Execs: Highly effective and environment friendly hybrids; class-leading house; well-executed tech; distinctive design decisions; low costs
Cons: Gradual and inefficient base engine; no Hybrid X-Line or X-Professional; X-Professional’s agency experience
The 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid is a compact SUV that’s robust to beat. After bursting onto the scene final yr with a radical redesign that included a lot larger dimensions, a number of hybrids and top-notch tech, we shortly concluded it was a category chief. A comparability take a look at between it and the also-redesigned Honda CR-V hybrid in the end resulted within the smallest of victories for the Honda, however our rankings nonetheless rely as much as 9s for each. That the once-humble Sportage can now stand toe-to-toe with the wildly common CR-V is a giant deal.
Now, you’ll be aware that we wrote “Kia Sportage Hybrid” up there. That’s as a result of the non-hybrid base model’s engine is sluggish, unrefined and inefficient, particularly with all-wheel drive. We subsequently don’t advocate that, however given the Hybrid prices solely $1,200 and represents a efficiency improve in addition to a gasoline effectivity one, that appears A-OK to us. The very fact you may’t get the fashionable X-Line trim or quasi-rugged X-Professional with the hybrid is a bummer, although. The Sportage Plug-in Hybrid is solely accessible because the X-Line, curiously, so a minimum of there’s that. And talking of which, the Sportage PHEV is a equally nice selection, offering 34 miles of all-electric vary that ought to make fuel station visits a rarity.
In complete, the Sportage delivers distinctive fashion, wonderful infotainment and security tech, better-than-average worth, and best-in-class cargo house. The again seat is huge, too. Regardless of all this, the Sportage usually prices much less (generally by a number of 1000’s) than a comparable Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. We’d nonetheless recommend testing these, particularly if for some motive you don’t desire a hybrid, together with the mechanically associated Hyundai Tucson that provides many of the identical advantages (and demerits) with completely different fashion.
Inside & Expertise | Passenger & Cargo Area | Efficiency & Gas Economic system
What it is prefer to drive | Pricing & Trim Ranges | Crash Scores & Security Options
What’s new for 2024?
After being all-new final yr, the Sportage heads into 2024 with two minor however substantive modifications: rear facet airbags and LED headlights are actually customary, enhancing its security standing even additional.
What are the Sportage inside and in-car know-how like?
The Sportage inside represents a bonus over most within the section. Briefly, it’s cool. There’s a way of favor right here you’re not going to search out in a RAV4 or Forester. Past the design, there are crimson, navy and sage inexperienced interiors accessible relying on trim stage and drivetrain, with even the EX Hybrid eligible for a very cool Misty Grey and Triton Navy combo (pictured above). We actually like that Kia consists of such aesthetic choices together with Kia’s typical beneficiant characteristic content material on decrease trim ranges moderately than maintaining them unique to high-dollar ones. Be aware that the one inside distinction between the hybrid and non-hybrid Sportages is the shifter design (the hybrids get an digital rotary selector) in addition to the accessible gauge design choices.
All powertrains are eligible for the cabin’s essential attraction: the large curved panel housing twin 12.3-inch shows which are shared with the EV6. Discovered on each trim however the LX, it’s not solely an eye-catcher for its curved design and fairly graphics, however like different Kias, the infotainment touchscreen is straightforward to make use of. The instrument panel offers crisp, vibrant graphics and a selection of designs that fortunately do not overwhelm you with questionably helpful data. Additionally coming over from the EV6 is the distinctive row of touch-capacitive “buttons” that serve double responsibility as local weather controls and infotainment menu shortcuts (be aware that the defrost and recirculation “buttons” at all times stay in place). It’s a departure from Kia’s typical ultra-functional cabin controls and are certainly polarizing: After 1000’s of miles spent within the equally outfitted EV6 and Kia Niro, a few of our editors stay irritated by them whereas others aren’t bothered in any respect. The primary distinction in opinion comes all the way down to how usually you modify the local weather controls. All a minimum of agree that they supply a clear look, and we’re undoubtedly seeing A LOT worse today.
How huge is the Sportage?
