2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid Review

The Kia Sportage has always been sought after for its spacious, well-equipped and economical features. Having an optional and confident AWD system has always drawn drivers to the platform. 2024 is no exception to the multiple powertrains available for the Sportage including the 1.6L turbo hybrid. Gaining back some of those miles per gallon can make the difference on long travels with the family and canine companion. Practicality is what Kia delivers with the 2024 Sportage Hybrid.

Attractive Well Thought Styling

The fifth-generation Sportage reveals Kia’s dedication to enhanced street appeal. Up front are standard LED lamps for the headlights and lower fog lights. Additional LED lighting is found in the rear, as well as the signals. The silver accent garnish trims that run along the windows and doorline add just the right amount of additional style. More accenting is found on both the front and rear bumpers, as well as Kia’s proudly displayed logo.

18 inch two-tone wheels on the Hybrid AWD models are surrounded by non-protruding wheel arches for some added body protection. In addition for AWD models is a very useful 8.3 inches of ground clearance to get over small road obstacles and protect the underside. Smooth lines, a low profile antenna and roof rails are sure to help reduce wind noise inside the cabin.

No Digital Compromises Here

The Sportage is spoiled with many standard options. The first thing noticed when entering is the massive dual 12.3 inch driver information and infotainment screens. The screens have a curvature angled towards the driver for easy viewing and the touch responsiveness is exceptional. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and navigation are all included. Custom dashes can be swapped and the hybrid information can also be displayed in real time. Drivers can comfortably see the displays while concentrating on the road ahead.

Hybrid models include 360-degree cameras and will display the the entire surroundings of the vehicle. All of the driver controls are well positioned and the hybrid model gets a rotating drive selector switch instead of a traditional pull handle gear selector. Climate controls remain as independent switches from the infotainment center, a personal preference of my own.  

Welcoming Large Comfortable Space

Sportage offers a spacious interior for five occupants. The multi-position seating, dash panel and center console are all very soft to the touch. Large spanning windows allow for easy viewing without interference. Climate control offers front passengers individual temperature adjustability. Heated seats and wireless charging for added convenience.

The rear seating area offers ample room for adults to travel comfortably, 41.3 inches of legroom. A center armrest will fold down instead of traveling with a fifth passenger. Optionally the rear split seat can accommodate a third passenger while easily loading more cargo.

Cargo Space Is What You Are Looking For?

This compact class SUV has a rear cargo area of 39.5 cubic feet and a full 73.7 cubic feet with the rear split 60/40 seats folded down. Storage pockets and bins are located on every door, as well as in the rear compartment area. The versatility of how to arrange storage of your gear of any kind is very convenient and a power rear door makes accessibility simple when your hands are full.

LED lighting lights up the cargo area and also has a 12V outlet for powering devices. Tie-down locations to hold your gear in place and a removable privacy cover to hide your valuables. A spare-sized tire and additional stowage are located under the floor tray.

Watch Out, This Packs A Punch

The 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid is no slouch. The small efficient 1.6-liter four cylinder turbo will put out 227 HP and 258 Ft. Lbs. with electric assist and jump off the line with full power from the hybrid drive. This will get the Sportage 0-60 in 7.1 seconds which is quite respectable with a weight of around 4200 lbs. It can get the jump and leave its 2.5L gas engine variant behind, every time. The 1.6L turbo is very responsive and can make passing slower moving vehicles an easy task.

Maintenance scheduling for the hybrid is every 7500 miles, making for plenty of travel between intervals. Combined with an attractive miles per gallon on average, the hybrid AWD is certainly going to save all year round on maintenance and fuel costs.

Hybrid Has An Optional AWD System

Many of us upgrading to a new vehicle are looking for superior fuel mileage. Considering a front-wheel drive vehicle for this reason over an all-wheel drive vehicle always makes a difference. In the case of the hybrid Sportage, there is about a 5 mpg difference from the FWD model.

Where you live might very well make the decision for you. AWD systems are gaining popularity with each passing year and there is no wonder as to why. Having the option whether or not an AWD vehicle is needed can save from spending unnecessarily and the Sportage hybrid has both options available.

Getting You Further Along For Less

The onboard 1.49 kWh battery has enough power to take the Sportage 34 miles on electrical power alone. The FWD Sportage hybrid is rated for 42 mpg city and 44 mpg on the highway. Meanwhile an AWD Hybrid will be closer to 38 mpg on average both city and highway. This is still considerable in comparison to the 2.5-liter gasoline model which is around 25 mpg.

The charging system can be monitored directly in the driver’s information display. This allows the driver to see when battery power is being used to assist the gasoline engine, running independently or being charged from the gasoline engine.

A Smooth Enjoyable Ride

Sportage Hybrid maintains high stability for a small SUV. The suspension offers a comfortable ride, even when loaded with passengers. The steering response is quick and gives drivers the ability to maneuver with confidence. The braking distance from 60 mph is about 130 feet, respectively. When talking about a hefty hybrid, that’s enough to ease the concern of the safety-conscious driver.

Among the other more advanced safety features, Sportage Hybrid also incudes ABS braking and stability control. Full front impact airbags, side impact airbags and overhead airbags. Sportage also receives a 5-star rating from the NHTSA for crash-tested vehicles.

Safe Travels In Mind

Kia has loaded the safety features into the Sportage Hybrid and it is one of the safest in its class. Mentioned earlier was the 360 camera to assist in parking, backing up as well as adding some security. Hybrid models have an optional remote parking feature that allows a driver to reverse the Sportage from a parking spot without being in the driver’s seat, all with just the key FOB in hand. Cruise control with stop and go is also loaded.

Sportage Hybrid comes standard with forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking. Also included as standard are lane-departure warning and lane-keep assist. Additionally blind-spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert are optional.

Whatever Your Need, Sportage Hybrid Has You Covered

With multiple options to choose from, the base model FWD Hybrid starts at $37,715, the EX AWD lists around $40,245 and the SX AWD at $45,945. Options vary from wheel sizing to a performance Harman Kardon audio system. With more power, quicker response and better fuel economy than the 2.5-liter gasoline model, the Sportage Hybrid should be a consideration if it meets your overall needs. Think of the trips to the cabin and having all of the room you need to pack supplies. The extra clearance gets down rough roads to a spot down by the lake. Then you can relax and think of the money you saved from your Sportage Hybrid.