__Vehicle Type:__ Gas, hybrid, or plug-in hybrid compact crossover

__Price Range:__ $35,000 - $44,285 excluding the destination fee of $1,215.

__Powertrain:__  The Sportage crossover is available in gas, hybrid, or plug-in hybrid variants. 

The base gas model has a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine tha makes 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. It's paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and either front-wheel-drive or optional all-wheel-drive.

The Hybrid we tested has a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and an electric motor for 227 total horsepower and 257 pound-feet of torque. It's paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and either front-wheel-drive or optional all-wheel-drive.

The plug-in hybrid (PHEV) has a 187-horsepower, turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a 66.9-kW electric motor powered by a lithium-ion battery pack with 13.8 kWh capacity. The combined output is 261 horsepower and all-wheel-drive is standard.

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### Video Review: 

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4kNoWNKKRm8" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

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__What’s New for 2022?__

The 2023 model year introduces a new generation for the Kia Sportage compact SUV. The 2023 Sportage has been restyled and rides on a larger platform that not only creates more cabin and cargo space but welcomes abundant and modern technology features too. The Kia Sportage Plug-in hybrid is an entirely new variant within the new Sportage generation.

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__What’s Good?__

- Exterior styling stands out from more boring rivals
- Roomy interior
- Excellent fuel economy 
- Good power for its efficiency

__What’s Bad?__

- New exterior styling isn’t appealing to everyone
- Annoying climate control functions

__Would we buy one?__ Yes!

---

### More Photos:

[See more 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid Photos](https://www.autolist.com/kia-sportage+hybrid-2023/2023-kia-sportage+hybrid-photos).

---

### Overview:

![2023-kia-sportage-phev-overview-image](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/3F31Hrbbrnt4pRN75ITpDr/7e84c5cce16d6768602cf7180d5603b2/2023-kia-sportage-phev-overview-image.jpg)

The 2023 Kia Sportage introduces the fifth generation of the Sportage and a completely restyled lineup of trim levels. For the 2023 model year, the Sportage rides on a new, larger platform based on the same chassis as the [Kia Sorento](https://www.autolist.com/kia-sorento) and [Hyundai Tucson](https://www.autolist.com/hyundai-tucson). 

The new platform extends the Sportage by 7.1 inches in length and 3.4 inches in wheelbase, making it larger than its [Seltos](https://www.autolist.com/kia-seltos) sibling. The extension helps create more passenger and cargo space and adds more safety and technology features. The exterior and interior have been revamped with new styling cues, helping separate the 2023 Sportage from its rivals in the compact SUV class. Speaking of which, the 2023 Kia Sportage competes against the [Chevrolet Equinox](https://www.autolist.com/chevrolet-equinox), [Ford Escape](https://www.autolist.com/ford-escape), [Honda CR-V](https://www.autolist.com/honda-cr+v), [Mazda CX-5](https://www.autolist.com/mazda-cx+5), [Nissan Rogue](https://www.autolist.com/nissan-rogue), [Subaru Forester](https://www.autolist.com/subaru-forester), [Toyota RAV4](https://www.autolist.com/toyota-rav4), and [Volkswagen Tiguan](https://www.autolist.com/volkswagen-tiguan).

Several trim levels are available in the lineup, including LX, EX, SX, and SX-Prestige, plus the X-Line, X-Pro, and X-Pro Prestige. Three variants have been reworked to drive better in the dirt with higher ground clearance and all-terrain tires. Included in the lineup for 2023 are gasoline, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid powertrains.

One of the highlights of the new fifth-generation Sportage is the all-new Kia Sportage Hybrid and Kia Sportage Plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models. 

The PHEV model features a plug-in hybrid powertrain compared to the standard 187-horsepower 2.5-liter gasoline four-cylinder engine. The Sportage PHEV receives its power from a 187-horsepower, turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a 66.9-kW electric motor and a lithium-ion battery pack. The combined output is 261 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. All-wheel drive and six-speed automatic transmission are standard on PHEV variants; on the gasoline powertrain, you can expect standard front-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission.

