Snow Ready & Sleek: 2024 Kia Sportage Navigates Chilly Conditions W/Unbeatable Comfort

The official arrival of the 2024 models here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis always makes this time of year so special: after all the amazing food, décor, and family of the season, we get to closely observe torque and horsepower specs along with new features we all love. The 2024 Kia Sportage saw upgrades that were fiercely stanced as a hockey team on the winter ice staring down their opponent. The Toyota RAV4 is going to be quaking in its snow boots heavily, as this crossover is well-equipped for busy students, families, and entrepreneurs. 

There are now brand-new LED projector headlights and a second row of seat-mounted airbags to improve safety, with the power source as the 2.5-liter gas direct injection inline 4-cylinder. Hybrid models come with a 1.6-liter turbo 4-cylinder engine that cranks out 177 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 44-kW electric motor unit. The combined total system power output is 227 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, boasting an estimated 34 miles of all-electric driving range with the battery at full capacity. 

The available 12.3-inch dual panoramic displays with navigation offer over 24 inches combined display for everything from a spur-of-the-moment old-school Mario Kart session to navigation features and other vital details. The Autoblog staff were greatly impressed with its radical redesign that included much bigger dimensions, multiple hybrids, and top-notch technology, concluding that it’s a valiant and well-deserved segment leader. A detailed comparison test between it and the newly redesigned Honda CR-V hybrid deemed the Sportage as the smart choice, thanks to its distinctive style and excellent safety technology. 

Best-in-class cargo space is an asset that any busy family is going to hold quite near and dear on their “essentials” list, along with a vast back seat that is ready for the “delightful brick-and-mortar hauls of spring.” The current market has dictated the all-important price point as one of the most important features of any car, and this is where the Sportage has a viable upper hand. The interior offers up a sense of cool that the competing RAV4 or Forester can’t offer, with a choice of navy, red, and sage green interior.

The EX Hybrid also is eligible for the “New Year’s resolution” friendly upgrade of misty Gray or Triton Navy color combos, ranking Kia as a reigning champion when it comes to generous content on lower trim levels. Every powertrain option is eligible for the cabin’s swooping main attraction of a giant curved panel housing twin 12.3-inch displays that are politely shared by the enthralling and unique EV6. Also stuffed in the holiday stocking courtesy of the EV6 is the new row of touch-capacitive buttons offering accessible shortcuts for the infotainment menu and climate control.

This new interior is quite different from Kia’s usual look which comes off initially as even cleaner, with reviewers stating that they look better than eager models coming out of the gate from numerous competitors. The X-Pro trim adds a compelling step up in a major way with BF Goodrich all-terrain tires, 17-inch matte black wheels, and recalibrated drive mode settings for challenging reduced traction conditions. A few of our favorite extra available features include navigation, wireless device charging, a panoramic moonroof, synthetic leather upholstery, a Harman Kardon stereo, and the ingenious convenience of a hands-free power lift gate.

5 Things That Make the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid Your Fall Driving Choice

The Motorbiscuit car review team recently got to spend a week with the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid, which has tons of great new features to enjoy and has already undergone a major refresh. This is a well-rounded and sporty SUV with true prestige, and it gets great gas mileage to boot. Everyone here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis has long been keen on the many choices we have for you here for brand-new vehicles, and this one stands out several ways!

1. The Much-Needed Fun Factor is All in:

The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid is available with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters to make its sporty stance even more user-friendly and responsive. The 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine is mated to a 44 kWh motor to jointly crank out 227 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. You’ll zip on up to 60 mph in about 7.2 seconds, making it one of the fastest selections in a competitive segment! The steering is very responsive, and Sport Mode provides a snappy and immediate throttle response.

2. All Eyes on Efficiency:

The 2023 Kia Sportage officially gets an EPA estimated 42 miles per gallon in the city, and up to a generous 44 miles per gallon when highway-bound. The Sportage doesn’t require a plug-in to recharge the batteries, as the onboard regenerative system offers the means to do so on the go, and it is visible in front of you on the digital gauge cluster. 

