The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid is one of the best hybrid SUVs on the market. The Sportage Hybrid is affordable, efficient, and it has a modern attractive exterior. The small SUV has a great value proposition. It comes in three configurations. The question is, which configuration should you want, get, and pass on?

The Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige: Want

Final configuration models are often unattainable to consumers or aren’t worth the money based on their standard features and the cost of the vehicle. The Sportage Hybrid’s final configuration’s price is still far below the price of the average new vehicle.

According to Money.com, the average new vehicle is nearly $50,000. A new Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige will cost you $36,390. The Hybrid SX Prestige is the configuration to want because it’s loaded with the most standard features. Some of the tech and creature comforts are reminiscent of a luxury vehicle.

The Sportage Hybrid’s final configuration has a heated windshield and windshield washer nozzles, a smart power tailgate, and a panoramic sunroof with a power sunshade. It also comes with a blind-spot view monitor, surround view monitor, and 12.3-inch dual panoramic displays with navigation.

The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige has heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and multi-color LED ambient lighting. It also features front and rear parking sensors, lane-keeping and following technology, and driver attention warning with leading vehicle departure alert. The SX Prestige is the most well-equipped version of the Sportage Hybrid, but is it the best option for consumers?

Kia Sportage Hybrid EX: Get

The Kia Sportage Hybrid EX starts at $31,190. It features heated side mirrors with LED turn signals, roof rails, and SynTex seating. The small hybrid SUV also comes with auto rain-sensing windshield wipers, blind spot detection technology, and rear parking sensors. It includes a leather-wrapped heated steering wheel, heated front seats, and a smart key with push-button and remote start.

The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid EX is the configuration to get because it’s a great balance of affordability and standard features. It costs $3,700 more than the LX base model but comes with a more refined interior and better safety and driver assistance features. The Hybrid EX makes the most sense for long-term ownership.

2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid LX: Pass

If you’re choosing between Sportage Hybrid configurations, the EX and SX Prestige trims are the best options. The EX makes the most sense for drivers that are on a budget but still want great features. The Hybrid LX isn’t a hard pass, but its value proposition isn’t the same as its upper configurations.

The Kia Sportage Hybrid competes with popular small hybrid SUVs like the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and Hyundai Tucson Hybrid. It has what it takes to become wildly popular in the next few years following its redesign. As hybrid SUVs become more ubiquitous, it’s likely that affordable models like the Sportage Hybrid will gain popularity. Does Kia produce the best small hybrid SUV on the market?