3 Reasons the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid EX Is a Better Deal Than Rivals
The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid is one of the best small hybrid SUVs. The Sportage Hybrid is completely redesigned for 2023. Following its redesign, the small hybrid SUV offers more value for the money than most of its competitors.
The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid EX is unbelievably affordable
Hybrid SUVs are supposed to be expensive. Right? Wrong. Kia found a way to make the Sportage Hybrid EX affordable despite its complex powertrain system and many standard features.
The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid EX starts at just $31,190. It uses a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a 44.0 kW motor, and a 1.49 kWh battery to make 227 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. It achieves 42 miles per gallon in the city and 44 more per gallon on the highway.
The Sportage Hybrid EX is more affordable than several base model small hybrid SUVs. The Honda CR-V Hybrid starts at $32,400. The 2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid starts at $31,350. The Sportage Hybrid EX also has better standard features than more expensive base model small hybrid SUVs.
The Kia Sportage Hybrid EX comes with plenty of great standard tech features
The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid EX has a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 12.2-inch instrument display, and a wireless phone charger. It also comes with rear parking sensors, driver attention warning with leading vehicle departure alert, and smart key with push-button and remote start. The small hybrid SUV features auto rain-sensing windshield wipers, blind-spot detection technology, and rear occupant alert.
The Sportage Hybrid EX has a leather-wrapped heated steering wheel, heated side mirrors, and SynTex seating trim with heated front seats. It’s loaded with great standard creature comforts and tech that most small hybrid SUVs in the same price range don’t offer.
The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid EX has all-wheel drive
The Kia Sportage Hybrid EX configuration features standard all-wheel drive. Many small hybrid SUVs don’t come standard with all-wheel drive. Considering the Sportage Hybrid EX’s affordable starting price, all-wheel drive is a great bonus. The Honda CR-V Hybrid doesn’t have standard all-wheel drive despite being considerably more expensive than the Sportage Hybrid EX.
The Kia Sportage nameplate is benefitting greatly from its recent redesign. The Sportage Hybrid packs in value that few competitors can rival. Edmunds calls it the best hybrid SUV of 2023. The publication ranks the Sportage Hybrid over the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, Honda CR-V Hybrid, and Ford Escape Hybrid.
What are the best small hybrid SUVs?
Before the Kia Sportage Hybrid’s redesign, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid dominated its segment as the best small hybrid SUV. The Tucson Hybrid has been a contender since its 2022 redesign. The Honda CR-V Hybrid has always been competitive. It’s just too pricey for some consumers in comparison to rivals following its 2023 redesign. The Ford Escape Hybrid also offers great value.
Ultimately, there are plenty of great small hybrid SUVs that arguably offer more than their gas-powered counterparts. Is 2023 the year of the hybrid SUV?
