It’s a compact five-door crossover now available with multiple trims and several methods of sourced power and a top sales performer for Kia Motor America. The two-row Sportage evolved from offering a traditional internal combustion engine for most of its existence, to adding both a self-charging gas electric hybrid and a plug-in electric hybrid (PHEV) both combining the best of EV (Electric Vehicle) and ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) worlds.
Always a strong seller based upon an ultra-competitive segment starting price, Sportage measures in as a compact crossover within the South Korean automaker’s expanding lineup, one notch above the subcompact entry-friendly Seltos while also taking on an elder statesman roll on showroom floors since its 2006 model year introduction.
In fact, Sportage once again earned the enviable title of best-selling Kia vehicle in the U.S. for the 2023 calendar year with 140,780 units, a 12 percent increase from the preceding 12-month cycle. Kia does not break down sales among the three Sportage powertrain versions. Overall sales in 2023 reached an all-time record high for Kia North America at 725,817 including a nice assist from a growing number of all-electric EVs.
Sportage’s traditional ICE version underwent a complete next-generation model makeover in the 2023 model year, same time the self-charging gas-electric hybrid (also known in many circles as a hybrid electric vehicle, or HEV) arrived. Also debuting that year, the Plug-in Hybrid Electric version (PHEV) with a plug cord and gas-electric hybrid engine generating approximately 32 miles of electric-only driving before turning to gas engine support.
Also in the 2023 model year, Sportage production moved Stateside to West Point, Ga, Kia Motor America’s sole U.S. production facility joining the three-row Telluride crossover, mid-size K5 sedan (formerly the Optima) and Sorrento crossover. Prior to 2023, the fourth generation was largely assembled in South Korea.
Kia dropped off the HEV version for a Labor Day weekend excursion. This technological design works wonders for those seeking to extend mileage with a minimal investment. Drivers experience the benefit of gas-electric hybrid’s higher mileage thanks in part to regenerative braking and relatively small on-board lithium-ion battery pack with no plug-in worry or hassles. It’s the worry-free solution when choosing to go a little Green popularized by the first-generation Toyota Prius debuting 25 years ago.
The price difference between the Sportage HEV version and standard ICE Sportage adds up to just $1,400 extra for the HEV, a number that’s been narrowing during the past two decades within the HEV universe.
The 2023 fifth-generation effort grew in length by a substantial 7.1 inches while the wheelbase (distance between front and rear axle) expanded by 3.4 inches. Over the years, this popular model evolved from a subcompact to a roomier, larger-end compact available with many creature comforts at a competitive price point.
Not much changes for the HEV version from the 2023 intro year save for the addition of second-row seat-mounted air bags and LED-style projector beam headlights now standard in all trims. Our tester included a flat, ‘Shadow Matte Gray’ exterior paint with little reflective qualities.
Another familiar Kia attribute; a peace of mind powertrain warranty incorporating one of the industry’s longest time horizons: 10 years or 100,000 miles. Many competitors generally settle for half that coverage, five or six years with 50,000/60,000 mileage restrictions.
Three trims offer up within the HEV subdivision: LX, SX and SX Prestige. Front-wheel drive comes standard in LX with all-wheel drive optional. Both SX and SX Prestige exclusively provide mid-west friendly all-wheel drive.
Sportage takes a reasoned approach with multiple trim levels adding content from the rung below with a minimal of add-on factory options, helping ease confusion within the dealership experience.
All hybrid trims motivate from a 1.6-liter turbocharged in-line four-cylinder hybrid powertrain connected to a conventional six-speed automatic transmission. The 82-pound lithium-ion battery pack provides electricity for a 44-kilowatt motor. Combined horsepower reaches a spirited 227, more than enough to motivate this compact with multiple riders aboard.
This potent combination also squeezes out excellent fuel economy reaching 44 miles per gallon (combined highway/city travel) in LX trim front drive versions. Our all-wheel drive version dipped the estimates to a still respectable 38 miles combined city/highway. These numbers rate as impressive, but not class leading within the compact HEV community. Yes, because of the plug-free design, one still needs to stop by conventional gas stations to fill up the 13.7-gallon tank with regular, 87-octane fuel.
All three HEV trims qualify as full hybrids rather than a mild hybrid variant, an important distinction since full hybrids promise superior fuel economy and higher level of sophistication. Too often the word ‘hybrid’ gets stamped onto a vehicle without proper explanation. Full hybrids travel in pure electric mode for short distances at low speeds with no assistance from the gas engine. This design sometimes refers to FHEV with the F representing ‘Full’. Lower priced mild gas-electric hybrids (MHEVs) only assist the engine, which constantly drives the axles and delivers less impressive miles per gallon.
The lowest-priced 2004 Sportage HEV, an LX trim, starts at $28,590. The conventional LX promoting the internal combustion engine and front-wheel drive checks in at $27,190, the lowest cost Sportage opportunity in 2024.
Our top-trim SX Prestige tester included a $37,490 starting price with the only factory option represented by the upgraded gray exterior paint ($595). Carpeted floor mats ($175) and a cargo mat ($95) brought the bottom line to $39,730 including the $1,375 destination charge.
