The 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid might not appear as such, but it’s a relatively standard compact crossover, cleverly masked with futuristic styling. Building on the foundation of the non-hybrid Sportage, the hybrid model introduces two powertrain options: a turbocharged 1.6-liter hybrid engine producing 226 horsepower, and a 261-hp plug-in hybrid variant using the same turbo engine. Both options deliver more power and quicker acceleration than the non-hybrid version, though neither excels in fuel economy. However, the plug-in hybrid offers up to 34 miles of electric driving per charge. Despite the conventional nature of the rest of the Sportage Hybrid’s package, this isn’t a drawback. The cabin is spacious and practical, the ride is smooth even on rough roads, and it boasts a high-value features list for its price. However, its on-road performance is unremarkable, and competitors like the Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-5 provide more engaging handling along with similarly practical features.
What’s New for 2024? Hybrid Kia Sportage of 2024
Kia has made no changes to the Sportage Hybrid for 2024, maintaining the same powertrains and equipment as the 2023 model year.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid features a turbocharged 1.6-liter inline-four gas engine paired with a single electric motor, generating a combined 226 horsepower. It is available in both front- and all-wheel-drive configurations. Additionally, there is an all-wheel-drive-only plug-in hybrid version, which uses the same gasoline engine but adds a more powerful electric motor and a larger battery pack, resulting in a combined 261 horsepower. The hybrid’s extra power and the electric motor’s low-end torque make it significantly more responsive than the non-hybrid Sportage. In our tests, the plug-in hybrid accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds, while the regular hybrid achieved the same in 7.4 seconds. The Sportage rides on a new platform with a longer wheelbase, enhancing ride comfort. The introduction of rugged-looking trims, such as the X-Line, gives the compact SUV an off-road appearance, but it doesn’t add any real off-road capability. For genuine off-road features, consider the X-Pro variants of the non-hybrid model, which come equipped for rough terrain.
Range, Charging, and Battery Life
The EPA estimates that the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model of the Sportage can travel up to 34 miles on electric power alone before the gasoline engine kicks in. This setup mirrors that of the Hyundai Tucson plug-in hybrid, featuring a 13.8-kWh battery pack and a total output of 261 horsepower.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
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“The front-wheel-drive Sportage Hybrid achieves up to 42 miles per gallon (mpg) in urban areas and 44 mpg on highways. Meanwhile, the plug-in hybrid variant, as per EPA estimates, delivers 36 mpg in city driving and 35 mpg on highways. In our evaluations, an all-wheel-drive Sportage Hybrid attained 31 mpg on a 75-mph highway, which is 7 mpg below its EPA rating. For comprehensive details regarding the Sportage’s fuel efficiency, please refer to the EPA’s official website.”
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Inside, the Sportage Hybrid impresses with a stylish design, highlighted by a large digital display on the dashboard and other eye-catching details. The interior offers an optional attractive two-tone color scheme, with an all-black cabin also available for a more subdued look. The center console features a rotary shift knob, a push-to-start button, and numerous other controls integrated into a piano-black bezel. With its larger overall dimensions and longer wheelbase, the new Sportage provides increased rear-seat legroom and 40 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat. Additionally, a dual-level cargo floor adds to its versatility.
Infotainment and Connectivity: 2024 Sportage Hybrid by Kia
The Sportage Hybrid comes equipped with several desirable infotainment features, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. It features an 8.0-inch infotainment display and a digital gauge display across all models. For enhanced connectivity and sharper graphics, upgrading to the larger 12.3-inch infotainment display is recommended. The vehicle also includes innovative touch-sensitive controls below the infotainment interface that toggle between the climate system and the stereo. Additionally, an upgraded Harman/Kardon audio system, a wireless phone charger, and a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot are available.
Read also about the Best Family SUV 2024 Kia Sportage
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The Sportage Hybrid offers a comprehensive suite of standard and optional driver-assistance technologies. Features include navigation-based adaptive cruise control and a remote parking function similar to Hyundai’s Smart Park system. For detailed crash-test results, refer to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
- Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
- Available blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage: Hybrid Kia Sportage of 2024
Kia provides one of the best warranty plans in the industry, featuring the longest powertrain warranty available. However, unlike some competitors such as Toyota and its corporate sibling Hyundai, Kia does not offer complimentary scheduled maintenance.
- Limited warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers 10 years or 100,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance
