The automotive industry’s push toward sustainability has led to the rise of hybrid SUVs that combine strong performance, efficiency, and environmental awareness. Hybrid powertrains offer the best of both worlds, combining the performance and efficiency of electric motors with the practicality and distance of combustion engines.
For anyone in the market looking for an affordable but reliable hybrid, there are plenty of options that check these boxes. When we say hybrid, it means vehicles that use gas and electricity to run (i.e., an engine and a battery), except that here, you don’t have to charge the battery using a cable. . , The auto market has become predominantly HEV, with electric designs infiltrating almost every major brand and nameplate.
Advances in electrification have had a great impact on the SUV segment, with these vehicles benefiting from all aspects of the technology. In addition to hybrid technology, the crossover SUV segment in general is also growing rapidly, offering a practical solution that combines the utility of an SUV with the comfort and drivability of a sedan.
In 2024, the Kia Sportage Hybrid will lead its segment on multiple fronts. With range being one of the biggest selling points for hybrid crossover SUVs, the 2024 Sportage Hybrid offers class-leading efficiency at the most affordable price on the market. Here’s a detailed look at the specific features of the new 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid.
The 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid is part of the fifth generation model that made its debut in 2023. The aggressive styling is attractive, but an acquired taste. However, the interior feels more premium and spacious compared to most rivals.
The 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid is powered by a SmartStream 1.6-liter, T-GDI turbocharged inline-4 cylinder engine. The 1.6-litre motor works with a hybrid system that combines a 44.2 kWh electric motor and a 1.49 kWh lithium-polymer battery pack. For the 2024 Rav4, Toyota offers a 2.5-liter, naturally aspirated inline-4 cylinder engine with a series-parallel hybrid system. The electrified system in the Rav4 Hybrid uses two AC motors and a 244.8V nickel-metal hydride battery pack to store its energy.
While full hybrid systems offer benefits on short trips around town, mild hybrid systems are an excellent option for eliminating range anxiety during long distance drives. The Kia Sportage Hybrid is a prime example of this, delivering impressive fuel efficiency ratings of 42 mpg in the city, 44 mpg on the highway, and 43 mpg combined for the base front-wheel-drive trim.
Despite offering solid fuel economy, the highlight of the Kia Sportage Hybrid is its total range of 589 miles. The 2024 Sportage Hybrid’s excellent fuel economy means you won’t need to stop at gas stations as often.
The more premium look and feel continues inside as well, especially in the top SX-Prestige trim. The heated and ventilated front seats are covered in a solid leather alternative material called Syntex, which covers most of the cabin. Space for both front and rear seat occupants has been improved compared to the old Sportage, with more head and leg room. The dash also gets a more modern makeover with a 12.3-inch Supervision cluster that replaces the normal gauges with a screen and virtual gauges. It seems to flow seamlessly into the 12.3-inch touchscreen that houses the nav and other infotainment functions. Fortunately, it’s easier to use than some other small crossovers I’ve driven recently.
Hybrid vehicles tend to cost more than their gas-powered counterparts, which is the case with the 2024 Sportage. However, Kia manages to keep the price of the hybrid as close to the gas-powered model as possible, with the entry-level Sportage Hybrid starting at just $28,590.