3. Loaded With Capability: 

Kia has now successfully developed model variants that are ready for off-roading, and the Kia Sportage hybrid is rooted and capable. The EX-trim comes ready for the trail with all-wheel drive, downhill brake control, and a Missouri winter ready Snow Mode. Upgrading to the X pro model gives you 8.3 more inches of ground clearance, along with 17-inch black alloy wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires. When you are tackling the steep and demanding areas far off the highway, you will need gear such as this to be fully prepped.

4. Don’t Settle for Less Then Class-Leading Comfort:

The mid-level EX trim provided a very high level of comfort for this testing crew, who felt that the upgrade to the SX Prestige trim was not needed if you just are after the entry-level firm and supportive seats for longer journeys. The simulated leather upholstery is the ideal touch that provides a high-end feel while still within a reasonable budget, and the highway and wind noise is nearly muted nicely for a peaceful drive. 

5. An Interior That “Defies Drab and Boring” in a Major Way:

The new Sportage Hybrid is loaded up with luxurious goodies such as faux-leather upholstery, and you get to enjoy the view with the massive sunroof. This is a very spacious layout with well-blending touches of tan, blue, and red, and everything you need. The 12.3-inch infotainment screen thoroughly quenches the ongoing thirst current buyers have for “supersizing” the visual goods to see all the details about the trip, or settle in and enjoy some trusty tunes!

Next Innovation-Future 2011 KIA Optima Hybrid!!

During the LA Auto Show, KIA unveiled the 2011 KIA Optima Hybrid!! Read the official KIA press release below.

 2011 Kia Optima Hybrid Will Offer Class-Leading Estimated 40 mpg Highway Fuel Economy Blended with Technology, Efficiency and Design

•  New Optima iteration utilizes state-of-the art lithium polymer battery for increased fuel efficiency
•  Addition of hybrid model continues Kia's dramatic brand transformation

IRVINE, Calif., November 17, 2010 - As the latest model in Kia's design-led transformation, the all-new 2011 Optima midsize sedan lineup expanded today with Kia Motors America's (KMA) introduction of the all-new Optima Hybrid at the Los Angeles Auto Show. With a stunning design, roomy interior, and an estimated 40 mpg class-leading fuel efficiency, Kia's first-ever hybrid in the U.S. will attract those looking for a striking and well-equipped sedan that does not sacrifice style, comfort, performance or value for fuel efficiency. Set to hit showrooms early next year, the Optima Hybrid employs a Kia-developed powertrain that includes several innovations that enable it to provide exceptional hybrid performance and efficiency.


"Kia Motors is aggressively expanding its green car investments and R&D in much the same way we committed ourselves to the quality and design innovations over the last decade that have fueled our dramatic brand transformation," said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing & communications, KMA. "By adding our first-ever hybrid in the U.S. to the Optima lineup we are providing consumers with three powerful and fuel-efficient powertrain choices, and continuing Kia's philosophy of offering stylish, value-packed vehicles with outstanding fuel efficiency."


The 2011 Optima Hybrid uses a full parallel hybrid system and can be driven in zero emission, full-electric drive mode at speeds up to 62 miles per hour or in blended gas-electric mode at any speed. When the car comes to a stop and the electrical load is low, the engine shuts off to completely eliminate idle fuel consumption and emissions.


Durable Lithium Polymer Battery


The 2011 Optima Hybrid's outstanding efficiency is due in large part to the use of a lithium polymer battery, which was developed in South Korea with partner LG Chem. The power and energy density of this new battery type allowed Kia engineers to create a lighter and more compact battery pack, with the 30 kilowatt battery pack weighing just 95.9 pounds – 28 pounds less than the 2011 Toyota Camry Hybrid's nickel metal hydride pack – which aids fuel economy and also helps to maximize Optima's cargo space.


