Quick Take: 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid
We recently managed to get a first drive of the 2023 Kia Sportage with the hybrid powertrain, which allows the popular SUV to get 38 miles per gallon in the city, highway, and combined. As the compact SUV segment becomes more competitive than ever, Kia needed to update its entry, making the design both inside and outside stand out against ever more aggressive entrants in the market. After spending some time behind the wheel, we think the Sportage will appeal to more people than ever before.
Compared to the last-generation model, the 2023 Sportage offers more space and creature comforts than before. Our test vehicle was a top-end SX-Prestige trim level version which had numerous features once reserved for SUVs with MSRPs than were tens of thousands more. Notable equipment included a panoramic sunroof, hands-free power liftgate, Harman/Kardon sound system, smart cruise control with stop-and-go capability, a surround view monitor for parking, and ventilated front seats.
With an electric motor and battery paired to a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine as well as a 6-speed automatic transmission, the Sportage Hybrid was no slouch driving up Highway 1. Those who plan to venture off a beaten path will appreciate the all-wheel-drive system with its center-locking differential. Ride quality was exceptional even with the 18-inch alloy wheels and the seats were very supportive. Rear seat passengers will appreciate the reclining capability while the interior was on par (if not better than) luxury SUVs costing twice as much, helped by the dual 12.3-inch screens on the dashboard.
As for overall appearance, our test Sportage was optioned with the shadow matte gray paint which drew comments from onlookers, many of whom thought the Sportage was from a luxury brand. The MSRP of our loaded test vehicle was $38,155, making it thousands of dollars less to purchase compared to other SUVs with similar features and capabilities than our Sportage had. We’re looking forward to directly comparing the 2023 Sportage with the other compact SUVs on the market and we anticipate that many minds will be changed.