There are two 2023 Sportage Plug-in Hybrid trim levels, the X-Line PHEV AWD model and the X-Line Prestige PHEV AWD. The Sportage PHEV may not be a die-hard, rock-crawling off-roading machine, but the standard all-wheel-drive is excellent for bad weather and road conditions. With class-leading cargo space and a roomy interior, it is an ideal family compact SUV that boasts excellent fuel efficiency. The Sportage PHEV model competes well against the [Hyundai Tucson PHEV](https://www.autolist.com/hyundai-tucson+plug+in+hybrid) and [Toyota RAV4 Prime](https://www.autolist.com/toyota-rav4+prime).

PHEVs typically use smaller battery packs compared to fully electric vehicles. This means they charge faster from an empty battery. The Sportage PHEV onboard charger allows 240-volt charging, which means you will have a full charge in just under two hours, which provides about 32 miles of electric power distance.

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### Overall Score: 3.5/5 stars

#### Driving Experience: 3.5/5 stars

![2023-kia-sportage-phev-driving-image](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/1J8szUiz52Gdo7UndiON4q/aab2b87f1b13f1f9afec85c3b5432711/2023-kia-sportage-phev-driving-image.jpg)

The Sportage models come standard with a 6-speed automatic transmission, selectable drive modes, and downhill brake control. The downhill brake control helps improve the crossover’s ability to top up the battery’s charge level while using brake energy regeneration. Throughout this process, the vehicle’s rate of descent remains under control. 

We found the Sportage Hybrid's mix of power and efficiency to be impressive. We averaged 29 MPG in our week of testing, a figure we were happy with, given the power this model also has. 

The new generation Sportage delivers a satisfying blend of on-road comfort and off-road endurance. One added benefit of selecting the Plug-in hybrid Sportage is that all-wheel drive comes standard, giving you some room to play off-road. 

There is a 1.5-inch lift in ground clearance compared to the previous-generation Sportage, meaning you can take your vehicle a little further than some of the earlier models. You may not be able to enter rock-crawling desert runs, but you will enjoy conquering some sandy off-the-beaten tracks.

Driver-assistance features are always a bonus; however, not all safety suites are created equally, and they do not always work well together. The Drive Wise features in the Sportage Plug-in hybrid work seamlessly together without feeling intrusive or jerky. 

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#### Safety Features: 3.5/5 stars

![2023-kia-sportage-phev-safety-image](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/5hzulvc0e8lp3w0yNA44Vx/f5d51a1baf432dae8e4033a5b692f65b/2023-kia-sportage-phev-safety-image.jpg)

Neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has crash-tested the 2023 Sportage at the time of writing this review.

The new Sportage boasts a long list of standard and optional safety and driver-assistance features compared to previous model years. Standard safety features on the X-Line include forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian/cyclist detection, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, safe exit warning, lane-keeping assistance, rear parking sensors, driver-attention monitor, rearview camera, and automatic high beams.

The X-Line Prestige PHEV adds a 360-degree camera system, adaptive cruise control with steering assistance, intersection assistance, blind-spot view monitor with collision avoidance, front parking sensors, and remote parking assistance, similar to Hyundai’s Smart Park System.

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#### Value: 3.5/5 stars

![2023-kia-sportage-phev-value-image](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/2SSn2mEOUiRP3ME3TdY6UL/2a21c7a128ab8df909a8c0670adba9f4/2023-kia-sportage-phev-value-image.jpg)

One of the benefits of choosing a hybrid, PHEV, or fully electric vehicle is the various incentives available for driving a low-emission vehicle. For example, the maximum federal tax credit one could receive for a 2022 [Hyundai Tucson PHEV](https://www.autolist.com/hyundai-tucson+plug+in+hybrid) was $6,253. You could benefit similarly when purchasing a 2023 Kia Sportage PHEV. Some states (not all) also offer rebate programs for vehicles with low carbon emissions.

Our Sportage Hybrid tester was a mid-grade EX with AWD and a few options added for a total sticker price (including destination) of around $34,000. That's a reasonable value in our minds. 

The Kia Sportage PHEV starts at around $35,000, which is on par for its class and about the same as the[ Hyundai Tucson PHEV](https://www.autolist.com/hyundai-tucson+plug+in+hybrid). The [Toyota RAV4 Prime](https://www.autolist.com/toyota-rav4+prime) is slightly more expensive at around $40,000. However, Toyota vehicles have shown to have stronger resale values which could explain the higher price tag.

