KiaSportage Hybrid

　　

2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid Review

byClint SimoneSenior Reviews Editor

　　Clint Simone has worked in the automotive industry since 2015. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Before joining zzdcar as a senior reviews editor, Clint contributed to Motor1.com and InsideEVs, evaluating mostly electric cars. Clint loves hot hatchbacks more than any other type of vehicle but secretly enjoys driving big trucks when he gets the chance. He would never admit to that.

　　, rating written byClint SimoneVehicle Test Editor

　　Reese Counts has worked in the automotive industry since he started as an intern at zzdcar in 2015. He has written or edited thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Reese is a vehicle test editor at zzdcar and has also contributed to Autoblog. Reese has also been featured on Yahoo! Finance, Engadget and AOL reviewing cars and covering automotive technology, auto shows and more. Reese learned to drive in his father's C4 Chevrolet Corvette and now owns his grandfather's 1999 Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG. A love for cars runs deep in his family.

　　As you can discern from its name, the 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid is the hybrid-powered version of the brand's compact SUV. But there's a lot more to it than just that. Sure, the hybrid version of the Sportage gets better fuel economy. But it also makes more power, is quicker to accelerate, and doesn't make any compromises to storage or drivability. Put simply, this smooth-and-stylish SUV is one of the best small SUVs you can buy in 2024.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid LX 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.06 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$89/mo  for Sportage Hybrid LX

　　Sportage Hybrid LX

　　LX 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 6A) - $28,290 MSRPLX 4dr SUV AWD (1.6L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 6A) - $30,090 MSRPEX 4dr SUV AWD (1.6L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 6A) - $31,990 MSRPSX-Prestige 4dr SUV AWD (1.6L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 6A) (Most Popular) - $37,190 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　

zzdcar spotlight: Value for your money

The Kia Sportage Hybrid is even more appealing when you consider its reasonable starting price. It's only about a grand more expensive than a comparable non-hybrid Sportage when new, and on top of that you get EPA-estimated fuel economy of up to 43 mpg in combined city/highway driving. That's great fuel economy for a hybrid small SUV. You also will get your money's worth with the most expensive trim level as it comes equipped with some high-end features plus a long list of extra advanced driver assist features.

　　

Competitors to consider

The hybrid versions of the popular Honda CR-V and RAV4 are worth a look if you want a small SUV that gets high fuel economy. We also recommend the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, which is mechanically related to the Sportage. And if you want a less expensive hybrid SUV, Kia's Niro is a solid pick. Read our Expert Rating to get our test team's full report on the Sportage Hybrid's performance, comfort, utility and more.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Great

　　8.4

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.0/10

　　How does the Sportage Hybrid drive? The Sportage Hybrid is one of the quickest hybrid crossovers in its class. While we wouldn't call it blistering, it doesn't feel like there's a performance penalty when you opt for the hybrid. The turbocharged engine provides smooth power, and you don't feel when the SUV transitions from electric to gas power. Passing on the highway is easy thanks to the power and a quick-shifting transmission.

　　It's not sporty, but the Sportage Hybrid handles well enough for a crossover. The steering is quick and accurate, which is helpful for both parking and highway stability, though it doesn't give you much feel for the road.  As with the powertrain, the brakes are impressive for a hybrid. The pedal is firm rather than soft and spongy like on some other hybrid vehicles, and that helps out with consistent and smooth stopping.

　　

Comfort

8.5/10

　　How comfortable is the Sportage Hybrid? Comfort is one of the Sportage Hybrid's strong suits. The front seats are soft and offer good lateral support without feeling overly tight. The rear seat is well padded but a bit flat. What's really impressive is the ride quality. It's smooth and compliant. The suspension evens out bumps, but it doesn't feel overly soft or disconnected from the road. It's one of the best-riding crossovers around today.

　　Kia made it quiet too. At low speeds when the engine is off, only a little outside noise makes it way into the cabin. Even at higher speeds, wind and road noise is mild. We also like that you don't feel vibrations or hear the gas engine fire up every time since it's not a particularly pleasant exhaust note. The automatic climate control system can be a bit odd to use at first (you switch a panel between climate and media/navigation controls) but it works evenly. Vent placement is good, too, especially in the rear.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below