an available dual panoramic curved display that joins two screens for up to 25-inches of screen space. The Sportage also comes standard with a comprehensive consignment of advanced driver-assistance features and safety gear, including driver attention warning, lane following assist, lane keep assist, forward collision avoidance, and reverse parking distance warning. There are even more impressive features available on the options list, making the family crossover a value-for-money buy.

With a starting price of just $27,290, the entry-spec FWD Sportage HEV LX is a really attractive offer for an eco-friendly, compact crossover. The AWD Sportage HEV LX comes in at $29,090, which is still relatively persuasive considering what the Sportage Hybrid offers compared to its core competitors. At $30,990, the Sportage HEV EX is a far more compelling option as it comes with plenty more in terms of comforts and conveniences for just a bit extra. The top-spec SX Prestige has a sticker price of $36,190 before options. Kia is yet to release pricing for the PHEV lineup.

All prices are exclusive of any tax, licensing, and registration fees, and do not include Kia's $1,255 destination charge.