2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid EX AWD
Class: Compact Crossover
Miles pushed: 159
Gas used: 4.7 gallons
CG Report Card
Room and ComfortB+
Energy and PerformanceB+
Match and FinishB+
Gas EconomyA
ValueA
Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus different automobiles in the identical class. Worth grade is for particular trim stage evaluated, and will not replicate Client Information’s impressions of your complete mannequin lineup.
Huge & Tall Consolation
Huge GuyA-
Tall GuyB
Huge & Tall consolation scores are for entrance seats solely. “Huge” score based mostly on male tester weighing roughly 350 kilos, “Tall” score based mostly on 6’6″-tall male tester.
Drivetrain
Engine Specs226 horsepower
Engine Type1.6L 4-cylinder turbo charged Hybrid
Transmission 6-speed automated
Drive WheelsAWD
Actual-world gas economic system: 33.8 mpg
Driving combine: 50% metropolis, 50% freeway
EPA-estimated gas economic system: 38/38/38 (metropolis, freeway, mixed)
Gas sort: Common gasoline
Base value: $30,990 (not together with $1215 vacation spot cost)
Choices on take a look at car: EX Premium Bundle ($1500), carpeted ground mats ($150)
Worth as examined: $33,860
Fast Hits
The nice: Peppy hybrid powertrain, glorious gas economic system, extraordinary greenback worth
The great: Roomy and practical cabin, refined journey and dealing with
The not so good: Avant-garde styling not for everybody
Damon Bell:
A whole redesign for 2023 brings the Kia Sportage its first-ever hybrid and plug-in-hybrid powertrains. We examined a mid-line Hybrid EX mannequin outfitted with the EX Premium Bundle. I used to be charmed by its nice driving demeanor, peppy 226-hp gasoline/electrical powertrain, and beneficiant stage of normal gear. I can’t say I’m utterly snug with the outside styling—I’m a little bit weirded out by entrance ends through which the headlights are overpowered by the daytime working lights and different design parts—however I believe the Sportage’s seems to be are rising on me.
And, the Sportage’s inside is great—consistent with the unconventional exterior, it’s bought funky design touches such because the unusually formed door pulls and HVAC vents, however I discovered the management format to be ergonomically agreeable general. I additionally preferred the slim strip of touch-sensitive digital buttons that toggles between audio and local weather controls on the contact of a button. Each passenger room and cargo area are spectacular for the Sportage’s comparatively tidy exterior dimensions—I had higher legroom within the Sportage’s rear seats than I did within the Lexus LX 600’s. The “SynTex” faux-leather upholstery had a respectably upscale appear and feel, and the ambiance was additional enhanced by the usual totally digital gauge cluster, 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, and heated entrance seats. I’ve pushed many mainstream-brand compact SUVs prior to now couple years that approached (and even surpassed) the $40K mark, so this Sportage’s bottom-line sticker value of $33,860 struck me as an particularly whole lot.
Take a look at Drive Gallery: 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross XLE
John Biel:
Now that Kia has a hybrid model of its Sportage compact SUV, how does it behave? The gasoline/electrical powerplant gives successfully perky acceleration round city. It additionally cruises the freeway simply—however considerably loudly. Responsiveness of the 6-speed automated transmission is fairly good. This driver recorded 33.97 mpg after placing 94 miles—with 31 p.c in city-type operation—on the take a look at car.
By way of on-road dynamics, the ’23 Sportage handles simply, with a little bit lean in corners, and it rides comfortably. Nevertheless, braking suffers from a little bit little bit of the sluggishness that usually afflicts hybrids as they seize power for battery regeneration throughout stops.
Passengers will discover the bigger, new-generation car very roomy in each seating rows. There’s spectacular rear legroom and good headroom even underneath the sunroof when so outfitted. Rear seats have some backrest adjustment.
Take a look at Drive Gallery: 2022 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Restricted
The Sportage’s new dimensions additionally have an effect on the cargo space. It’s spacious and accessible via a large tailgate opening. The 60/40-split seats fold virtually flat. Underneath the ground there’s some unprotected bonus area across the spare tire, however there are a pair cubbies for incidentals within the far corners down there.
Take a look at Drive: 2022 Ford Escape Titanium PHEV
As for environment, the EX comes with perforated SynTex upholstery that has a pleasant appear and feel. Tender surfaces adorn the higher sprint, armrests, door facilities, and tops of the entrance doorways. Unified screens for driving management and infotainment have a cutting-edge high-tech look however there’s nothing daunting about them. Audio inputs are simple to make on the touchscreen. Local weather controls exist on a separate touchscreen however with useful bodily knobs for temperature choice.
Take a look at Drive: 2022 Chevrolet Equinox RS
Cabin storage is simply all proper. There’s a decently sized glove field however the console field is small; front-door pockets are modest and rear pockets are barely bottle holders; pouches are discovered behind each entrance seats; and bag hooks sprout from the entrance seats. Cup holders are offered within the console and pull-down middle armrest.
All in all, the 2023 Sportage EX hybrid looks as if an excellent worth for the worth.
First Spin: 2023 Mazda CX-50
Hearken to the Automotive Stuff Podcast
Kia Sportage Hybrid EX Gallery
Click on under for enlarged photographs.
Take a look at Drive: 2022 Ford Escape Titanium PHEV
Automotive Stuff Podcast