Not even a month after taking the veils off the ICE-only Sportage for the 2023 model year, Kia is much obliged to present a hybrid option for the compact utility vehicle. The fuel-sipping crossover will reach dealership forecourts in 2022 with a 44-kW electric motor and a 1.6-liter mill.
The GDI turbo engine is connected to a six-speed automatic transmission rather than an eCVT like the one Ford uses in the Maverick pickup truck, a torque-converter automatic that features a rotary shifter with a central park button. Based on the N3 architecture of the Sorento, the Sportage Hybrid is also rocking a lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 1.49 kWh. It may not seem like much, but do remember it has more juice than a Toyota Prius.
A direct competitor for the RAV4 Hybrid, the newcomer offers 226 horsepower and a range of up to 39 miles per gallon (6 liters per 100 kilometers; targeted) with front-wheel drive. Only the LX trim level comes with standard FWD and optional AWD, while the better-equipped EX and SX-Prestige feature all-wheel drive right off the bat. Kia calls this particular system Active AWD, referring to the electro-hydraulic coupling with a center-locking differential that distributes torque between the car’s axles.
The E-Handling system uses the hybrid motor to deliver a confident driving experience, and every trim is rocking paddle shifters in lieu of a conventional gear lever. Capable of towing a class-leading 2,000 pounds (907 kilograms) just like the base Maverick with the hybrid powertrain, the Sportage Hybrid stands out with the help of unique 17- and 18-inch alloys in addition to specific exterior badging and specific animations for the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
“The new Sportage Hybrid SUV marks yet another step in Kia’s advance on sustainable mobility, as part of our global Plan S efforts,” declared Sean Yoon, Kia America CEO. “In addition to paving a new pathway to electrification, the Sportage Hybrid delivers superb driving dynamics, cutting-edge design, and a vast array of technology for a world-class in-car experience.”
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
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