Kia is all set up to make sure that the latest iteration of the Kia Sportage gets a major glow-up. The new muscular 2023 Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige is totally different lineage to the cute, small SUV it replaces.
It is having a new hybrid powertrain, latest driver-assistance technology, and improved cabin tech.
New Look
At 183.5 inches from bumper to bumper, the new model is 7.1 inches longer than the outgoing model — and has an extra 3.4 inches between its axles, bringing the new wheelbase to 108.5 inches.
Despite the 73.4-inch-wide SUV only being 0.4 inches wider than its forebear, sharply creased shoulders, more muscular flanks and horizontal grille and rear bumper elements create the illusion of a much broader stance.
There is room for more spacious interior, there is lot more legroom than the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid.
Beating the RAV4 Hybrid’s 37.5 cubic feet, the 39.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the Sportage Hybrid’s optional hands-free liftgate is quite considerable and generous.
1.6-liter turbocharged Motor, Cabin & Driving Aids
The new model is plonked with a 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-4 mated to a 44-kilowatt electric motor and a 1.5-kilowatt-hour lithium-polymer battery.
It generates a torque of 258 pound-feet and a horsepower of 227.
Broad customization of the Sportage Hybrid’s responsiveness is allowed by the user selectable drive modes like Normal, Eco and Sport.
The hybrid is more powerful than the non-hybrid one. It is also fuel-efficient. In the city, it averages 42 mpg, 48 mpg highway and 43 mpg combined according to the EPA’s estimates.
Later this year the plug-in hybrid model is expected to launch later this year.
The PHEV swaps in a bigger 7.2-kWh battery pack that can be recharged at an outlet or charging station for up to 32 miles of electric range before reverting to gasoline hybrid operation, which should boost overall efficiency. It should also be a touch more powerful thanks to its 67-kW electric motor.
However, more battery means less rear legroom and cargo space.
The Sportage is going to have a dual-display infotainment system, same as the Kia EV6, with an exception of EV-specific menus swapped out for hybrid screens.
There is a Drivewise driver aid suite by the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrids.
With the price starting at $28,585 (including $1,295 destination) for the base Hybrid LX, a $1,300 premium over the same non-hybrid spec.