The true value will reflect when you notice how much you save on driving a more fuel-efficient vehicle like the Sportage PHEV and if you were able to claim a federal tax credit.

Finally, added value is met with Kia having one of the best vehicle warranties on the market. Kia offers a limited warranty of 5 years/60,000 miles and the longest powertrain warranty in the industry of 10 years/100,000 miles. Unfortunately, unlike Toyota and Hyundai, Kia does not offer complimentary maintenance.

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#### Tech Features: 2.5/5 stars

![2023-kia-sportage-phev-tech-image](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/4Sog2dr45Ib4ZfYq8Mxrm7/14374143c18541b53f7e98110a2de475/2023-kia-sportage-phev-tech-image.jpg)

The Sportage's base infotainment system features an 8.0-inch infotainment screen and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration. All models feature a digital gauge display. The infotainment system offers sharp graphics, while fairly intuitive controls make the system user-friendly.

Optional is a larger infotainment display featuring two 12.3-inch panoramic screens. One screen is for the gauge cluster, and one touchscreen is for the multimedia system. 

Generally we liked the infotainment screen; the display is crisp and bright and the menus and setup are intuitive. 

What we didn't like were the climate controls underneath the screen. The digital setup had one of two modes: the first controlled the climate functions while the second controlled the audio functions. You can't have both display at once, so it meant we constantly had to toggle back and forth between climate and audio to use the features of the car. This was frustrating; we wish Kia would just have a dedicated buttons and controls for each system. 

---

#### Practicality: 4/5 stars

![2023-kia-sportage-phev-practicality-image](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/DUEVseLwJz7ts1nhS0meA/96b99b37fefb233c123a569d99510c77/2023-kia-sportage-phev-practicality-image.jpg)

The Sportage is laden with storage space and helps keep all your items in a safe area. It has cupholders that can be changed into a storage bin that can hold wallets, purses, smartphones, and even tablets. You can decide how you want to use the convertible cupholders to suit your needs. For additional convenience, there are coat hangers molded into the back of the front headrests, and the seatbacks of the front seats store USB ports and an integrated hook for charging cables, handbags, and shopping bags.

Thanks to the larger wheelbase, there’s 3 inches more rear legroom compared to the previous model year Sportages. This means the rear seats should be adult-friendly and more accommodating for family excursions and long road trips. The larger Sportage boasts 39.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the folding rear seats; that is 28% more room than the previous generation Sportage. This is the best cargo capacity in its class of compact crossovers. The new Sportage also features an intuitive and handy dual-level cargo floor.

The Kia Sportage also benefits from a low liftover height, which makes it easier to load and offload cargo. 

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#### Styling & Design: 4/5 stars

![2023-kia-sportage-phev-styling-image](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/2BCI4NjtvqMGM9CmjmMY72/3e1f67cb7c25dfa4444a742cc8fdba35/2023-kia-sportage-phev-styling-image.jpg)

The Sportage's exterior design is meant to stand out in a segment of crossovers that's crowded with lookalikes. It succeeds at that, perhaps too well for some buyers. Looks are always subjective but we liked this model for looking unique without going too far. 

Meanwhile, the body of the new Sportage is made of ultra-high-strength steel. This helps increase the vehicle’s torsional strength and is completely new for the fifth-generation Sportage. The benefit is greater protection in the event of an accident.

For 2023, the Sportage interior welcomes a modern, minimalist design with excellent build quality adding to the elegant feel. The materials used are mostly high quality, and there are only a few hard plastics that distract the elegance a little. Added care went into selecting the right fabrics because the Sportage EX and above use animal-free leather, keeping the environment in mind.

There is enough passenger space for up to five occupants, and even adults in the rear seats will enjoy a comfortable experience. Both the front and back rows are spacious, and the rear seats can recline and slide for added comfort.

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#### Fuel Efficiency: 4/5 stars

![2023-kia-sportage-phev-fuel-image](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/537ce9IAKisYSn7OuK5fgI/d6627d2d838d52ef73aace885172eccd/2023-kia-sportage-phev-fuel-image.jpg)

The EPA rates the FWD base Kia Sportage at 25 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. The Kia Sportage Hybrid earns EPA ratings of 42 mpg in the city and 44 mpg on the highway for FWD models while AWD models like the one we tested are rated at 42 MPG in the city and 44 MPG on the highway. 

