The Kia Sportage small crossover has been redesigned for the 2023 model year. The new Sportage is larger and more expensive. It’s also more appealing. Which powertrain option should consumers choose for the South Korean SUV? Time for 2023 Kia Sportage vs. 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid.

The 2023 Kia Sportage is ready to rumble with the best in its segment

There’s nothin’ like a redesign to make a nameplate competitive again. The industry has seen it with the Hyundai Tucson’s redesign for the 2022 model year. Now, the Tucson’s cousin is getting an extreme makeover so it can compete with the best in its segment. Nameplates need to constantly be updated and evolve to stay competitive in a rapidly changing industry.

One of the biggest changes to the Kia Sportage is its new size. The 2023 Kia Sportage is a whopping 7.1 inches longer than the 2022 model year. Its wheelbase is 3.4 inches longer than the previous model year as well.

The 2023 Kia Sportage comes in seven different trim levels: the LX, EX, X-Line AWD, SX, SX Prestige, Sportage X-Pro, and Sportage X-Pro Prestige. It starts at $25,990. The small crossover uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine to make 187 horsepower. It gets 25 miles per gallon in the city and 32 miles per gallon on the highway.

The new Kia Sportage comes standard with a 12.2-inch instrument display, an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and remote keyless entry. It also includes lane-following assist, rear parking sensors, and several different drive modes.

The Kia Sportage Hybrid is a great deal

The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid starts at $27,290. It is one of the most affordable small hybrid SUVs on the market.

The Sportage Hybrid uses a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors to make 227 horsepower. The small hybrid crossover achieves an incredible 42 miles per gallon in the city and 44 miles per gallon on the highway.

2023 Kia Sportage vs. 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid

The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid only costs $1,300 more than the gas-powered Kia Sportage. It also makes more horsepower thanks to its electric motors.

Ultimately, the Sportage Hybrid is the better buy for the money because of its superior power and fuel efficiency. Why not choose the hybrid powertrain option if it’s so affordable? Drivers that choose the Sportage Hybrid over the Sportage will save big bucks at the pump over a long period of ownership.

Car and Driver recommends the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid EX over all other Sportage trims because of its value proposition. The Sportage Hybrid EX starts at $30,990. The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid EX comes standard with a wireless phone charger, a leather-wrapped heated steering wheel, and SynTex setting trim with heated front seats.

The Sportage Hybrid EX also features all-wheel drive, heated side mirrors with LED turn signals, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation. This Sportage Hybrid trim brings the value in a major way.

Read more about the Kia Sportage Hybrid in the next article below.