All of us here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis have known “by the numbers as proof” for quite some time now that the compact SUV is one of the hottest on the market, especially given the higher-than-ever gas prices we are now facing. The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid is entering the selection line at a time when many of the other automakers are in the mix by launching hybrid variants of their popular compacts. The Kia Sportage Hybrid has found many ways to stand out from the rest, with its bold styling and best-in-class fuel economy on the front-drive model.
If you choose the all-wheel version, you’ll nail down a bit better fuel economy, and the Motortrend.com team greatly enjoyed their time spent in the top-of-the-line SX Prestige trim lately. Every Sportage hybrid derives power from a 1.6-Liter turbo-4 engine paired with a 44-kW electric motor, delivering 227 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The base LX trim sends all the power to the front wheels but opting for the EX and SX-Prestige trims can split the power between the front and rear axles efficiently on demand.
It is so very important to note here that the base LX trim gets intensive bragging rights for its massive fuel economy, delivering EPA ratings of 42/44/43 miles per gallon in the city, highway, and combined driving with much credit given to its front-drive construction. This is part of one of the most massive consumer pushes in history to get behind any variant of vehicle: America is now very much feeling pain at the pump, and consumers absolutely want their fair share to win so they leave a lot with a new vehicle.
Once behind the wheel, you and your passengers will be enjoying a modern form of very smooth and strong acceleration, with the electric motor delivering an instant punch of torque that's quickly matched with the turbo’s awesome sense of instant power. This SUV feels very powerful once it is fully engaged in practice, and road test editor Chris Walton claimed that the actual amount of dive control was “superb” for this class. The suspension also does a fantastic job of keeping unwanted vibrations away from the cabin.
There’s plenty of space inside for taller adults, and the available cargo room is enough for a spontaneous trip to the golf course, skate park, or much needed larger than average grocery run. The presence of the double 12.3-inch curved displays looks like they're from an amazingly high-end luxury brand, and the dashboard has an immediately upscale and lavish feel at first glance. Each trip will also see you enjoying the additions of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and this is an option out there that will be engaging, practical, and economical for anyone needing a step up from “yesterday’s ordinary”!