Unfortunately, the EPA has not yet released the fuel economy ratings for the Kia Sportage PHEV. According to Kelley Blue Book’s Kia Sportage review, they expect the combined city and highway driving to be around 80 miles per gallon (MPGe).

The Sportage PHEV does not take long to charge when connected to a 240-volt charging supply. An empty battery takes up to two hours to reach full charge, and on electric power only, the PHEV models should achieve 32 miles, which is on par with its rivals.

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#### What’s it Going to Cost Me?

![2023-kia-sportage-phev-cost-image](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/4x4pO73tFjOAcqsKoivppX/34a22d6102a4cfae602f43c1f64bd89d/2023-kia-sportage-phev-cost-image.jpg)

The 2023 __Kia Sportage LX__ (the base model) enters the market with an MSRP of $25,990. This model features a 187-horsepower four-cylinder 2.5-liter engine. It is the most basic model within the Sportage lineup and comes standard with front-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Standard features on the LX include cloth upholstery, a 12.2-inch digital instrument cluster, an 8-inch touch screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a front USB-C port, a six-speaker stereo, Bluetooth, remote keyless entry, and 17-inch alloy wheels.

Standard driver-assistance and safety features include forward collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection, forward automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, a driver-attention monitor, a rear-seat reminder, rear parking sensors, automatic high-beam headlights, and a rearview camera.

Adding all-wheel-drive costs an additional $2,000.

The base __Kia Sportage Hybrid LX__ has a starting MSRP of $27,270. The Hybrid Sportage comes in three trim levels (LX, EX, and SX Prestige) and feature the same turbocharged four-cylinder engine, an electric motor, and a six-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel-drive is available for the LX model and comes standard on the EX and SX Prestige. The All-Wheel-Drive Package costs $1,800 and adds on heated front seats and heated side-view mirrors.

The Kia Sportage Plug-in hybrid model starts at around $35,000. There are two available trim levels: the X-Line PHEV AWD model and the X-Line Prestige PHEV AWD. Both feature a 187-horsepower, turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a 66.9-kW electric motor powered by a lithium-ion battery pack with 13.8 kWh of capacity. All-wheel-drive and six-speed automatic transmission is standard for both PHEV models.

The X__-Line PHEV__ model features an 8-inch touch screen, a 12.2-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, a six-speaker audio system, a USB-C port, 19-inch alloy wheels, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian/cyclist detection, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, safe exit warning, lane-keeping assistance, rear parking sensors, driver-attention monitor, rearview camera, and automatic high beams.

The Premium Package ($1,500) adds a panoramic sunroof, a power sunshade, a hands-free power liftgate, and LED interior lighting.

The __X-Line Prestige PHEV__ model starts around $38,000 and adds on a Harman/Kardon premium audio system, navigation-linked adaptive cruise control, a 360-degree parking camera and remote vehicle parking, intersection assistance, blind-spot view monitor with collision avoidance, front parking sensors,12.3-inch screens, Wi-Fi for up to five devices, wireless phone charging, and leather seating surfaces.

If we had to select a 2023 Kia Sportage PHEV model, we would definitely look towards the X-Line Prestige PHEV AWD variant. The additional safety features are valuable, and the larger dual-screen display really adds to the wow factor inside the crossover.

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### More Photos:

[See more 2023 Kia Sportage PHEV Photos](https://www.autolist.com/kia-sportage+hybrid-2023/2023-kia-sportage+hybrid-photos).

The 2023 Kia Sportage is all new as it enters its fifth generation and is now available in gas, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid versions. This appealing compact crossover competes against the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Nissan Rogue, Ford Escape, Chevy Equinox, and Jeep Cherokee. Check out our full review to see how the Sportage stacks up. 

2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid parent page

Driven + Video: 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid Review

Used Cars

Sportage Hybrid

Other Kia Vehicles

Here are the top 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid for sale now. View photos, features and more. What will be your next ride?

Aquí están las listas de los mejores 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid a la venta lo antes posible. Ver fotos, características y más. ¿Cuál será tu próximo vehículo?

Driven + Video: 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid Review

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