2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid HEV

The 2023 Kia Sportage celebrates the fifth generation of the South Korean automaker’s longest-running nameplate. Previous generations of the Kia Sportage were excellent choices for a compact family SUV with comfortable seats, plentiful standard features, and an outstanding warranty. However, the Sportage gets lost in translation when facing Japanese stalwarts like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and even the Subaru Forester – but the 2023 Sportage begs to differ
The Sportage debuted earlier in 2021 as the most extensive iteration of Kia’s compact SUV. It’s now a full 7.1 inches longer than the outgoing model while having a 3.4 inch longer wheelbase. In addition, the new Sportage is half an inch taller and wider than before. Naturally, the growth spurt translates to a roomier cabin. Kia claims the 41.3 inches of rear legroom and 39.6 cubic feet of cargo room (with the rear seats in the upright position) make it a class leader in the segment.

The 2023 Kia Sportage is sitting on the automaker’s new N3 architecture, just as the larger Sorento seven-seat SUV. Kia says the stiffer chassis has more hot-stamped parts and a greater amount of ultra-high-strength steel. Furthermore, the new Sportage has more sound insulation to deliver a quieter ride.
Arriving later in 2022 is the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid, boasting the same hybrid powertrain as the Tucson Hybrid. It has a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, a 44 kW electric motor, and a 1.49 kW lithium-ion battery pack, pumping out a combined 226 horsepower to the front wheels (FWD) or Kia’s Active AWD system with an electro-hydraulic coupling and a center locking differential. Kia claims up to 39 mpg with the new Sportage Hybrid, keeping it in close company with other hybrids like the CR-V and RAV-4 Hybrid.