The Optima Hybrid's battery will hold its charge up to 25 percent longer than hybrids with nickel metal hydride batteries, so the battery is more likely to have usable energy available even if it has not been in use. Both fuel consumption and emissions are cut, allowing more electric starts and drive-aways. With that improved efficiency, more of the recovered kinetic energy and charging energy from the engine is available to move the car as necessary, which allows the vehicle to provide electric driving assist more often and for a longer period. Lithium polymer also has less of the self-discharge characteristic found in most rechargeable batteries.


Unique Hybrid Architecture


Unlike most current systems on the market, the Optima Hybrid powertrain is configured with a unique architecture. Compared to the power-split hybrid systems found on vehicles from Toyota or Ford, the Optima Hybrid uses a Transmission-Mounted-Electric-Drive (TMED) layout with the electric motor separated from the transmission gear-set. Offering several advantages, this modular layout includes more efficient powertrain packaging, use of many "off-the-shelf" components such as the existing six-speed automatic transmission found on the 2.4-liter GDI Optima, and reduced engineering investment. This also allows for other possible future combinations including the application of more powerful motors and higher capacity batteries.


The Optima Hybrid also is among the first full hybrid systems on the market to use a typical step-ratio automatic transmission. The extremely compact six-speed automatic that debuted on the 2011 Kia Sorento CUV is carried over to the hybrid largely unchanged. An external electrically-driven oil pump also has been added to provide the hydraulic fluid pressure needed to keep the clutches engaged when the vehicle is in idle stop mode.


The Optima Hybrid's electric motor is hard-coupled to the input of the transmission and equipped with a permanent magnet synchronous electric traction motor that produces 40.2 horsepower (30 kilowatt) and 151.2 pound-feet of torque when electric only, and an impressive 206.2 horsepower and 195.4 pound-feet of torque when in hybrid mode. This replaces the torque converter, with a multi-disc clutch is fitted between the engine and motor, enabling the gasoling engine to be de-coupled from the powertrain for idle stop and electric drive modes. Employing this layout allows the entire package, including a torsional damper, to fit virtually within the same area as the traditional torque converter.


Another unique component of the Optima Hybrid is the Hybrid-Starter-Generator (HSG). This 8.5 kilowatt starter motor-generator is belt-driven off the Theta II engine and operates at the same 270 volts as the electric traction motor and the lithium polymer battery, but does not provide any tractive effort to the vehicle. In its place, the HSG is used only to start the engine and then to charge the hybrid battery.


One of the main benefits of the hybrid electric powertrain provides is the capability to recover energy lost during braking and store it for use during acceleration and cruising, so when the brake pedal is applied, the engine is decoupled from the traction motor and gives no drag on the vehicle. The motor is then used as a generator to recharge the hybrid battery. Converting the kinetic energy into electrical energy rather than thermal energy through the friction brakes also reduces the wear on the brake linings so they last longer. When conditions require emergency stopping or driving on hills, the extra reliance on regenerative braking allows for the brakes to be more effective.


The Optima Hybrid uses an electronically controlled brake system to determine the driver's braking needs based on the degree of pedal application, which is then converted to a total brake torque requirement. The hybrid system control then detects the current level of battery charge, vehicle speed and other conditions to determine how much regenerative braking is possible under current circumstances. The brake control system then receives the maximum regenerative braking level to manage the friction braking torque so that total net torque is equal to the driver's needs.


Like all other 2011 Optimas, the hybrid uses an Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS) system that instantly provides boost and only when it is needed during steering maneuvers. Reducing the extra weight compared to an engine-driven hydraulic assist, the EPAS is independent of the engine and also provides assistance when the engine is not running, such as during idle stop or electric drive mode.


