2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid AWD, Price – The Kia Sportage is not only one of the brand’s best-selling models in the US but also its longest-running nameplate. The 2024 model arrives with bolder styling and it’s undergone quite a growth spurt as well, being over seven inches longer than the previous model. Now, the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid and Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid – the first Sportage PHEV ever – have joined the party. They will offer shoppers in this segment a particularly efficient option and an alternative to the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and RAV4 Prime PHEV models. The Sportage Hybrid is also more powerful than the gas-only model revealed previously. As far as sensible purchases go, the Sportage Hybrid ranks highly.
The all-new Kia Sportage Hybrid offers most of the features that make its gas-powered sibling a great success, from engaging driving dynamics to a comfortable and well-appointed interior. Additionally, it comes in an array of trim levels and colors to cater to the specific needs and preferences of different drivers. Check out this detailed guide to the trim and color options of the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid to make the right buying decision.
2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid Redesign
By now, we’re used to Kia churning out boldly styled SUVs. But perhaps what’s most impressive when comparing the new Kia Sportage Hybrid exterior to the brand’s other SUVs is that none of them look the same. Yes, elements like the Tiger nose grille are shared, yet the Sportage has an identity of its own with those boomerang daytime running lights, angular fenders, and crisp shoulder lines. Special hybrid badging and unique 17- and 18-inch alloy wheels set apart the hybrid from its gas-only sibling. There are “notch-shaped” taillights connected by a slim black graphic at the back. The PHEV differs by getting 19-inch wheels, a panoramic sunroof, and gloss black wing mirrors as standard for its more extensive X-Line trim.
The new Kia logo has grown in size, as has the entire vehicle. The Sportage is 7.1 inches longer than the previous model and its wheelbase length has increased by 3.4 inches. Those Kia Sportage Hybrid dimensions are greater than many other rivals in this class and as we’ll see lower down, this has resulted in an even more spacious cabin. The new Kia Sportage Hybrid SUV is 183.5 inches in length, 73.4 inches in width, up to 66.3 inches in height (with AWD and roof rails), and has a 108.5-inch wheelbase. The PHEV is even taller at 66.9 inches. Whereas the Hybrid weighs between 3,532 and 3,896 pounds, the PHEV comes in as high as 4,270 lbs.
Interior
Some editors have compared this Kia’s interior to Audi products, which means that Kia is doing something right. The Sportage’s cabin is well executed and filled with a pleasing mix of quality materials and nifty, functional features. It’s a spacious enough environment for passengers but not cargo. The rear-seat accommodations will fit adults, but you might hear some complaining about the low placement of the seat cushion. Cargo space is limited for the class and storage room for smaller items is lacking, but its seats-down carry-on-luggage capacity and adjustable load floor make up for some of that.
Every model is fitted with an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system that includes standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability. The system is easy to use thanks to physical knobs and buttons, but its menus have small icons, and the design doesn’t look as sophisticated as the rest of the interior. Desirable options are wireless device charging and built-in navigation.
Engine
In both cases, the Kia Sportage Hybrid engine is a 1.6-liter turbo. The conventionally-powered Sportage is a bit disappointing with its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing just 187 horsepower. However, the Sportage Hybrid generates a stronger targeted output of 226 hp thanks to a 1.6-liter turbocharged GDI engine and a 44-kW permanent magnet electric motor. A 1.49 kWh lithium-ion battery and a six-speed automatic transmission are standard. On the base trim, the Sportage Hybrid directs its power to the front wheels exclusively, although this model offers all-wheel drive. The upper two trims get an active AWD system as standard. For the FWD model, Kia claims a targeted 39 mpg and a range of over 500 miles. That’s nearly identical gas mileage to what’s achieved by the similarly powerful Toyota RAV4 Hybrid.
For the Sportage Hybrid, Kia claims a targeted 39 mpg and a range exceeding 500 miles. That’s competitive with the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. The heavier Sportage PHEV uses a 7.2-kW onboard charger that can fully recharge the battery in around two hours with Level 2 charging. Official EPA figures have yet to be revealed for either model, but Kia says that the PHEV’s all-electric range works out to 32 miles. That’s enough to get some people to work and back without using the engine at all.
2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid Release Date and Price
Kia hasn’t yet announced pricing for the 2023 Sportage Hybrid or Sportage PHEV. We expect the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid price to begin at around $27,000 and that the PHEV should cost about $35,000. There are a couple of strong competitors in this segment. The 2022 Hyundai Tucson shares a lot with the Sportage but has its own aggressive styling, and starts at $29,350 in hybrid form or $34,900 for the PHEV. A more conservative but utterly safe bet is the Toyota RAV4. The RAV4 Hybrid begins at $29,075 and the powerful RAV4 Prime starts at a pricier $39,800 in the USA.