Briefly, it’s the largest. At the very least in its section, which admittedly stretches the definition of “compact SUV” … actually. Cargo capability specifically is a segment-best 39.6 cubic-feet with the again seat up and the dual-level cargo ground in its decrease place. The Sportage Plug-In Hybrid doesn’t have that dual-level ground, nor the spare tire beneath, so its most is 34.5 cubic-feet, a quantity that also exceeds most within the section. Our cargo testing backed that up.
The again seat can also be a class-leader with 41.3 inches of legroom. It truly is as huge as that spec and the beneath photograph signifies. We had no drawback comfortably sitting in entrance of a rear-facing little one seat, and in addition appreciated the ample quantity of rear seat recline.
What are the Sportage gasoline financial system, vary and efficiency specs?
The bottom engine is successfully common for the section: a 2.5-liter inline-four that produces 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. It’s hooked up to an eight-speed computerized (many opponents have a much less fascinating CVT), and a selection of front- or all-wheel drive. Gas financial system is an EPA-estimated 25 mpg metropolis, 33 mpg freeway and 28 mpg mixed with FWD, and 23/26/25 with AWD. That latter quantity is simply not good, particularly on the freeway. We additionally don’t perceive how the X-Professional, which has all-terrain tires, truly has a greater freeway quantity: 23/30/26. Both method, most opponents do significantly higher (the CR-V AWD will get 29 mpg mixed).
The Sportage Hybrid is subsequently extremely advisable. This distinctive mixture of 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-four, electrical motor and six-speed computerized pairs with both front- or all-wheel drive. Collectively it produces 227 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, a strong quantity that’s way over different hybrids and in line with the turbocharged, gas-only engine upgrades of rival SUVs. It returns 42 mpg metropolis, 44 mpg freeway and 43 mpg mixed with FWD and 38/38/38 with AWD. That’ll in idea prevent tons of of {dollars} yearly on fuel, however in a number of hundred miles of combined driving, we solely managed 32 mpg mixed with an AWD EX.
The Sportage Plug-In Hybrid builds upon the traditional hybrid with a a lot bigger battery. All-wheel drive is customary. It produces 261 hp and 258 lb-ft. After plugging the automotive in and with a full battery, the PHEV will go an EPA-estimated 34 miles on electrical energy alone. Even in case you can’t plug in, it’ll nonetheless return 35 mpg mixed. Utilizing a Stage 2 dwelling charger, it’s going to take about 2 hours to recharge the battery, which is fast for a PHEV.
What is the Sportage prefer to drive?
Whereas most of its opponents provide a selection of both a hybrid powertrain or a higher-performance engine improve, the Sportage provides up one thing that does each: the Hybrid. Contemplating it solely prices $1,200 greater than the bottom engine, it makes your determination even simpler. Moreover blowing the hybrid competitors away when it comes to energy, the Sportage Hybrid’s typical transmission and turbocharged engine present a much more regular and quiet driving expertise. And in comparison with the gutless base 2.5-liter, the turbo-plus-electric-motor combo makes it really feel notably gutsier round city and when passing and, regardless of the small-displacement engine, is quieter while you punch the throttle.
The Sportage Plug-In Hybrid, in the meantime, is mostly similar to the common Hybrid. Even when powered by electrical energy alone, the automotive shifts gears, which is bizarre in case you’ve pushed EVs or different plug-in hybrids, however completely regular if you have not. As with different PHEVs, although, you may choose to some extent how the wheels are powered. The EV drive mode will drive because the title suggests, however acceleration feels significantly pokier than a full EV like Kia’s Niro or EV6. Giving the throttle a great whack will in truth have interaction the engine to be sure to can actually get going if and while you want too. The HEV drive mode will extra readily hearth the engine, however nonetheless prioritizes the electrical vary when accessible. Truthfully, it sounds extra difficult than it’s.
