History/Overview
The Kia Sportage has been part of the brand’s Canadian lineup since the late 1990s, when the name debuted on a platform borrowed from Mazda. Through its first four generations, it has grown up into an affordable small crossover with upscale aspirations.
What’s New/Key Changes From Last Year
For 2023, the Sportage enters its fifth generation, which includes the model’s first-ever hybrid option, which you’re reading about here. Kia also offers the Sportage with a gas-only powertrain and in a new plug-in hybrid (PHEV) configuration, both of which are covered in separate buyer’s guide entries.
Available Trims
Kia offers the Sportage Hybrid in EX and SX trims. In both, power is from a 1.6L turbo four-cylinder engine, a six-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive.
Standard Features
EX trim comes with 17-inch wheels, auto on/off LED headlights/fog lights, a heated windshield, and rain-sensing wipers. Inside, you’ll find leatherette upholstery, heated front seats/steering wheel, dual-zone A/C, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, an auto-dimming mirror, passive keyless entry, wireless phone charging, and a six-speaker stereo.
EX’s safety kit includes adaptive cruise control, forward collision mitigation, lane keep/follow assist, blind spot/rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist, rear park assist, and a rear-seat occupant alert.
SX gains 18-inch wheels, LED taillights, a hands-free tailgate, panoramic sunroof, quilted leatherette upholstery, a power driver’s seat, ventilated front/heated rear seats, digital gauges, and a Harman Kardon stereo. Safety additions include rear parking collision avoidance assist, highway driving assist, blind spot/surround view monitors, front park assist, and remote park assist.
Fuel Economy
Kia’s fuel consumption estimates are 6.1/6.3 L/100 km (city/highway).
Competition
Among the Sportage Hybrid’s competitors are gas-electric versions of the Ford Escape, Toyota RAV4, and Hyundai Tucson.
