3 Reasons the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid Outshines the Competition

Here at Jim Butler Kia of St. Louis, we love to point our customers in the direction of our award-winning new models! The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid has been completely redesigned for the year and offers great value for the money when stacked up against its competition. Here are just a couple of reasons that the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid outshines the competition.

Affordability:

We know that many media sources and spot reels on the web would make one think that Hybrid SUVs are pricey. They strike a chord with many demographics that love practicality, and boast complex powertrain systems along with class-leading engineering. Kia did a fantastic job of making the Sportage Hybrid EX affordable for the masses, despite offering some of the most sought-after standard features of today. With its 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, a 44.0 kW motor, and a 1.49 kWh battery it amiably generates 227 horsepower, and 258 lb-ft of torque. 

Top-Notch Tech Features Come Standard:

The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid EX provides enough tech features to satisfy even the savviest of drivers. You’ll enjoy a 12.2-inch instrument display along with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a wireless phone charger. The vehicle can rally against anything mother nature offers courtesy of rain-sensing windshield wipers, blind-spot detection technology, and rear occupant alert. The industry is so very exciting right now for some of us who remember when AC was a luxury, and the Sportage Hybrid EX also boasts heated side mirrors along with a leather-wrapped heated steering wheel. 

All-Wheel Drive:

All-wheel drive is definitely a bonus, considering how many of the Sportage Hybrid's competitors (such as the Honda CR-V Hybrid) don’t have it. Edmunds.com enthusiastically called the Sportage the “Best hybrid SUV of 2023”, due to this along with its ideally balanced ride and sharp handling. To compliment this feature, the off-road-focused X-Line and X-Pro trims are both also new for 2023. Superior traction and enhanced safety while driving on icy and wet roads are perks that will reduce the possibility of a dangerous wheel slip. 

Resilient Against Rivals:

The Sportage’s cabin finishes as much more modern, along with a less finicky infotainment system and more standard tech features in its base model than the Honda CR-V. After a close look at the Toyota RAV4, the Sportage boasts more cargo room, which should appeal to growing families. Available infotainment extras are a 12.3-inch touch screen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, navigation, a Wi-Fi hot spot, wireless device charging, rear USB-C ports, and an 8-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.

We know that you’ll love the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid as much as we do. Contact the team at Jim Butler Kia today to learn more and get yours today!

Marketwatch Ranks 2023 Kia Sportage “Stellar” for Beautiful New Design, Luxury Touches of SX Prestige

The all-new Kia Sportage is front and center within the “pre-winter flurry” of activity here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis, as we have had a stellar year full of achievements, satisfied customers, and new releases to celebrate. The 2023 Sportage has seen a complete rework, with a size 7.1 inches longer than the outgoing model, with a wheelbase that has been extended another 3.4 inches. This provides a nice barrier of defining difference between the Sportage and its close relative in the form of the Seltos, also gaining new followers by the day with its 39.6 cubic feet of cargo room in the back.

The available engine is the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder that puts out 187 horsepower to all 4 wheels and is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Both the Sportage Hybrid and plug-in Hybrid derive power from the same engines situated in the Tucson Hybrid and the PHEV, which is a 1.6-liter gas engine paired up with an electric motor. The Hybrid boasts 226 horsepower, while the Sportage PHEV cranks out 261 horsepower and provides an all-electric range of more than 30 miles. 

The new Sportage is the ideal vehicle for a busy student, as it’s a 5-seater with plenty of room for your cohorts after prepping to go out on the town or the busy new Realtor who spends lots of time in this awesome mobile office. The dash features an integrated multi-function touchscreen controller, and the system is simple to use. Switching to Sport Mode provides an increased response on the throttle, a higher transmission shift point, and tightened steering. 

Once you begin to enjoy the thrill of really picking up speed, Sport mode increases control and helps with handling, and is the perfect fun extra kick when you are after power instead of eco-friendly chops. The Marketwatch team thought that the quality that really stood out about driving the new Sportage was how quiet it was, with an inside so peaceful that it ranks up there with some of the world’s priciest luxury brands. Handling provides a great quality of stability around corners, and the Drive Wise features in the Sportage function well without being too jumpy and interruptive. 

The design for the interior was inspired by the vibe of high-end outdoor equipment, with a very curvy display and a large color 12.3-inch touchscreen. The location of the center console puts buttons and controls within reasonably easy reach, and no lovable friends that we share the planet with were hurt in the process of sourcing, as animal-free leather materials are used. There’s also an extra 3 inches of rear legroom than in the outgoing model, and a dual-level cargo floor for help with hauling after the obligatory holiday airport pickup!