The Optima Hybrid also features an electrically-driven air conditioning compressor so that climate control can be maintained even when the engine is off. Like electric power steering, the electrically-driven air conditioning compressor allows for more precise on-demand control reducing the overall load on the powertrain, cutting fuel consumption.


Taking advantage of the instant and continuously available torque from the electric motor, Kia engineers modified its popular 2.4-liter Theta II engine to operate on an Atkinson cycle, raising the compression ratio by 20 percent to maximize its efficiency and achieving a 10-percent fuel saving over a regular Theta engine. This cycle generates a little less torque, but the electric motor compensates for any loss and consequently, the Optima Hybrid's overall power and torque outputs are greater than the regular model.


With the Optima also weighing in as one of the lightest cars in the segment, high performance and outstanding fuel efficiency are a natural result. The lightweight architecture of the new Optima platform, combined with the lightweight lithium polymer battery pack, brings the Optima Hybrid in at just 3,490 pounds, 230 pounds lighter than the 2011 Ford Fusion Hybrid.


Beyond the Optima Hybrid's innovative powertrain, Kia's engineers addressed all aspects of vehicle efficiency including aerodynamics and rolling resistance. The Optima Hybrid features unique exterior aero refinements, a lower ride height, an active air flap system, lower drag wheels, and underbody aero tuning to reduce drag, while low rolling resistance tires also help increase efficiency. The Optima Hybrid's drag coefficient is an exceptionally low 0.26, among the best in the world.


The end result of the Optima Hybrid's highly-efficient powertrain, low-rolling resistance tires, and clean aerodynamic signature is truly exceptional highway fuel efficiency, the best of any mid-size hybrid sedan in the market.


In addition to offering consumers class-leading fuel economy, the 2011 Optima Hybrid also delivers high level of style, comfort and refinement. Ensuring Kia's newest addition stands out from the crowd, the hybrid model has unique features to it, including front grille design, 16-inch alloy wheel design, headlamp design, fog lamps, heated outside mirrors, chrome accents on exterior door handles, front and rear lower bumpers and side sills, LED tail lamp design and a rear lip spoiler.


In addition to the extensive list of standard convenience features and stylish appointments found on the well-equipped Optima LX A/T trim, consumers opting for the Hybrid will enjoy additional standard features, including, eight-way power adjustable driver's seat, dual zone automatic temperature control with rear vents, push-button start with smart key, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, automatic up/down on front windows, chrome interior door handles, glove box illumination, rear reading lamps, and fixed rear seats with ski pass-through. Virtual Engine Sound System (VESS), standard on the Optima Hybrid, plays a pre-recorded engine sound during electric-only operation to notify people outside the vehicle that it is approaching.


The 2011 Optima Hybrid also offers a Premium Technology Package, key features include a panoramic sunroof, unique 17-inch alloy wheel design, four-way power adjustable front passenger's seat, driver's seat memory, heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats and steering wheel, HID headlamps with automatic leveling, leatherette-wrapped center fascia, auto-dimming rear-view mirror with Homelink™ and compass, a navigation system with back-up camera and SIRIUS Traffic™1, and an eight-speaker Infinity®2 audio system.

Safety-Minded


The 2011 Optima Hybrid is equipped with a high level of standard safety features, as is the rest of the entire Kia line-up. This includes six airbags3 (dual advanced front and front-seat mounted side as well as full-length side curtain), front active headrests, side-impact door beams, height-adjustable front seatbelts with pre-tensioners, three-point seatbelts for all seating positions, Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). Four-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), a Traction Control System (TCS), a Brake Assist System (BAS) and Hill Assist Control (HAC) also are standard.


Competitive Warranty


The entire 2011 Optima lineup is covered by KMA's warranty program, which offers unprecedented consumer protection. Included in this program are a 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, a five-year/60,000-mile limited basic warranty and a five-year/100,000-mile anti-perforation warranty. A five-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance plan also is part of the vehicle 
coverage.


www.JimButlerKia.com
[Source:KIA Motors]