Transferring past the engines, driving the Sportage is typical for a Kia: competent, vice-free and largely forgettable. It handles properly sufficient and the experience is comfy sufficient. Need one thing sharper? Strive a Mazda CX-50, Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4 Hybrid SE. Need one thing extra rugged? Properly, the Sportage has a solution for that. First, there’s the X-Line, which is basically simply an look package deal. It is accessible with the bottom engine or the plug-in hybrid. The X-Professional builds upon that with B.F. Goodrich all-terrain tires, 17-inch matte black wheels and recalibrated drive mode settings for lowered traction situations. Oh, and a black roof. It has the identical 8.3 inches of floor clearance as each different all-wheel-drive Sportage, nonetheless. That’s not insignificant, nevertheless it’s lower than the RAV4 TRD Off-Highway, Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk and each Subaru Forester, together with the sky-high Wilderness. If you happen to actually wish to get soiled, get a kind of first. If not, know that you just’ll be saddled with the much less fascinating base engine and people all-terrain tires that produce a firmer and jigglier experience, extra street noise and a degradation of street holding. The X-Professional would undoubtedly not be our first selection.
What different Kia Sportage evaluations can I learn?
Comparability Check: Kia Sportage Hybrid vs Honda CR-V Sport Touring
On this comparability take a look at between our two top-rated compact SUVs, the Sportage is available in a really shut second.
2023 Kia Sportage First Drive Evaluation: Greater, greener, off-roadier
Dig deeper into the modifications for the Sportage in comparison with its predecessor, plus what you may count on from the X-Professional each on street and off-road.
Kia Sportage Baggage Check
The specs say the Sportage has best-in-class cargo capability behind its again seat. We put the numbers to the take a look at.
What’s the 2024 Sportage value?
Pricing begins at $28,415, together with the $1,325 vacation spot cost, which is lower than the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 regardless of comparable tools. The Hybrid’s pricing is even higher, beginning at $29,615, which undercuts the CR-V hybrid by $5,000 and the RAV4 Hybrid by $3,000.
Regardless of that low base value, we considering shelling out an additional $2,000 for the EX could be a good suggestion given all the additional stuff you get: energy driver seat, heated entrance seats, artificial leather-based upholstery, a real-leather wheel, dual-zone local weather management, proximity key and push-button begin, blind-spot warning, wi-fi charging and maybe most notably, the 12.3-inch touchscreen encased in that super-cool curved show casing.
From there, the SX simply seems sportier whereas including just a few token niceties like that curved show casing. The X-Line will get completely different bumpers, gloss black trim, unique wheels, raised roof rails and a tread-like sample in its artificial leather-based upholstery. It is the one trim stage that may be paired with the Sportage Plug-In Hybrid, which is odd since you may’t pair that trim with the common hybrid in any respect. Mainly, it seems extra rugged, however functionally isn’t. The X Professional is, although solely to an extent. It will get B.F. Goodrich all-terrain tires, 17-inch matte black wheels and recalibrated drive mode settings for lowered traction situation.
All costs beneath embrace the $1,325 vacation spot.
2.5-liter base engine
LX: $28,415
LX AWD: $30,215
EX: $30,415
EX AWD: $32,215
SX: $33,915
SX Status: $35,915
SX Status AWD: $35,915
X-Line AWD: $33,215
X-Professional AWD: $37,415
X-Professional Status: $39,215
Hybrid
LX: $29,615
LX AWD: $31,415
EX AWD: $33,315
SX Status AWD: $38,515
PHEV
X-Line AWD: $40,815
X-Line Status AWD: $45,315
X-Professional and Hybrid EX AWD
What are the Sportage security rankings and driver help options?
Each 2024 Sportage consists of as customary ahead collision warning with pedestrian and bicycle owner detection, computerized emergency braking, lane-keeping help, lane-departure warning, rear parking sensors and a driver inattention warning system. It additionally comes customary rear facet airbags, which is uncommon. All trim ranges however the LX achieve blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning, and the Secure Exit Warning that makes use of the primary two techniques to warn occupants to not open their door within the occasion of automobiles or cyclists coming from the rear. Kia’s wonderful Freeway Driving Help adaptive cruise management system with lane-centering steering help is included on the SX and X-Professional trim ranges.
The Insurance coverage Institute for Freeway Security named the Sportage a High Security Decide+ final yr after it bought prime marks in all pertinent crashworthiness and crash prevention classes however one: headlights. That was a second-best “Acceptable” rating, which may clarify why Kia upgraded the headlights for 2024.