When I was recently given the chance to review the 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid, I thought, “Sure, whatever, another boring mid-size crossover. Not like I haven’t tested a hundred of those!” But then it arrived in Shadow Matte Gray paint looking like a $70,000 German autobahn bruiser. While it’s no Audi, the Korean Hybrid turned out to be far more than another boring mid-size crossover.
I know people have mixed feelings about matte paint. Some like it while others think it looks cheap…and it can be more challenging to maintain. But it looks as sinister as a witch conjuring spirits. The rest of the Sportage is handsome with triangular headlamp pod, boomerang driving lamps, black grille, and satin silver trim. The side profile flaunts muscular shoulders and restrained bling over 18” dark wheels. I especially like the rear three-quarter view where you can see the voluptuous rear fenders and taillamps that wrap over the liftgate.
The specter of luxury continues inside with our model’s clay-red seats and trim. SynTex upholstery should wear better than cowhide and is easier to wipe away baby messes and outdoor activities. Heated and ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, and crisp Harman Kardon audio all ride under a panoramic dual-pane sunroof. Carbon fiber texture on the dash adds theater.
Sitting behind the wheel, it definitely feels like you could be in a Cadillac or BMW with curved twin screens for gauges and infotainment, but it’s all far more concise and intuitive to use than in the Germans. Just swipe through commands and apps with ease. Connect devices wirelessly through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Toss your phone in the console to charge wirelessly. I could go for a head-up display, but that’s just wishing for cherries.
Beyond that, though, safety is a Kia hallmark and the Sportage comes with virtually every crash avoidance system known to modern humans: Automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, blind spot warning, and cross path detection. There are also rear seat occupant alert, driver attention warning, and safe exit assist that monitors passing traffic to prevent passengers from making a tragic mistake.
Underway, it’s clear the Sportage is no Audi. The suspension and steering are competent and comfortable for getting the kiddies to school and long Interstate drives, soaking up bumps and miles, but it still drives like an affordable mid-size crossover. It won’t be your first choice to toss into corners on a weekend backroad blitz, but that’s not the purpose of the Sportage anyway. Its job is to look good while comfortably and efficiently moving families.
It does pack an impressive hybrid powertrain, however. It starts with a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that combines with the batteries and motors to deliver a peppy 227 horsepower and 258 lb.-ft. of torque. It’s no Corvette, but ramping onto the freeway or zipping through traffic was no problem. There’s Drive Mode Select that makes the throttle more or less sensitive, but adds no horsepower. Press the center lock button for moderate off-roading. Driven sensibly, it delivers a frugal 38/38-MPG city/highway.
Kia’s designers are world’s best at delivering vehicles that look like expensive concept cars, but with materials and economies that keep them affordable. While the Sportage may look pricey, it actually starts at $27,190 and only came to $38,355 as-tested with the hybrid powertrain, matte gray paint, and red interior. It’s hard to complain because that’s an immense amount of vehicle for the money. If you must consider others, check hybrid versions of the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Hyundai Santa Fe.
Storm Forward!
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