The new Kia Sportage was revealed in June and it's an altogether bolder product than the model it replaces. Notably, it's Kia's longest-running nameplate and one of the key models that put the Korean automaker on the map. The large trunk, nifty touch controls, and curved dashboard display are some of our favorite features found on the 2023 Kia Sportage. To further bolster the range's appeal, Kia has just debuted the new Sportage Hybrid at the 2021 LA Auto Show. As expected, it offers superb gas mileage. It also has more power than the gas-only 2.5-liter model and is greener than before, with CO2 emissions dropping by 40% compared to the previous model.
Powering the Sportage Hybrid is the combination of a 1.6-liter turbocharged GDI engine and a 44-kW permanent magnet electric motor. Together, the powertrain produces a targeted 226 horsepower, up from the gas-only model's 187 hp. Completing the package is a 1.49 kWh lithium-ion battery and a six-speed automatic transmission.
Being a hybrid, efficiency is paramount. The Sportage Hybrid is up to the challenge and Kia says it can manage up to 39 mpg in front-wheel-drive guise. An all-wheel-drive model is also available but will be a little less efficient. By comparison, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid AWD returns a similar 41/38/40 mpg city/highway/combined. Sportage Hybrid customers can look forward to a driving range exceeding 500 miles and a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds.
The bold appearance of the new Sportage is one of its traits and the same applies to the hybrid. The distinctive Tiger nose grille and crisp shoulder line are evident, but the hybrid also gets special 17- and 18-inch wheels, along with unique badging. The new Sportage has grown significantly and is now 7.1 inches longer than the outgoing model. This has allowed Kia to free up a generous 41.3 inches of rear legroom and nearly 40 cubic feet of cargo space. The Sportage Hybrid comes in a choice of three trims: LX, EX, and SX-Prestige. The latter two get standard AWD while the LX gets FWD but is available with AWD.
Paddle shifters are standard and there are ECO, Sport, Smart, and Snow driving modes. The cabin is packed with features like wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, a touchpad for the climate and audio controls, rear parking sensors, and driver attention warning. It also gets available Kia Connect services like over-the-air map updates, the first new Kia to get the Kia Connect system. The available dual panoramic curved display with close to 25 inches of screen real estate looks fantastic.
"In addition to paving a new pathway to electrification, the Sportage Hybrid also delivers superb driving dynamics, cutting-edge design, and a vast array of technology for a world-class in-car experience," said Sean Yoon, president and CEO of Kia America.
The Sportage Hybrid arrives early next year but pricing has not yet been announced.