A few days ago, at the Los Angeles auto show, Kia unveiled a hybrid version of its redesigned 2023 Sportage compact crossover. From the available information, this model will go on sale in the United States early next year. Like the regular version, the Sportage Hybrid wears the same unorthodox styling. The Kia Sportage model is based on the larger Sorento crossover, which is also available as a plug-in hybrid.
Under the new Kia Sportage Hybrid is a 1.6-liter turbo-4 gasoline engine and 6-speed automatic transmission, working with a single electric motor. The manufacturer also in the floor 1.49-kwh battery pack, which in combination with engine delivers total system output of 226 horsepower.
2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid Exterior
As far as we know, the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid in terms of exterior will remain the same as the regular gas Sportage. There should be three trim levels available, starting with LX, to EX, and SX-Prestige. The entry-level model LX is the only trim available with FWD.
It features an attractive front, a unique grille, and odd headlights. It also comes with 17- and 18-inch wheel designs, and some “HEV” badging. The rear is also stylish, featuring no less attractive LED taillights. Otherwise, everything else is largely indistinguishable.
First Look Inside
Like the non-Hybrid version, the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid will be modern and spacious. Generally speaking, everything inside is the same, with some small modifications. According to Kia, the hybrid model will come with a bevy of driver-assist tech. It will include lane-keep assist and a driver-attention monitor.
Also, as standard, the Sportage Hybrid has a Blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control. Along with great driver-assist tech, the new model also includes a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 12.3-inch touchscreen. Both displays are forming one panoramic display.
2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid Specs
Like the larger Sorento crossover, the new Kia Sportage comes with the hybrid powertrain. According to Kia, the system uses a 1.6-liter turbo-4 gasoline engine and a 6-speed automatic transmission. The engine is also working with a 44-kW single electric motor and 1.49-kwh battery pack.
Anyway, the whole system combined delivers a total output of 226 horsepower. Complete fuel-economy estimates aren’t available yet, but from information that we got, Kia is targeting 39 mpg for front-wheel drive models. Meanwhile, the Tucson Hybrid only with all-wheel drive is rated EPA-rated 38 mpg combined. Fully tanked, this model can provide 500 miles between fill-ups. The Sportage Hybrid can also tow around 2,000 lbs.
Price, Release Date
Pricing of the new 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid will be reportedly announced at a later date, but we can expect it to be more than the regular model that starts at $28,000. Sportage Hybrid will be available with more technology compared to the non-Hybrid variant and with the usual bevy of driver-assist tech.
Anyway, Kia has also planned to launch 11 EVs by 2026, and the first one will be the upcoming EV6 crossover. As for the Kia Sportage Hybrid, we can expect it to debut in the United States early next year.