Textual content by Tom Appel
2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX-Status 4WD
Specs
Class: Compact Crossover
Colour: Shadow Matte Grey
Seating Capability: 5
Miles pushed: 173
Actual-world gas economic system: 37.3 mpg
| CG Report Card | |
|---|---|
| Room and Consolation | B+ |
| Energy and Efficiency | B+ |
| Match and End | B+ |
| Gasoline Economic system | A |
| Worth | A |
| Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus different autos in the identical class. Worth grade is for particular trim stage evaluated, and should not replicate Client Information’s impressions of all the mannequin lineup. | |
| Large & Tall Consolation | |
| Large Man | A- |
| Tall Man | B |
| Large & Tall consolation rankings are for entrance seats solely. “Large” ranking primarily based on male tester weighing roughly 350 kilos, “Tall” ranking primarily based on 6’6″-tall male tester. | |
| Drivetrain | |
| Engine Specs | 217-horsepower, 1.6-liter |
| Engine Kind | Turbocharged hybrid |
| Transmission | 6-speed automated |
| Drive Wheels | AWD |
Driving combine: 55% metropolis, 45% freeway
EPA-estimated gas economic system: 38/38/38 (metropolis, freeway, mixed)
Gasoline sort: Common fuel
Base value: $37,490 (not together with $1375 vacation spot cost)
Choices on take a look at automobile: Particular paint ($595), cargo mat ($95), ground mats ($175)
Worth as examined: $39,730
Professionals and Cons
The nice: Easy and robust hybrid drivetrain, stylish cabin
The great: Loads of grownup house, anticipated hybrid gas economic system
The not so good: Rear seatbacks don’t fold utterly flat
Evaluate
With electric-vehicle gross sales rising at a slower-than-industry-expected tempo, carmakers are scrambling to realign their product portfolios with an assortment of powertrain choices, together with internal-combustion engines (ICE) hybrids (HEV), plug-in hybrids (PHEV), and full-electric automobiles and vehicles (BEV). And, for the really masochistic model, fuel-cell (hydrogen) autos, too.
And whereas Kia doesn’t presently retail a fuel-cell automobile, company sister model Hyundai does, within the type of the NEXO small crossover. And, in case you had been questioning, Hyundai managed to promote 77 NEXOs within the first half of 2024, all of them in California, and all of them close to Los Angeles, the place the one public hydrogen gas stations within the nation are positioned.
However Kia’s lack of involvement within the doubtful fuel-cell phase doesn’t imply the model isn’t nicely positioned to benefit from the public’s present enthusiasm for hybrid autos—which has reached new ranges. In reality, Kia could also be among the many carmakers finest in a position to meet rising client demand for different powertrain choices.
For 2025, along with its standard ICE choices, Kia additionally presents the next:
Kia Hybrid Fashions
- Niro (small crossover)
- Sportage (compact crossover)
- Sorento (midsize crossover)
- Carnival (minivan)
Kia Plug-in Hybrid Fashions
Kia Electrical Automobiles
Be aware that although the Niro is obtainable with three drivetrain choices, not all are supplied in each state. Try the Kia web site for particulars.
In fact, promoting a hybrid is one matter, and promoting a very good hybrid is one other. We’re completely happy to report that the Kia Sportage Hybrid, which we’re reviewing right here, is particularly spectacular, when it comes to each common operation, and general effectivity. We’ll get to each in a second.
Costs and Trim Ranges
For 2025, Kia presents the favored Sportage in seven standard trim ranges, three hybrid variations, and two plug-in hybrid trims. Beginning with the bottom providing, the Sportage Hybrid is available in LX ($29,965), EX ($33,765), and SX Status ($38,965) trim ranges.
Engines
Whereas the traditional Kia Sportage is fitted with a 2.5-liter usually aspirated (not turbocharged) engine, the Sportage Hybrid is powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged mill fitted with a pair of electrical batteries and mated to a 6-speed automated system. Complete system output is a claimed 227 horsepower, a big bump over the usual Sportage’s 187 horses. The Sportage hybrid is offered with front- or all-wheel drive.
Be aware that no vital adjustments are anticipated for the 2025 mannequin, although a big replace might arrive for 2026.
Take a look at Drive
Client Information not too long ago spent per week behind the wheel of an AWD 2024 Sportage Hybrid SX-Status in Shadow Matte Grey. Together with vacation spot cost, our take a look at crossover got here to $39,730.
Cabin and Connectivity
Like so many small crossovers right now, the Sportage, particularly in high-zoot SX-Status trim, feels extra like a luxurious automobile than a mainstream, popularly priced automobile. The 2-tone cabin upholstery is each stylish and sporty, and the single-piece instrument panel/touchscreen appears trendy and clear. We discovered the first infotainment controls to work nicely, and the touchscreen icons straightforward to establish at a look.
One odd management aspect that we didn’t love was the dual-use touch-panel controls under the touchscreen. The controls alternate between local weather and audio and capabilities, and supply no haptic suggestions when touched. In observe the controls work fairly nicely, however aren’t a welcome substitute for rear, tactile, switchgear.
Room and Consolation
As for house, the Sportage boasts loads. There’s a beneficiant quantity of big-guy house within the entrance row, and solely barely much less within the second seating row. Moreover, the seats are agency and long-trip supportive.
Energy and Efficiency
Below method, the Sportage Hyrid acquits itself nicely, with loads of energy, and easy hybrid operation. Not like Kias of the previous, which suffered from balky hybrid engine/motor interplay, the Sportage boasts refined energy supply and quiet operation. Higher nonetheless, we noticed 37+ mpg in routine drive. Wonderful mileage given the ability.
Journey and Dealing with
Journey and dealing with are additionally class main. The Sportage Hybrid feels usually athletic, and trip high quality is impressively refined, in a kind of German-luxury kind of method.
Cargo Area
There loads of room within the cargo space, although the second-row seatbacks don’t fold utterly flat, leaving a small “curb” or kinds for bigger parcels to be pushed/wrestled over.
Worth
At lower than $40,000, the Sportage Hybrid is much less of an alternative-fuel possibility for Kia buyers, and extra of a premium possibility. The Hybrid presents not solely higher gas economic system than the traditional Sportage, however higher efficiency, as nicely. Plus, hybrids fashions of any make have demonstrated higher worth at trade-in time than have their conventionally powered counterparts.
On this phase, it is sensible to additionally take a look at drive the excellent Honda CR-V Hybrid, and the hybrid Toyota RAV4. All supply spectacular gas economic system in sensible and refined packages. And, if design and styling matter a lot to you, you’ll need to take an additional shut take a look at the Sportage.
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2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX-Status Photos
Click on under for enlarged pictures