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The Ford Bronco Sport made quite the splash when it hit the market in 2021. Despite the insanity of the car shortage and increased demand thanks to the Pandemic, the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport was still an alluring package. However, as we meet the new Kia Sportage Hybrid and new Ford Bronco Sport, we realize there are other SUVs that might offer some interesting competition. The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid has two major advantages over the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport; gas mileage and price.   

2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid review
2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid | Allison Barfield, MotorBiscuit

Does the Ford Bronco Sport get good gas mileage?

While gas prices have come down a bit since the summer, we all still remember the horrific prices that plagued us. As such, many SUV buyers are still keenly aware of gas mileage. 

The 2023 Ford Bronco Sport gets decent gas mileage at a combined 25 mpg, according to Consumer Reports. However, the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid, using a similar 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, gets far better gas mileage than the Sport’s 1.5-liter three-cylinder base model engine. 

The Sportage Hybrid not only makes 227 hp (46 hp more) with its hybrid powerplant than the Bronco Sport, but it also gets 36 mpg. More power and better fuel economy without having to fight 10 people off with a stick at the dealership? Sure, the Kia isn’t quite as cool as the Bronco Sport, but hell, on paper, it looks pretty good. 

2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid price 

The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid parked in front of a wind farm.
2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid | Kia

The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid comes highly recommended on Consumer Reports. It is safe, reliable, efficient, and comes at a lower starting price than the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport. The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid starts at $27,290 and tops out at $42,990. The 2023 Bronco Sport starts at $29,215 and goes up to $44,695. 

However, the Bronco Sport is way cooler than the Kia Sportage Hybrid

2023 Ford Bronco Sport Parked shot from behind in a field
2023 Ford Bronco Sport | Ford

Kia is hard to catch slipping. The Korean powerhouse is making cars and SUVs that hit what the people want for affordable prices. However, Kia is yet to make anything that feels cool. You might find yourself saying something like, “I mean, it’s cool for a Kia.” However, the Bronco Sport is cool. 

The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid has an AWD drive option, but the Bronco Sport comes standard in AWD. Not only that, the rest of the Bronco Sport is made to make drivers feel like they have a real SUV, even though it’s built on the underpinnings of the Ford Escape. 

The reality is, although these two SUVs are actually pretty similar, technically, the needle is leaning heavily in the Kia’s favor. There is still the feeling (and reality) that the Bronco Sport, despite its unibody construction, will make drivers feel cool. It is also unquestionably better off-road. However, I seriously doubt the majority of Bronco Sport owners are taking their little SUV wheeling, but the point stands that they could.