Is the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid a Good SUV? 6 Pros and 4 Cons Compact SUVs like the Kia Sportage tick a lot of boxes for a wide range of buyers, making them some of the most popular cars in showrooms today. The good news is that fierce competition brings continuous improvements, and the newly redesigned Sportage 2023 is one of the best cars available.
Is the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid a Good SUV? 6 Pros and 4 Cons
The Sportage is larger and more spacious than before, is fun to drive, is well-equipped for the money and brings great value to the table. The redesign also includes an available hybrid powertrain; We found it smooth, refined, and fast. There’s only one problem, and unfortunately, it’s a big one: The average fuel economy during a road trip was disappointing for a hybrid. This is a serious drawback considering that savings on gas is a big reason why people buy hybrid cars in the first place.
While we found a lot of things to love with the Sportage Hybrid, there are a few other things that need work as well. For the full Jennifer Geiger review, click on the link above; For a quicker look, here are six things we love about the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid and four things we think could be improved.
The things we love
1. Fast off-line
Is the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid a Good SUV? 6 Pros and 4 Cons
2. Methods for moods
Choosing driving modes lets drivers decide how much they care about the green, with Sport mode for faster acceleration and response or Eco mode to constrain things a bit. However, whichever mode you choose, you won’t find the Sportage Hybrid a fuel economy champion.
3. A good travel companion
Smooth driving, a relatively quiet interior, complex handling and precise steering combined with good feedback give the Sportage Hybrid a comfortable blend of comfortable feel and steering interaction. Choosing the Sport mode increases the sporty feel and adds more heft to the steering wheel. Linear braking response is also welcome, with no over-feeling on some of the regenerative braking systems.
4. Gang room
Is the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid a Good SUV? 6 Pros and 4 Cons
5. Smart Storage Options
Nice interior touches include adjustable cup holders to secure beverage containers of various sizes, a deep center console, seat back coat hangers built into the headrests and hooks for shopping bags. The cargo area’s thoughtful thinking continues, with spring-loaded handles to release and fold the rear seat backs and a bi-level cargo floor to secure small items.
6. Solid value
Starting at $28,585 for the base LX with front-wheel drive, the Sportage Hybrid is competitively priced. It includes a generous variety of safety and convenience features. Both the CR-V and RAV4 hybrids come standard with all-wheel drive, but even when you add AWD for $1800, the Sportage Hybrid still costs less than either of these alternatives.
1. mpg
Is the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid a Good SUV? 6 Pros and 4 Cons
2. No EV mode
Unlike some competitors, the Sportage Hybrid does not give drivers the option to save gas using electric mode to allow it to travel using electric power alone. However, better news may come with a plug-in release later in 2022, which should be good for 32 miles of all-electric range.
3. Control issues
Is the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid a Good SUV? 6 Pros and 4 Cons
4. Not much love for Android
Pairing an Android phone proves to be easy enough, but the Android Auto interface only uses about two-thirds of the touch screen. Not only does this waste space, but it also makes the screen more difficult to see and use. Apple CarPlay users do not face such a problem, since the screen occupies the full width of the screen.
