2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid Gets $28,290 Starting Price, Adds More Standard Equipment

The hybrid-assisted lineup comes in four distinct specifications, beginning with the front-wheel-drive LX at $28,290 (plus $1,325 for the destination freight charge). All-wheel drive adds $1,800 to the final price, whereas the better-equipped EX AWD can be had for a cool $31,990 at launch. The cream of the crop is the SX Prestige AWD grade at $37,190.

Regardless of trim level, the Sportage Hybrid offers 177 horsepower and 195 pound-feet (264 Nm) from a 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-four mill with direct fuel injection. Together with its electric drive unit, Kia's hybrid crossover outputs a very respectable 227 horses and 258 pound-feet (350 Nm) of torque.

Capable of towing 2,000 pounds (907 kilograms), the Sportage Hybrid further sweetens the deal with an EPA-estimated 43 miles to the gallon (5.4 liters per 100 kilometers) on the combined test cycle. One has to wonder if this powertrain will carry over to the Hyundai Santa Cruz, which is lagging behind the Ford Maverick in terms of sales due to the lack of a hybrid option. Alternatively, the crossover-based truck's existing 2.5 could be hybridized as well.

Now arriving in dealer showrooms nationwide, the Sportage Hybrid obviously slots between the combustion-only Sportage and its plug-in sibling. Those kick off at $27,090 and $39,490, respectively. That said, what are you getting with the hybrid?

As opposed to Japanese rival Toyota, this hybrid sports a torque-converter automatic that feels much better in every single driving scenario than a continuously variable transmission. 17-inch alloy wheels, three driving modes (Normal, Smart, and Sport), an electronic parking brake and an auto-hold function, LED taillights, rear privacy glass, and auto rain-sensing wipers also need to be mentioned.

When it comes to extras, the LX FWD is listed with the likes of a HomeLink auto-dimming rearview mirror ($350), a metal front skid plate ($200), illuminated scuff plates ($325), carpeted floor mats ($175), and all that jazz. Despite being the lowest specification available, you get an 8-inch touchscreen and a digital instrument cluster at no extra charge.

The AWD-only EX levels up to a slightly larger touchscreen with satellite navigation, Kia Connect, and SiriusXM satellite radio. This grade further sweetens the deal with machined-finish alloys (18s instead of the base grade's 17-inch wheels), roof rails, and safety kit. The SX Prestige AWD comes with all the bells and whistles, including HomeLink in combination with an auto-dim rearview mirror.

Prospective customers are presented with a grand total of seven paint choices, beginning with Steel Gray and Fusion Black. The remainder comprises Snow White Pearl, Vesta Blue, Dawning Red, Gravity Gray, and an SX-exclusive matte gray.