2023 – 2024 Best SUV Find out which SUV is the best for 2022, 2023, and 2024. Here you can find professional reviews and rankings of all upcoming crossover and SUV cars.
The fifth generation of Kia’s compact crossover was introduced recently and it amazed us with the new design. There are so many strong points this SUV has, starting from the elegant and well-equipped cabin, generous cargo area and composed handling. Moreover, there is a good range of powertrain options on offer, which includes hybrid versions too. Well, the next year will bring further improvements, as the 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid gets another, plug-in hybrid version.
So far, this SUV has been available only with a self-charging hybrid, with respectable power and excellent fuel economy. The new PHEV version will bring further benefits, such as more power, as well as the ability to run solely on electric power for more than 30 miles. Other than that, we don’t expect bigger differences compared to the standard Sportage.
We expect that the 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid will arrive sometime in the second half of the year.
2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid Gets Plug-in Setup
As mentioned, the new generation has been available only with a self-charging hybrid so far, unlike the closest sibling, Hyundai Tucson. It looks like Kia’s model will also get a PHEV variant and we have no doubt that the system will be the same. So, what we expect to see is the same 1.6-liter turbo-four engine, in combination with a more capable electric motor. As a result, the max output will go up to 261 horsepower. Besides more power, this system will also include a much bigger battery, which will ensure a respectable range in the EV model. It should be pretty similar to the Tucson, which can make up to 33 miles without using gas fuel.
On the other hand, the standard hybrid will continue in the same way. That model also uses a 1.6-liter turbo-four but includes a smaller battery and less capable electric motor. As a result, the max output is rated at 226 horsepower, which is still plenty enough for good overall performance. Moreover, fuel economy is pretty impressive, according to the company claims that suggest 43 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway.
2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid Design
As for the overall design, the 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid will represent the second production year of the new generation. Therefore, we don’t believe there could be bigger changes. The recent redesign brought significant changes, especially in terms of aesthetics. The new model looks way more futuristic, some would say polarizing. In the case of the new PHEV, we might see a couple of exclusive details, though nothing significant.
As for the mechanics, the new chassis and suspension work just fine. The Sportage is easy to drive and offers a decent dose of athleticism. At the same time, the ride remains smooth, while dampers absorb road imperfections pretty well.
Interior
The Interior may be the strongest point of this SUV. Simply, the company made a huge step forward with the recent redesign, and the new generation looks way more upscale than before. The materials are nice, the aesthetics are modern, and there is also an impressive offer of tech features. Even the most basic variants come with massive screens, which is something more other classmates don’t offer. The new Sportage is pretty much on par with Tucson and Mazda CX-5 in terms of interior quality.
We also like the fact that the Sportage is among the most spacious models in the class, with two roomy rows of seats. Moreover, the cargo area is among the large in the class, with nearly 40 cubic feet behind the second row and more than 74 cubic feet of the total cargo space.
Features
Since we are talking about the second production year, it’s hard to expect bigger changes in terms of standard and available equipment, though minor tweaks are always possible. We expect base models to come standard with goodies like an 8-inch touch screen, a 12.2-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, a six-speaker audio system, a front USB-C port, dual-zone automatic climate control and remote keyless entry.
Among upgrades, expect to find a bigger 12.3-inch touch screen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, navigation, a Wi-Fi hot spot, wireless device charging, rear USB-C ports, an eight-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, a panoramic sunroof with a power sunshade, remote start, push-button start, multicolor LED interior lighting, a universal garage door opener and a hands-free power liftgate.
2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid Release Date and Price
We expect that the 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid release date will be scheduled for the second half of the year. As for the price, the base hybrid should go around 28.000 dollars. The pricing for the plug-in hybrid is still unknown, but we estimate it could start at around 37.000 dollars.