The Sportage’s previous model was already one of the nicest-looking SUVs out there, and there are now a few more modern touches and a black grille graphic that adds a neatly sinister visual. We have repeatedly heard many customers tell us how much they enjoy the signature Tiger Nose grille on Kia SUVs, and this one also adds slightly lower-mounted headlights and u-shaped daytime running lights. We have been watching excitedly as more customers have enjoyed the challenges of going offroad lately and the X-pro and X-Pro Prestige models provide an extra 1.5 inches of extra ground clearance along with a multi-terrain all-wheel drive system to valiantly conquer the dirt!

Latest Sketches Show What Next-gen Sportage May Look Like

Keeping close with spy shots, new Sportage set for public debut in Frankfurt in September

After spy shots were divulged of the next-generation KIA Sportage, KIA’s European design team whipped up some sketches of just what that new Sportage should look like without the camouflage cover on it. The sketches seem to closely resemble the aforementioned spy shots.

One of the most noticeable changes on the exterior happens right up front. While the grille may keep much of the same composition, the front LED headlights are swept back for a more streamlined, sleeker approach. The CUV almost takes on the shape of a sports coupe as the roof arches back more. In the back, the LED taillights stretch across the hatch.

KIA promises the most refined, highest-quality cabin to date for the next-gen Sportage. While the interior shots showed only the front seats, the sketches presented by KIA give a better idea of what the driver and front-seat passenger will experience. It appears that the UVO touchscreen is angled more toward the driver as a wrap-around feature as opposed to earlier Sportage models.

Whether the United States and Jim Butler KIA will see a Sportage such as this remains to be seen, but the public reveal of the newly styled Sportage will take place on Sept. 15 in Frankfurt, Germany. Stay tuned to Jim Butler KIA’s blog and social media for updates on the Sportage and other KIA models!

To learn more about the KIA Sportage or to schedule a test drive, call Jim Butler KIA today at 636-256-9600 or contact us online. As your St. Louis KIA dealer, we invite you to check out our new Sportages in-person at our Chesterfield dealership. If you’re in the St. Louis, Chesterfield Valley, Creve Coeur or Maryland Heights area, stop by our lot at 722 Long Road Crossing in Chesterfield. Here at Jim Butler KIA, you can make your new vehicle purchase with confidence. We are located in Chesterfield, MO, and serve as your St. Louis, Chesterfield Valley, Creve Coeur and Maryland Heights KIA dealer.

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Sportage Enters 2016 as CUV Segment Stand-out with Focus on Features

Sportage doesn’t compromise on space and utility, offers St. Louis CUV fans more

The 2016 KIA Sportage CUV will make fans of the 2015 model just as happy with its 2016 offering. Minor changes to the ’16 Sportage make the CUV better-rounded and a boon for any St. Louis family.

Once again, the Sportage will offer three trim levels for 2016: the LX, EX and SX. The biggest focus for KIA on the 2016 was the features and standards for the trim and option packages.

Even the entry LX trim is getting an upgrade for the new model year. The Popular Package on the LX trim adds a touchscreen display with integrated Rear Camera Display as well as auto on/off headlights. This is in addition to the standard features which include a rear spoiler, roof rails, trip computer, rear armrest with cup holders and illuminated sun visors.

The biggest change to the mid-range EX trim is the standard leather trimmed seats, bringing more comfort to the families of St. Louis at a better value! Along with that, a Smart Key with push-button start comes standard. Those who opt for the EX’s Premium Package, they’ll receive the Infinity Premium audio system, front fog lights, integrated turn signals in the heated outside mirrors and a cooled glove box.

For those who live fully loaded, the 2016 KIA Sportage SX is for them. With the SX, new 2016 Sportage owners get everything in the EX Premium Package along with extra features such as dual exhaust pipes, LED Daytime Running Lamps, LED tail lights, aluminum door-scuff plates, unique wheels and grille design and the standard turbocharged engine!

The two classic engine choices will once again be available. The LX and EX models come standard with the 2.4-liter GDI inline four-cylinder engine. This engine is capable of producing 182 horsepower with a maximum 177 lb.-ft. of torque. The SX trim comes with the aforementioned 2.0-L turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine with a booming 260 horsepower and 269 lb.-ft. of torque.

As St. Louis weather can be unpredictable, all-wheel drive is offered across the entire Sportage spectrum. What isn’t unpredictable is the quality and service that Jim Butler KIA offers. If you can’t wait for the 2016 Sportage, we have 2015s available now!

To learn more about the quality KIA vehicles, call Jim Butler KIA today at 636-256-9600 or contact us online. As your St. Louis KIA dealer, we invite you to check out our KIAs in-person at our Chesterfield dealership. If you’re in the St. Louis, Chesterfield Valley, Creve Coeur or Maryland Heights area, stop by our lot at 722 Long Road Crossing in Chesterfield. Here at Jim Butler KIA, you can make your new vehicle purchase with confidence. We are located in Chesterfield, MO, and serve as your St. Louis, Chesterfield Valley, Creve Coeur and Maryland Heights KIA dealer.

Search our Sportage inventory!