Vusal7700) 2024 KIA Sportage Hybrid

 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid

Although it doesn't look it, the 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid is a fairly ordinary compact crossover—it just hides its regularity behind a veneer of futuristic styling. Starting with the nonhybrid Sportage (reviewed separately) as its basis, the hybrid model adds either a turbocharged 1.6-liter hybrid powertrain that makes 226 horsepower, or a 261-hp plug-in-hybrid version that uses the same turbo engine. Both variants offer more power and quicker acceleration than the nonhybrid model, but neither deliver fuel economy that's particularly notable. The plug-in does provide up to 34 miles of electric driving per charge, though. The rest of the Sportage Hybrid's package is rather conventional, but that's not a bad thing. Its cabin is spacious and practical, it rides smoothly over bumpy roads, and it offers a high-value features list for the price. Its on-road demeanor is forgettable though, and rivals such as the Honda CR-V and the Mazda CX-5 both offer more engaging handling along with similarly practical packages.

What's New for 2024?

Kia has made no changes to the Sportage Hybrid for 2024. It offers the same powertrains and equipment as it did for the 2023 model year.

The mid-range EX appears to offer the most value here, adding desirable features such as the larger 12.3-inch infotainment screen, wireless smartphone charging, and heated front seats. The Premium package may also be of interest to some buyers as it adds a panoramic sunroof, LED interior lighting, and a power liftgate.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The Sportage Hybrid has a turbocharged 1.6-liter inline-four gas engine and a single electric motor that together generate 226 horses and can be paired with front- or all-wheel drive. There's also an all-wheel-drive-only plug-in hybrid that shares its gasoline engine with the regular hybrid but adds a more powerful electric motor and a bigger battery pack for a combined 261 horsepower. The hybrid's extra power and low-end push from the electric motor make it feel much more responsive than the nonhybrid Sportage model. When we tested the plug-in-hybrid model, it zipped to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds at our test track. The Sportage rides on a new platform with a longer wheelbase, and ride comfort is improved as a result. The introduction of rugged-looking trims such as the X-Line gives the compact ute an off-road vibe, but no additional off-road capability. For that, consider the X-Pro variants of the nonhybrid model, which actually have some equipment to help tackle the rough stuff.

Range, Charging, and Battery Life

According to the EPA, the PHEV model can go 34 miles on electricity alone before the gasoline engine will need to fire up to keep the Sportage moving. This is the same setup as the plug-in hybrid variant of the Hyundai Tucson and features a 13.8-kWh battery pack and 261 combined horsepower.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The front-drive Sportage Hybrid is rated for up to 42 mpg city and 44 mpg highway. The EPA has rated the plug-in-hybrid model for 36 mpg city and 35 mpg highway. An all-wheel-drive Sportage Hybrid achieved 31 mpg on our 75-mph fuel-economy route, which is 7 mpg short of its EPA rating. For more information about the Sportage's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Inside, the Sportage Hybrid makes an impression with a snazzy design highlighted by a huge digital display on the dashboard and other various eye-catching details. The interior is available in an attractive two-tone color scheme as an option, but if you prefer something low-key, an all-black cabin is also offered. The center console boasts a rotary shift knob, a push-to-start button, and a myriad of other controls that blend into the piano-black bezel. Thanks to bigger dimensions overall as well as a longer wheelbase, the new Sportage has more rear-seat legroom than before and 40 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat. There's also a dual-level cargo floor for even more versatility.

Infotainment and Connectivity

On the infotainment front, the Sportage comes standard with desirable features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. An 8.0-inch infotainment display is standard, and all models come with a digital gauge display, too. We'd suggest upgrading to the larger infotainment display, though, which measures 12.3 inches and provides more connectivity and crisper graphics. There are also neat touch-sensitive controls below the infotainment interface that alternate between the climate system and the stereo. An upgraded Harman/Kardon audio unit is available as well as a wireless phone charger and a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The Sportage features a variety of standard and optional driver-assistance technology. The roster includes everything from navigation-based adaptive cruise control to a remote parking feature that's essentially the same as Hyundai's Smart Park system. For more information about the Sportage's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

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