Kia has unveiled an electrified version of the brand’s longest running nameplate at the Los Angeles Auto Show!

The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid is the third model in an ongoing cadence of eco-minded offerings guided by Kia’s global EV strategy, ‘Plan S.’ This newest Kia follows in the footsteps of the recently launched EV6 and the Sorento PHEV to serve as another example of Kia’s multiple pathways to electrification.

Arriving early next year, the Sportage Hybrid will deliver an ideal mix of fuel efficiency and power along with an abundance of room for gear. Significantly larger than the previous generation Sportage, the Hybrid will allow owners to enjoy class-leading rear seat legroom and rear cargo capacity.

“The new Sportage Hybrid SUV marks yet another step in Kia’s advance on sustainable mobility, as part of our global ‘Plan S’ efforts,” said Sean Yoon, president and CEO, Kia America, Kia North America. “In addition to paving a new pathway to electrification, the Sportage Hybrid also delivers superb driving dynamics, cutting-edge design, and a vast array of technology for a world-class in-car experience.”

The Sportage Hybrid is offered in three trim levels: LX, EX, and SX-Prestige.

New Foundation

The Sportage has gone from one of the smallest SUVs in its class to one of the largest:

• Overall length is 7.1 inches longer than the previous generation, with a 3.4-inch longer wheelbase
• Taller and wider by a half inch compared to the previous generation
• Class-leading rear legroom with 41.3 inches of room
• Best-in-Class rear cargo capacity of 39.5 cu-ft. of space
• Dual level cargo floor

Power & Efficiency

The Sportage Hybrid blends performance and efficiency with an optimized powertrain:

• 1.6-liter turbo GDI engine
• 44kW permanent magnet electric motor
• High-output 1.49 kWh lithium-ion battery
• 6-speed automatic transmission with rotary style shifter
• Combined 226 horsepower (targeted)
• Up to 39 mpg in FWD (targeted)
• Class-leading 2,000lb towing capacity
• Active AWD is standard on EX and SX-Prestige trims, while LX is available with a choice of FWD and Active AWD
• Active AWD system uses electro-hydraulic coupling with center-locking differential to actively distribute power between front and rear wheels depending on road and driving conditions
• E-Handling uses the hybrid motor to deliver a confident driving experience
• Standard paddle shifters and Drive Mode Select with ECO, Sport, Smart and Snow modes

“Opposites United” Design

Closely mimicking the exterior of its gas-powered counterpart, the Sportage Hybrid bears all the elements of Kia’s new “Opposites United” design philosophy, developed as part of the Kia global brand transformation, “Movement that Inspires.”

• Tiger nose grille gets more technical with floating design
• Distinct “boomerang” daytime running lights
• Angular fenders
• Crisp shoulder line
• Muscular shoulders around the rear flow into futuristic “notch-shaped” taillights, which are seamlessly connected by a thin black graphic across the tailgate
• Unique 17- and 18-inch HEV wheel designs
• HEV badging

Inspired by high-end outdoor products, furniture, and modern architecture, the interior of the Sportage highlights a new concept for Kia, transforming the cabin into a pleasant living space, complete with near-luxury, thoughtful features:

• Available dual panoramic curved display seamlessly connects two screens for nearly 25-inches of viewing (12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, 12.3-inch infotainment screen)
• Angular air vents
• Asymmetrical console puts controls and buttons at driver’s hand with ease
• Real stitching and detailed pattern on the seats create a feeling of luxury (SX-Prestige), along with animal-free leather (EX and above)
• Innovative coat hanger molded behind front headrests with integrated hook for shopping bags or for organizing charging cables

To match the high-tech interior, the Sportage Hybrid is packed with standard and available infotainment to keep drivers connected and informed of what’s going on around them.