Standard SX Prestige trim features not available in the lower trims include front LED fog lamps, rear LED combination lights, gloss black upper and lower grills with matte satin trim, matte black window pillar garnish, illuminated sun visor mirror, premium artificial leather seating, vented front seats, eight-way power adjustable passenger seat, upgraded audio, radar cruise control with stop-and-go detection and a nifty blind spot view monitor.
This blind spot view monitor helps drivers determine what’s going on sidewise with a visual cue. When engaging the turn signal stalk, real-time full color video feeds of side activities pumped directly into the digital instrument panel within circular parameters temporarily overriding the left-side speedometer and right-side power/charge/eco hybrid system information. Once the turn or lane change completes, the instrument panel returns to its regularly scheduled programing.
The electronic gear shift locates between front buckets and in front of a deep armrest/storage bin region resembling a capital letter ‘F’ with the serif flag facing right. The prominent gear shifter incorporates a large circular dial selecting backlit white letters RND arcing ahead of the dial. Park summons with a push down of the capital P within circular dial and backlit in red at night. The electronic push-button start/stop button resides ahead and an easy, unincumbered reach for drivers.
The serif to the right includes heated seat buttons (where available) and heated steering wheel. The base of the F includes a small twist dial selecting among four drive modes. All-wheel drive versions incorporate a push button top within this dial locking the center differential if desired. Locking the center differential keeps front and rear wheels turning at the same speed, useful if encountering ice or off-road mud. Kia’s one of the few mainstream automakers (other than Jeep or Subaru) offering this locking feature in a compact-sided uni-body all-wheel drive crossover.
An interior design popularized beginning in the early ‘20s started appearing in Sportage last year, a long, dual function curved screen combining a highly animated instrument panel to the left and multi-function touch screen right. The SX Prestige featured a 12.3-inch IP side combining with a 12.3-inch right side.
The animated instrument panel offers a variety of layout choices dependent upon the drive mode selected. Eco delivers a left-side speedometer orb and right-side hybrid orb detailing power, eco or charging indicators. Sport mode changes things up with a tachometer orb. The center square offers its own multiple selections via a steering wheel mode button with finer-tuned details. If this doesn’t quite meet expectations, a quick trip to the center touch screen and settings submenu offers a chance to change up the IP screen side to accentuate more digital-only displays. No matter the selected style, miles-to-empty, outside temperature and total odometer miles list across the bottom. The 12.3-inch right side screen includes convenient swipe capabilities including home page with iconed sub menus.
Under the right side of the Imax-like screen resides two narrow, horizontal, manually adjustable air vents. A long, narrow, press-sensitive dual-purpose plate situates below with two small twist dials flanking the ends. In one scheme, these end dials control volume and station selections with additional audio functions in between. Press a central icon and plate commands visually switch to HVAC functions with the end dials controlling dual temperature zone with mid-stream icons summoning fan speed, direction and front/rear defrosters. Not the easiest design to quickly update comfort settings as eyes must take time away from the road ahead for a second or two.
Both Android Auto and Apple Car Play integration come standard across all three trims. An optional wireless charging pad is standard in the two S trims. Multiple sized USB ports await users.
Backrests include a 60/40 split and manually fold semi-flat down with the pull of a side-cushion lever. Peek under the cargo floor to find a temporary spare tire standard in the upper two trims and optional in LX. Many competitors have tossed spares aside in the name of weight/cost savings in favor of inflation kits that often times never live up to expectations.
With the advent of smaller, yet potent LED lights, designers of late have enjoyed creating artwork out of this once pejorative necessity. Sportage circa 2024 enjoys a tri-band turn signal symphony up front above a vertical pair of bejeweled square with LED bulbs. All this gets framed by daytime running lights in frosted fashion creating a boomerang-style, side-ways V frame around both.
The imaginative light sculptures flank the long narrow grille, a design Kia frames as ‘Tiger Nose.’ From afar, the resemblance can be best described as an extended bow tie.
Sideview mirrors also include band-like secondary blinkers helping alert others on the road of future intentions. Wheel wells incorporate a circular half-moon framing of the tires. A high side belt line creates narrow side windows which taper as they enter the cargo region D-Pillar region.
Also adorning the front, rear and steering wheel, Kia’s new-fangled logo introduced in 2022 model year vehicles replacing an oval version with block KIA lettering. The new updates artistically blends hand-written block style connected lettering. The tailgate wiper swoops down from the top, hidden from view when services are not needed.
2024 Kia Sportage HEV
Price as tested: $39,730
Engine: 1.6-liter turbo four cylinder.
Combined Horsepower: 227
Hybrid battery: Lithium-ion pouch style
Wheelbase: 108.5 inches
Overall Length: 183.5 inches
Overall Height: 65.4 inches
Overall Width: 73.4 inches
Fuel Economy: 38 mpg city/ 38 mpg highway
Curb weight: 3,935 pounds
Powertrain Warranty: 10 years/100,000 miles
Assembly: West Point, Georgia
