Hybrids, also known as HEVs, are getting a second wind in the marketplace. Speaking of second,
this brand is number two behind Toyota, in the number of electrified vehicles offered,
as confusing as that description can be. Kia feels shoppers don't know the fifth generation
Sportage has always rolled with hybrid powertrains, so it's invited automotive
riders to a Louisville, Kentucky event to promote the mid-cycle refresh. And maybe
check out this giant baseball bat. We still have a little bit of an awareness
problem that we do make HEVs. I just showed you we have over 10 vehicles
that are electrified and we're still telling that story. Sportage is Kia's
bestseller, and 2026s get new facias, wheel designs and interior upgrades. The
hybrid powertrain can be had across five trim levels. We're driving the most
expensive versions because... SX Prestige happens to be our top-selling trim at
over 50% of the mix. On these events, they always pair us up with another
auto rider, and I have the privilege of driving with Jeremy Korsanowski,
and he will keep me honest if I don't get something right, or if he disagrees.
Absolutely. Two reviews in one. Sportage is available as a plug-in hybrid with
34 miles of all electric range. We're focusing on the HEV. Sportage is
classified as a compact crossover, meaning it's in the most competitive
segment in the automotive industry. Going up against other hybrids like Toyota
RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Subaru Forester. Let's throw escape, CX-50, and sister
Tucson into the mix, too, since all can be had with ice or hybrid powertrains.
For 2026, the improved electric drive motor adds five horsepower, so combined
with the turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, there are 232
horses that will never run the Kentucky Derby, and 271 pound-feet of torque.
The 1.5 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion pack is under here. Sportage hybrid changes
gears with a six-speed transmission. Since it's not a continuously variable unit,
the dynamic feels like what most would consider normal. Manual shifting is a
thing.
All-wheel drive gets a center-locking differential. A driveshaft turns the back
wheels, not a separate electric motor. Drive modes are easy to get to. This is a
great location for the button, and yes, there's loads of switch gear in here.
Most sportages have 8.3 inches of ground clearance, so terrain modes might
actually get used. Plus, there's hill descent control. Jeremy and I leave
downtown Louisville for some lovely rural roads. By the way, the paint is heritage
blue. No extra cost, either. Acceleration is solid for this class. I'll estimate
zero to sixty in just over seven seconds, so passing on this road will
not leave your knuckles white. You've already driven this. Ride quality for
starters, this is on the quiet side, and I would say more towards comfort. It's not
sloppy in any way, shape, or form. No, no, it's really not. I think it's the
right compromise. It's what most consumers who are going to be buying
this product, they're going to prefer a more comfortable ride. As enthusiasts, we
may like something that handles really, really well in the corners. This
isn't really marketed towards that despite being called a sportage. It's not
sporty, it's much more comfortable. Yeah, if you push this really hard into a turn,
there's going to be a certain amount of understeer, but that's the way most
drivers should have suspension dialed in. Yeah, it's, you know, it's firm
enough to just be fun in the corners, but generally I would say the Kia
engineers air it on the side of comfort. Engage lane keep assist, and it does get
bossy occasionally, but it can be turned off. Transmission, it's pretty smooth.
Downshifts are fine. You think they're maybe a little lazy? Yeah, I think if I
did have a complaint about the drivetrain in general, it's that the
transmissions a little bit slow to respond. These days, we've gotten so
used to dual clutch transmissions that fire off such quick shifts. This one
feels a little bit lazy, especially on upshifts when you're accelerating. Yeah,
although some people do complain about how abrupt dual clutch transmissions are.
I like the Crips feeling, but average drivers go, eh, it's rough. Yeah,
yeah. What are you going to do? Yeah, you can't please everybody. I would
say, again, this car airs on the side of comfort over sportiness. The
clear 10-inch head-up display that's hard to shoot is near luxury and offers
turn-by-turn carplay graphics. We're driving the all-wheel drive version,
and the EPA rated average fuel economy is 35. 35 combined. Yeah, a little low,
actually. That is a little bit low. I think competitors like the RAV4 and CR-V
are a little bit better than that. I would expect it to be closer to 40.
Yeah, yeah. Front-wheel drive is much higher though. I think it's like 42. That is
what they said, which is surprising that there's that big of a difference, of
course, in the real world when you're, you know, counting the number of gallons
that you're putting in the tank. It's not going to be that big of a difference
once you get into those 30 range, like the dollar amount's not that big of
a difference. But yeah, I'm a little surprised, 35 to 42. The as-tested
price is $42,135, including destination and optional floor mats and cargo cover,
so there's value here. It is interesting how, during the presentation, they were
talking about nobody knows this as a hybrid. Everybody knows RAV4 as a
hybrid, and I think most people know that CR-V is a hybrid, but Sportage
not so much. Yeah, they're trying to increase awareness that Kia offers a
range of hybrid vehicles, not just hybrids, plug-in hybrids too. I do think
fewer people think of Kia as a brand that makes hybrids, whereas Toyota and
Honda are well known for that. Yeah. The SX Prestige cabin is a nice place to
spend time. The new dual 12.3-inch display is easy to read. Door releases
feel terrific. Seats with hides from synthetic cattle are heated and
vented. This little tab helps when closing the door. Even hard plastics have
a quality look. Surfaces get interesting patterns and no hint of
piano black. I'm a big fan of this blind spot camera setup. My biggest
gripe is this switchable panel. Seems it's always on the
interface setting when I want HVAC controls and vice versa. There's
no shortage of cameras. Scuff this Kia up and that's on you. No lack of
places to tuck things away either. Sportage has stowage. Don't use
cup holders. There's extra flexibility if you need more places to
stash things. I didn't get to spend loads of time with the user
interface, but it seems easy enough to use with good screen
response. Five years of full connectivity are included. And hey,
you could watch this video while parked, of course. There's phone is
key tech too. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are wireless. Jeremy and I
got to talking so judging the Harman Kardon sound will be up to
you. Space is not a problem when it comes to the back seat. I'm
five foot nine headroom. Very good. Same with knee, leg and
footroom quite generous. The cushion does not slide four and
a half to max out leg or cargo room, but it's high and long
enough for excellent thigh support. Plus the doors are big
enough to get car seats in and out. No sweat. Door pockets are a
little bit on the small side. Love to see storage on both
seat backs plus bag hooks. Nice. No separate climate zone back
here, but adjustable vents and this little cubby. This being
the top trim heated seats back here. I like this position for
the USB ports. It's really convenient. If there's no one
back here, I would guess this is a good place to hang a
jacket. Yeah, there's a little bit of a spine. It's not too bad.
