Sometimes new vehicles can hit all the right notes out of the gate. This is certainly the case with the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid. The 2023 model year is the first year for this version of the Sportage. It’s already been crowned as the best hybrid SUV for the money. Does this Kia SUV have everything you want in your hybrid SUV? Let’s find out.

What makes the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid the best hybrid SUV for the money?

In the hybrid SUV class, this Kia SUV delivers the best combination of quality and value. You’ll find impressive fuel economy numbers, a well-built and high-tech interior, spacious seating, ample cargo room, and an affordable price.

Pros

• Peppy powertrain
• Stellar fuel economy
• Spacious, high-tech interior
• Tons of cargo room

Cons

• Few stand-alone options for the base model

Kia Sportage Hybrid powertrain and fuel economy

This hybrid SUV uses a 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine plus two electric motors to deliver 226 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. All versions of this Kia SUV use a 6-speed automatic transmission, which is a welcome change from some of the CVTs offered in other hybrid vehicles.

The LX trim is set up with FWD with the option of AWD, while the EX and SX-Prestige models come with standard AWD. Fuel mileage for the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid is 42 city/44 hwy mpg in the FWD version and 38 city/38 hwy mpg for AWD models. This SUV can also tow up to 2,000 pounds when properly equipped.

How much does this Kia hybrid SUV cost?

The standard FWD Kia Sportage Hybrid LX starts at $27,290. Add AWD to the mix, and you’ll pay $29,090 for the LX model. Move to the EX trim, and the price increases to $31,190, while the SX-Prestige asks for $36,390.

Where does U.S. News rank the Sportage Hybrid?

Not only is the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid the winner of the 2023 Best Hybrid SUV for the Money award, but U.S. News & World Report ranks this SUV:

• #1 in Hybrid SUVs
• #1 in SUVs with Two Rows

Consumer Reports doesn’t rank this Hybrid SUV as high as U.S. News, but it is still pretty high on the charts. Among the compact SUVs, the only hybrid models with better rankings from Consumer Reports than this Kia SUV are the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid and Toyota RAV4 Prime. Incidentally, U.S. News ranks both the Tucson Hybrid and Sportage Hybrid first in the hybrid SUV class.

Is the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid a good SUV?

Right out of the gate, this Kia hybrid SUV takes the crown as the hybrid SUV with the best overall value. The Sportage delivers an impressive amount of cargo and passenger space in the compact SUV segment while offering excellent fuel economy numbers and tons of tech. You’ll find a modern, well-crafted cabin that’s easy to enjoy during any drive.

As long as you don’t expect exciting acceleration or dynamic steering from this Kia SUV, it will be a hybrid SUV that handles nearly all your daily diving needs.

Next, check out these five family-friendly Kia SUVs, or learn more about the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid in this video below: