The world is becoming more and more environmentally responsible, so it makes sense to incline toward the hybrid counterparts for any gas model. However, being an environmental enthusiast is just one of the reasons why people would want the Kia Sportage Hybrid. In hindsight, the gas model has performed mediocrely in terms of performance and efficiency, which has turned heads towards the hybrid model. But it's not just about power and efficiency. Kia's hybrid approach to its Sportage lineup offers more cutting-edge design and advanced features. But why would you go for this crossover SUV over other options in the market? That is precisely what I will walk you through with the following 10 reasons and give an in-depth exploration of what makes this car a top pick for drivers who value practicality, style, and innovation.
1 The Kia Sportage Hybrid Is Silent But Powerful
A recurrent issue with the Sportage gas model was the engine noise. This happens because Kia tends to keep its vehicles on the entry-level spectrum with minimum soundproofing. Hence, a lot of people had this concern going towards the hybrid. However, surprisingly, Kia did a fantastic job making sure the Hybrid Sportage is as quiet and smooth as possible. On top of it, the switch between gas and electric is fairly seamless. Hence, you get to enjoy the electrified power boost without any stutter or clunk. Even on the highways, the Sportage Hybrid tends to turn into the EV mode, which further adds to the quietness and comfort of the cabin. A good chunk of the credit also goes to the advanced insulation and sound-deadening materials, ensuring the cabin remains whisper-quiet, even in noisy or windy conditions.
2 It Offers Impressive Performance
The biggest reason why the Hybrid model wins over the gas model is the extra power boost. This will excite any aggressive driver who likes those quick maneuvers and off-the-line starts. The crossover SUV boasts 227 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, which gives you the satisfaction demanded by a hybrid powertrain. On top of it, the 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine combined with the powertrain ensures you get to 0-60 mph in a mere 7.1 seconds. Now that's impressive for a car of its size, which we often categorize as a family car. But speed isn't the only forte for this hybrid model by Kia. The automaker has also ensured drivers get absolute pleasure with handling and response with a well-tuned suspension. Oh, and how can we forget the standard All-Wheel-Drive except for the base model, which is just an excellent addition for stability and traction in varying driving conditions.
3 The Hybrid Kia Sportage SUV Is Incredibly Safe
Kia designed the Sportage with power, efficiency, space, and safety in mind. Hence, you can rest assured that your loved ones, the family dog, and the bags will reach your destination quickly, efficiently, and safely. In fact, the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid has won several accolades as one of the safest crossover SUVs in its class. If all of this wasn't enough, Kia also offers a host of safety features for added comfort, such as the Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go and the Lane Keeping and Following Assists. On top of it, you get to experience the Standard Auto Emergency Braking Technology minimizing the risks of collisions. I can go on and on about it, but it is safe to say that the Hybrid Sportage is one of the safest crossover SUVs for its size category.
4 It Is Spacious And Practical
Shot of the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid with the rear seats folded
Space is one of the strongest suites of Kia's Hybrid Sportage, with the manufacturer claiming best-in-class cargo and legroom. Especially when compared to the rivals such as Honda CR-V Hybrid and the Toyota RAV4. Five people can fit in more than comfortably alongside the family dog, which I keep coming back to. In terms of cargo space, you get an impressive 39.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats. On top of it, you can fold the rear seats to create additional space taking the total to 73.7 cubic feet. This makes it a highly practical family vehicle, especially when going on long road trips with large cargo. Oh, and it's spacious within the cabin in the sense that you get tons of storage cubbies and compartments to keep your personal belongings in place.
5 This Kia Hybrid SUV Is Efficient And Eco-Friendly
Obviously, it's a hybrid, so it sure comes off as friendly to the environment. However, as for mileage, Kia has advertised it as 43 MPG combined. That is for the Front wheel drive base model. You can expect around 38 MPG for the All-Wheel-Drive models for city and highway combined. But let's not just rely on manufacturer numbers. Real-life scenarios are different, as we see in Edmunds' test, where they only achieved 34.5 MPG on the highway. However, they do claim that rival models from other automakers also underperformed, so Kia takes the win. Nevertheless, city driving is a pleasure with this one as it offers better fuel economy for day-to-day driving, where it takes greater advantage of its hybrid powertrain.
6 It Is Sleek And Stylish On The Outside
If I were to take Kia's word for it, then they have made the exterior "Made to be seen." Now that's a bold statement for a compact SUV, but we must give credit to the automaker for doing a commendable job. The distinct LED taillights and headlights not only add to the aesthetic but also enhance visibility. We see similar aesthetic excellence near the road with 8.3 inches of ground clearance. This makes the 17-inch aero or 18-inch design alloy wheels look cool while on the move. Oh, and if you compare it to last year's model, you get seven inches more in length. Moreover, the front grille has a distinct look with sculpted lines, which creates a sense of motion even when the car is idle. The Dawning Red, Fusion Black, and Vesta Blue color options also make the sleek curves prominent, giving it a sporty look.
7 The Cabin Is Convenient And Comfortable
As soon as you slip inside the Hybrid Sportage's cockpit, you will be struck by how good it looks. Sleek and modern is what we see with almost every new car out there. But with Sportage, it's also about the organization and user-friendly layout. It offers tons of adjustable driving positions, allowing you to find the perfect spot for the windscreen frame. On top of it, Kia has done every little thing to make sure it's a fully functional interior. Be it the Smart Park feature or the slight tilt of the navigation screen towards the driver. The heated windshield comes in really handy in colder months, and the blind spot camera system ensures you don't hit the pavement. Oh, and how can I forget the panoramic sunroof that beautifully distributes light throughout the cabin?
8 Kia Offers The Best Warranty In The Business On Its Vehicles
Compared to other popular hybrid SUV models in its class, the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid offers a longer powertrain warranty, with coverage of up to 10 years or 100,000 miles. Additionally, it also offers a longer basic warranty than the Ford Escape Hybrid, which only comes with a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty. Kia also made sure to add an anti-perforation warranty that covers the car for up to 5 years or 100,000 miles, which is the same as the Honda CR-V Hybrid but longer than the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid's corrosion-perforation warranty. Overall, the Sportage Hybrid's warranty deserves applause as it offers peace of mind for the owner knowing that the manufacturer is confident about the vehicle's reliability.
9 There Is No Dearth Of Tech-Features In Here
The Hybrid Sportage is a true technological marvel, given the price point and its class. I have already mentioned a few of the features, such as the cruise control, which, by the way, has proven to be excellent in practical conditions. On top of it, the tons of safety features are just something we must appreciate at this price point. Moreover, the vehicle also features a 360-degree camera view to give you an immersive parking and driving experience. There are also 12.3-inch displays for the infotainment system and instrument cluster, offering intuitive controls. This is by far better than the seven-inch display in the Honda and eight-inch in the Toyota for their alternative models to the Sportage Hybrid. Lastly, the car comes loaded with usual cutting-edge features such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, wireless charging, and a plethora of USB-A and -C ports in both rows.
10 The Sportage Hybrid Won't Destroy Your Bank Account
Kia offers the Hybrid Sportage in four different variants, including the FWD LX, AWD LX, AWD EX, and AWD SX Prestige. The base model with the FWD system starts at $27,490. The AWD LX starts just a little above $29,290. Same for the AWD EX, as it stands a little above $31,190. The most you will have to pay for is the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX-prestige, the top-of-the-line model. This will cost you about $36,390. Now, these are incredible prices when compared to other vehicles in its class, such as the Toyota RAV4, for which the base model starts at $30,725. Similarly, it comes off as highly economical when compared to the Ford Escape PHEV, which starts at $40,500 for the base model.