2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid
Whether you are looking for an SUV or a hybrid, the 2023 Kia Sportage is one of the best choices around. It offers many great features and has a great look that you won’t want to miss. In fact, it’s not only one of the newest and most popular SUVs on the market, but it’s also a great value.
1.6-liter turbo-4
Using the same 1.6-liter turbo-4 engine as the new Hyundai Sorento, the Sportage Hybrid provides a combination of 227 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid system includes a center-locking differential to distribute power between the front and rear wheels. The hybrid Sportage’s exterior styling also takes a slight departure from its predecessor. The grille is busier and its front end features LED daytime running lights.
The interior of the Sportage Hybrid is spacious and well organized. It includes a 12-inch digital instrument cluster and a touchscreen. It also offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. Other standard features include a wireless charging pad, rear-seat entertainment, and heated front seats.
The Sportage Hybrid is offered in three trim levels: EX, SX, and SX-Prestige. It is available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The hybrid’s base price is $28,545, including destination charges. It is also backed by a five-year/60,000-mile warranty.
Larger 66.9-kw motor
Earlier this year, Kia announced that its 2023 Sportage would be getting a plug-in hybrid version. This would be the third model to be guided by Kia’s global electrification strategy. It would join the Sportage HEV, and would compete with the Ford Escape PHEV and the Hyundai Tucson PHEV.
The 2023 Kia Sportage will be powered by a larger 66.9-kw electric motor. This will provide 261 horsepower. It also has an increased torque rating of 258 lb-ft. This will allow it to go 32 miles on battery power alone. The hybrid powertrain will disengage the gasoline engine for full electric power.
It will be available in two trim levels. The entry-level model will have a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 187 horsepower. This engine will be paired with a new eight-speed automatic transmission. It is targeted to deliver a combined fuel economy of 84 MPGe.
Paddle shifters
Designed to compete in a world full of SUVs, Kia’s new 2023 Sportage hybrid comes with a number of advanced safety systems and performance technology. Specifically, the new model incorporates Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy, featuring a five-pillar body that includes an iconic ‘tiger-nose’ front grille, muscular fenders, and technical-looking elements. The design also includes a larger interior and more muscular proportions.
The new Sportage is available in LX, EX, and SX-Prestige trim levels. All-wheel drive is optional on LX and SX-Prestige models. Depending on the model, it can tow up to 2,000 pounds. The hybrid model’s four-cylinder turbocharged powertrain generates a total of 227 horsepower.
Paddle shifters are located on the steering wheel. They allow the driver to upshift the transmission with the simple press of a paddle. In addition, the paddles also allow for sequential shifts of the cogs.
Remote Smart Parking system
Among the features that make the 2023 Kia Sportage PHEV stand out from the competition are a thin black graphic across the tailgate and futuristic “notch-shaped” taillights. The PHEV also features a six-speed automatic transmission and Downhill Brake Control.
Kia Sportage models are offered in three trim levels, each with a different level of technology. Standard features include a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a touch-control panel, and climate controls. The SX-Prestige and X-Line trims add a long, curved touchscreen display. Some models also feature Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA).
Remote Smart Parking Assist is an advanced technology that makes parking easier in tight spaces. It requires the driver to pull the vehicle in front of the space and then press a button on the center console. The system then starts the vehicle and automatically applies emergency braking to avoid collisions.
Interior
Compared to the outgoing Kia Sportage, the interior of the new model has a more spacious, modern feel. It is also much more functional. While the outgoing Sportage had a somewhat cramped rear seat, the new model offers 3 inches of additional legroom. This will make the back seat much more comfortable for adults.
The interior of the Kia Sportage is well-designed and richly finished. It has nice surfaces, including soft-touch-covered materials. The center console is organized with dual-purpose controls to manage the audio and climate systems. The dash has a 12-inch color touchscreen.
There are also front USB-C charging ports. The premium Harman/Kardon sound system sounds excellent. In addition, the X-Pro version includes all-terrain tires. The premium package also includes a panoramic sunroof.
