There’s a new hybrid SUV in town known as the Kia Sportage, and it’s raising the bar as rivals try to catch up. It could be a little surprising that the 2022 Kia Sportage Hybrid is extremely popular, but it’s time to find out why. 

Is the 2022 Kia Sportage Hybrid worth buying? 

Yes, the 2022 Kia Sportage Hybrid is changing the game as the most popular model in the lineup. According to Fox News, it’s the most popular model in the lineup, which is mind-boggling. That means it’s more popular than the Kia Telluride. 

The Sportage Hybrid receives praise for its efficient fuel economy, quiet cabin, comfortable ride, passenger space, cargo room, attractive style, towing capabilities, all-wheel drive, and modern tech. 

You can save roughly $500 a year when it comes to fuel with the Sportage Hybrid. It gets an EPA-estimated 42 mpg in the city and up to 44 mpg on the highway. Adding AWD reduces these figures to about 38 mpg combined. 

How does the Sportage Hybrid perform? 

The 2022 Kia Sportage Hybrid comes with a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that’s paired with a 44-kW electric motor to crank out 227 hp and 258 b-ft of torque. This beats the Honda CR-V Hybrid with its 212 hp and the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, which has 219 hp. 

It’s the fastest hybrid in the class and can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 7.2 seconds. The smooth transmission provides a peppy acceleration, and you can’t feel it when the vehicle switches between hybrid and gas power. 

The steering is light and responsive, making it easy to park, and the Sport Mode tightens up response times for a more engaging experience. Plus, the brakes are confident, while other hybrids feel soft. 

According to Edmunds, it’s one of the best-riding SUVs available. The ride is smooth over rough sections of pavement, and the cabin stays nice and quiet. The front and rear seats provide plenty of comfort for longer trips. 

When properly equipped, the Kia Sportage Hybrid can tow up to 2,000 lbs, which is better than nothing. Adding AWD increases the ground clearance from 7.1 to 8.3 inches, allowing it to handle slippery conditions and light off-roading challenges. 

Does the 2022 Sportage Hybrid include enough value? 

The 2022 Kia Sportage Hybrid kicks things off with a price of $27,290. The spacious interior provides 36.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and up to 74.1 cubes total. 

Along with plenty of space, the interior features a near-luxury design with upscale materials, including a two-tone color design. An 8.0-inch touchscreen comes standard, but you can upgrade to the 12.3-inch unit. 

LED headlights, keyless entry, dual-zone climate control, and more come standard. Moving up in trim levels provides access to ventilated seas, a wireless charging pad, a 360-degree surround view camera, ambient lighting, and an incredibly long list of standard features. 

The Kia Sportage Hybrid provides luxurious comfort, a sporty ride, incredible fuel savings, plenty of space, and advanced tech. It sets new standards for competitors to try and match. We can’t wait to see how well it holds up.