Drinks don't really go in the door pockets unless they're sealed
water bottles, but you know, there's this. Sportage is wide
enough so you could get three average sized adults back here
for shorter trips across town, but for long excursions, I
would stop at two. Those full sized adults will be pretty
uncomfortable. Actually, as for design, the profile doesn't
really change. Maybe part of key is hybrid identity problem is
this is the only signal this is one. The nose is extensively
reworked with star map DRLs that are also found on EV6 and
EV9. It's a little bit more rugged looking than the
outgoing face square fog lamps to the back tail lamps are
changed up and there's a different lower fascia. This is
freshened. It's not a wholesale change. Since I'm at an
event, there will be no TP trunk test, but I could use cases of
bourbon since that is the gym beam distillery over there. My
camera bag is a bit smaller than a carry on suitcase. The
backpack is normal sized and the security cover can be
stashed under the floor so it doesn't have to be left
behind. I just didn't have time to fuss with it. And look a
spare tire. That's a rarity these days. There's power, but no
molded in bag hooks that are helpful. Remote releases are
unusual in this class, though. That expands the 34 and a half
cubic foot cargo hold that probably scores an eight in the
TP trunk test to over 65 cubes. So Sportage is very
useful. Pricing, Sportage Hybrid is a good value. So the
LX trim at $30,290 happens to be the lowest priced compact
SUV hybrid in the segment with the best in class field
economy. And then the SX Pro Siege just $10,000 more
offers a great value and class of technology. Alright, let's
wrap this up. Pluses and minuses. Pluses? I think it's
comfortable. It is sizable for its class. And I would say that
it looks really nice. Yeah. And for the price, it's a really
good value. Minuses? Again, if you're looking for something
sporty, this is not what you're looking for. This is a nice
comfortable car. I think it's appropriate for the segment,
but it's definitely not what I would call a sporty car.
Yeah, maybe go with CX 50 hybrid for that. I'll also add the
unusual switchable interface panel and the all wheel drive fuel
economy average isn't as lofty as RAV4 and CRV. But the total
package, it's extremely competitive and a hybrid that
should be better known. Sportage would be very easy to
live with and well worth a test drive.
Special thanks to Jeremy Korsniewski. He's kind of legend
in the automotive world. One of the very first employees of
Auto Block, you know, when it wasn't full of AI generated
filler. This bite was too good to not share. Last night, I
had a friend. He's looking for advice for a new vehicle and
he's thinking about buying a higher end vehicle like a Volvo
or an Audi. And you know, something like this is starting
to bump up against those brands. Do you agree? I mean, I do
agree. I think I think as time goes on, what the premium
brands offer that the competitors like Kia, you know,
mainstream brands don't offer, it's really only in the
badge. There's maybe a little bit more sound deadening, you
know, additional technology and whatnot. But this car feels
like what a luxury or premium brand would have been 10 years
ago. Before I go, it's important for me to let you
know that Kia brought me to Kentucky, put me up and fed
me. But I'm here to give you good information not to get
a free lunch. Okay. All right. Thanks for watching.
Subscribe to the channel. Okay. Follow me on social
media. I'm on all the major platforms. And if you have a
question, leave it in the comments. Either I will get
back to you or one of my followers will. This is a
great community. That's driven. I'm Tom Volk.
About this episode
Kia's 2026 Sportage SX Prestige is making waves in the hybrid market, positioning itself against established competitors like the RAV4 and CR-V. The episode highlights a recent event in Louisville, showcasing the Sportage's mid-cycle refresh, improved hybrid powertrain, and comfort-focused design. Hosts discuss the vehicle's performance, interior quality, and technology features, while emphasizing Kia's struggle with brand recognition in the hybrid segment. With a competitive price point and spacious interior, the Sportage offers a compelling alternative to premium brands, despite some drawbacks in sportiness and fuel economy.
Kia might not be known for hybrid powertrains but it has 10 electrified (yes, I hate that descriptor too) vehicles to choose from. For 2026, Sportage, its most popular model, gets a midcycle refresh and a little extra power. It might not be quite as efficient as RAV4 and CR-V but it's quiet, comfortable, stylish and a good value. Tom Voelk and Jeremy Korzeniewski drive an AWD SX Prestige trim outside of Louisville, KY. Bumping up towards near-luxury cars, it might be time to rethink your hybrid.
Full disclosure- Kia brough Tom to Louisville, KY for this sponsored drive event. Opinions remain stubbornly his.