The Kia Sportage has long been recognized as a strong contender in the compact SUV market, but the introduction of the hybrid version elevates it to a new level. For those in the market for a versatile and efficient vehicle, the Car And Driver Kia Sportage Hybrid distinction is clear: it’s unequivocally the best pick in the Sportage lineup. Outperforming its gas-only counterpart in numerous crucial aspects, the hybrid Sportage delivers enhanced performance, a more refined driving experience, and significantly improved fuel economy, making it a compelling choice for discerning drivers.
The model we rigorously tested, the mainstream EX trim, comes packed with features that modern drivers crave. Think of the everyday conveniences like dual-zone automatic climate control, a power-adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support, and heated front seats for those chilly mornings. Automatic high beams add an extra layer of safety and ease to nighttime driving. However, the standard gasoline engine in the regular Sportage leaves much to be desired, creating a somewhat underwhelming driving experience. This is where the hybrid powertrain truly shines, transforming the Sportage from merely adequate to genuinely enjoyable.
Performance and Efficiency: Hybrid Excels
Under the hood of the standard Kia Sportage lies a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing a respectable 187 horsepower. While the initial acceleration off the line can feel somewhat abrupt, the overall performance is ultimately lackluster. In fact, reaching 60 mph from a standstill takes a rather sluggish 10 seconds. The eight-speed automatic transmission, while generally functional, isn’t the smoothest operator, often requiring frequent downshifts, especially when maintaining highway speeds in traffic. This characteristic becomes particularly noticeable and somewhat intrusive during everyday driving.
In stark contrast, the car and driver kia sportage hybrid variant boasts a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine working in tandem with an electric drive system. This combination yields a significantly more potent 227 horsepower and, more importantly, a dramatically improved driving experience. The hybrid Sportage launches smoothly and silently thanks to the electric motor, seamlessly transitioning between electric and gasoline power as needed. The robust mid-range power delivery means the six-speed automatic transmission shifts gears far less frequently than the eight-speed in the gas model, and gear changes are noticeably smoother and more refined. The performance gains are tangible; the hybrid shaves over two seconds off the 0-to-60 mph time compared to the standard gasoline Sportage, making it feel much more responsive and energetic in everyday driving situations.
Furthermore, the fuel economy of the hybrid is a major advantage. In real-world testing, the hybrid Sportage achieved 36 mpg overall, a substantial 11-mpg improvement over the gas-only model. This translates to significant savings at the pump and reduces your environmental footprint, making the car and driver kia sportage hybrid a smart and responsible choice.
Ride Comfort and Handling: Subtle but Significant Differences
While the fundamental driving experience is similar between the two Sportage models, subtle yet significant differences emerge in ride comfort and handling. The hybrid model exhibits a slightly more comfortable ride, effectively absorbing bumps and road imperfections. The conventional model, in comparison, transmits more impacts into the cabin, particularly on rougher road surfaces. The hybrid’s cabin is also quieter, especially at lower speeds, thanks to its ability to operate in electric-only mode up to around 30 mph (with a gentle foot on the accelerator). The turbocharged engine in the hybrid is also inherently less noisy and “buzzy” than the naturally aspirated 2.5-liter in the standard model.
However, the hybrid Sportage isn’t quite as nimble or agile as the regular version. It exhibits slightly more body roll through corners and was marginally slower in emergency avoidance maneuvers. Additionally, the hybrid required five more feet to come to a complete stop in panic-braking tests, and the brake pedal feel can be a bit abrupt or “grabby,” especially at low speeds. These handling differences are minor in most everyday driving scenarios but are worth noting for drivers who prioritize sporty handling characteristics.
Interior Comfort and User-Friendly Features (Mostly)
Drivers generally appreciate the front seats in the Sportage, praising the ample side bolstering that provides good support during cornering. Some testers found the seatback “pocket” to be a bit narrow. However, the second-row seats are arguably the highlight of the interior, offering generous head- and legroom, along with good leg support, making them comfortable for adult passengers even on longer journeys. Like most compact SUVs, the Sportage offers easy entry and exit and boasts a generous cargo area, making it practical for families and individuals alike.
While most controls are logically placed and easy to use, the touch-capacitive panel located below the main infotainment screen for climate and audio controls is a notable ergonomic drawback. Switching between climate and audio functions requires tapping a specific spot on the panel, which can be distracting and difficult while driving, compounded by the low positioning of the display on the center stack. Furthermore, the left-side knob serves dual purposes as either the driver’s temperature control or the audio system volume, depending on the selected mode, requiring drivers to remember which function is active.
The hybrid model features a rotary gear selector, which requires a slight learning curve. Engaging Park necessitates pressing a separate button rather than simply rotating the dial to the Park position, which might not be immediately intuitive for all drivers. On a positive note, the Sportage incorporates thoughtful details such as USB ports integrated into the rear of the front seats for rear-seat passengers to charge their devices. The modern and visually appealing monolithic dashboard display, which seamlessly integrates the instrument cluster and infotainment screen, along with the extensive use of glossy black plastic trim, undoubtedly enhances the Sportage’s showroom appeal.
Safety Features: Comprehensive Standard Suite
Kia has equipped the Sportage with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane departure warning, lane centering assistance, lane keeping assistance, and automatic high beams. Blind spot warning and rear cross traffic warning are not available on the base LX trim but come standard on higher trim levels.
Conclusion: The Hybrid is the Clear Winner
In conclusion, when considering the car and driver kia sportage hybrid versus the standard gasoline model, the hybrid emerges as the clear winner. It offers superior performance, significantly better fuel economy, a more refined and comfortable ride, and a wealth of desirable features, particularly in the EX trim. While the touch-capacitive controls and rotary gear selector present minor usability quirks, the overall package offered by the Sportage Hybrid is exceptionally compelling. For those seeking a fuel-efficient, versatile, and enjoyable compact SUV, the Kia Sportage Hybrid is undoubtedly the smart choice.
