Tuesday, July 30, 2024

Summer’s Sphere of Excellence: 2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid Combines Style, Space, and Savings

2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid

The KBB.com staff has been busy filling drivers in on the best auto picks regarding style, space, and savings for decades! We noticed they had excellent things to say about the 2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid last week, claiming it is the “sweet spot of the wider Sportage lineup that includes gas-only and plug-in hybrid drivetrains.” Things get started with more power than the gas version, excellent affordability, and better fuel economy.

Curious drivers here at Jim Butler Kia of St. Louis will find that this model allows for 34 miles of travel on electricity alone! The Hybrid boasts plenty of modern tech offerings, and an acceptable amount of thrust to complement its awesome design. This model debuted in 2023 and is another example of the class-leading efforts now being produced. An optional Premium package is offered with the mid-level EX trim, adding a cool way to appreciate the atmosphere with a panoramic sunroof.

The hands-free tailgate operation is another genius addition: after 15 seconds it can be opened with no-touch activation. The KBB.com team’s recommendation for the best value is the mid-level EX trim, which features all-wheel drive as standard. Heated front seats will allow you to weather the chilly Missouri mornings. Blind-spot monitoring allows for safe lane-changing with ultra-modern assistance. With its 227 horsepower, the Sportage Hybrid boasts a slight edge over the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and Honda CR-V. Its smooth ride quality and quiet cabin make it an excellent choice for long road trips.

The EX trim accomplishes 38 mpg during combined city/highway driving. Some very ingenious additions that make life easier such as the center console’s cup holder area. It can quickly transform into a storage place for bulkier items. There are dual instrument cluster/infotainment displays for navigation. Those getting ready to embark on a long trip will enjoy the 41.3 inches of rear legroom, and the generous 39.6 cubic feet of luggage space behind the rear seats. This test drive crew rendered the Sportage’s overall design aesthetic as “so striking that it leaves them with a euphoric buzz!”

The hybrid drivetrain offers the very satisfying feature of “extra thrust” from its electric side. As buyers are demanding more and more screen real estate, manufacturers such as us have wholeheartedly stepped things up! The Sportage’s top-level trims offer 12.3-inch screens, which add to the cabin’s state-of-the-art feel. The SX Prestige offers a very posh Harman Kardon sound system. The 2025 Kia Sportage generation has also been rendered a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS. The X-Pro model offers 8.3 in. of ground clearance, consistently prepped for conquering the wild. Kia’s unique 360-degree Surround View Monitor uses four exterior-mounted cameras to enhance awareness.

This is especially useful in tight situations or busy neighborhoods full of bicycle commuters and playing children. Some of us remember a 1990s film classic titled “Dude, Where’s My Car?” If you ever find yourself in this situation, the Kia Access app can locate it and get you directions quickly. This handy feature also connects with Amazon Alexa so voice commands for features such as Remote Start make things easier. The touch panel climate controls conveniently convert to media controls when not in use. Visibility is excellent thanks to big windows and body dimensions that can be simply gauged from the driver’s seat.