Overview
The Kia Sportage Hybrid has been completely redesigned for 2023. For the first time, there is now a hybrid model in the Sportage line. The engine is a 1.6 liter four-cylinder that is paired with an electric pack, hybrid battery pack, and a six-speed auto transmission. The Sportage gives a total of 227 horsepower. The 2023 model is 7 inches longer than the last model and the interior has been given a new look.
Kia Sportage Hybrid
Interior
The interior of the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid is built handsomely with the huge digital display on the dashboard as the centerpiece. The interior is available in two-tone color schemes but all-black is an available option too. The cabin is said to be whisper quiet when driving. The ride quality is smooth and compliant, ensuring passengers are comfortable as well as the driver. Edmunds.com gives expert car reviews and they say, “It’s one of the best riding crossovers around today. The controls are easy to reach and simple to use. The infotainment screen and other controls are angled toward the driver, so nothing is a stretch to push or operate”.
Storage
The Kia Sportage excels in the storage space component. With 39.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 73.7 cubes with that row folded down, the Sportage Hybrid is one of the most spacious crossovers in this class, hybrid or not. Unlike some of its rivals, the Sportage Hybrid loses no space relative to its non-hybrid counterpart.
Fuel Economy
The models with all-wheel drive have EPA ratings of 38 mpg city and highway driving combined. The base model with front-wheel drive has an even better rating of 43 mpg combined city and highway driving. The EPA is a trusted government organization that gives American cars, non-electric and electric, a fuel economy rating for public consumption.
Kia Sportage Hybrid Interior
Standard Features
There are several different hybrid model trims, each one building on the other with more features and better technology. But be prepared, as the base model sets the standards high with lots of excellent components. The LX trim is the most affordable new Sportage Hybrid. It comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, daytime running lights, and taillights. There is a 12.3-inch driver instrument cluster and a dual-zone automatic climate control. Rear parking sensors and rear occupant look are included. Safety features are:
- Forward collision warning with an automatic braking system
- Automatic high beams
- Lane-keeping assist
- Lane departure warning
- Lane following assistance
- Driver attention monitoring
The infotainment includes a wireless AppleCarplay or Android Auto, Bluetooth, one USB-C port, 6 speakers, and an 8-inch touchscreen.
Other Models
On the LX, you can upgrade to all wheel-drive. Some models have heated seats and heated side mirrors. The EX trim has:
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Sunroof
- Hands-free tailgate operation
- Keyless start
- One touch-up down power windows
- LED interior lighting
- Heated leather-wrapped steering wheel
- 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen
- Voice control
- Satellite radio
Safety Features
- 360° Surround View Mirror - A display on the vehicle's interior control panel shows surround view, which is composed of four wide-angle cameras that are mounted in the wing mirrors, at the front, and rear of the vehicle. Currently, surround view provides a view to assist the driver as he or she parks.
- Blind Spot Monitor - This uses sensors on the outside of the car to keep an eye on your blind spot.
- Standard Auto Emergency Braking - If the driver does not stop the car when there is an impending crash, the brakes will engage automatically.
- Smart Cruise Control - Automatically maintains a driver-selected distance from any vehicle that is ahead in the same lane.
- Blind Spot Collision Technology - A driving assistance system that notifies the driver if another vehicle has appeared within their blind spot and is at risk of a collision.
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert - An advanced driving assistance system that informs the driver if a vehicle is approaching from the left or right when the driver's vehicle is in reverse and is backing out of a parking space.
- Safe Exit Warning - After the vehicle stops, when an approaching vehicle from the rear area is detected as soon as a passenger opens a door. Safe Exit Assist will warn the driver with an audible message to help prevent a collision.
Kia Connect
Besides having lots of safety features built into the car, the Kia Sportage Hybrid also has Kia Connect, adding to the plethora of technologies included. Kia Connect is a useful tool that owners of Kia cars can use. Remotely, from their smartphone or smartwatch owners are able to control their car. If you forgot where you parked, your phone will locate the car and give you directions to where it is parked. If it is too cold or too hot outside, you have the option to heat or cool your car so it is the perfect temperature when you enter. If you happen to leave a child or pet in the car, sensors detect movement after the car is locked. You will be alerted on your phone that there is movement in your car. And for those people who often lock their keys in their car or can never find where they placed them, Kia Connect allows you to lock and unlock your car from your smartphone. It’s a great way to stay connected to your Kia remotely.
Kia Sportage Hybrid
IIHS Rating
The IIHS stands for Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. This organization crash tests cars to determine how well-protected the driver, passengers, and car is in the event of an accident. The scale used to rate the cars is “Poor” to “Good”. The second rating scale is “Basic” to “Superior”. The Kia Sportage scored a “Good” in the following categories:
- Small overlap front: driver-side
- Small overlap front: passenger side
- Moderate overlap front: original test
- Side: original test
- Roof strength
- Head restraints and seats
The Sportage received a “Superior” in these categories:
Front crash prevention: vehicle-to-vehicle
- Standard system
- Optional system
Front crash prevention: vehicle-to-pedestrian
- Standard system
- Optional system
For the small overlap front: driver side portion, a crash dummy was tested and the following parts of the dummy were examined and received a “Good” rating.
- Overall evaluation
- Head
- Neck
- Chest
- Hip/thigh
- Lower leg/foot
- Driver restraints and dummy kinematic
That same evaluation was given for the passenger-side dummy.
Conclusion
Overall the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid has proven to be a safe, fuel-efficient car. The extensive storage space is a key component that makes the car so compelling. The technology is up to date and Kia owners love Kia Connect and its usefulness. If you’re looking to buy a Kia Sportage Hybrid near Orange County, California, Mission Viejo is the dealership for you!