A carmaker can never have too many SUVs these days, especially of the mid-sized variety. Among the 11-strong Kia Sportage line-up are two hybrid options, the pick of those aiming for lower emissions.
That is a hybrid’s primary objective, an easing of fuel consumption by adding some electric bits to proceedings. Motors make better torque than engines, so they help ease the load of the combustion unit.
The Sportage hybrid is of the high-voltage (270V) breed, meaning it can mooch about on the motor alone, reducing fuel consumption further.
We nabbed some more time in the 2024 Sportage HEV recently, using it to ferry the family around. The Sportage hybrid has a 52L tank which delivered around 680km of travel before it was down to its last blip on the gas gauge.
The DTE reckoned we could have stretched it for another 80km. That’s a decent range between drinks for what is now a sizeable entrant in the medium SUV class.
The average fuel use figure for the month was 6.3L/100km. Most of those clicks were the around-town type while the stated consumption is a little more optimistic at 5.4L/100km.
The motor can get you underway before the engine comes in, which is a relatively smooth process as the power inputs are blended.
The motor works via the six-speed auto, shifts tending on the fluid side too for refined progress. Back off the throttle and the motor can maintain your speed, even at motorway velocities.
The EV mode has reasonable stamina thanks to the battery’s 1.49kWh capacity and, driven with a light right foot, the electrics can do much of the cruising work.
The hybrid drives the front wheels only, not a biggie with only mild torque steer if you get overly eager. However, AWD is an advantage of the Sportage’s big rival, the RAV4.
Mention of, both have similar overall outputs, stated fuel consumption and towing weights, the Sportage slightly better on the latter at 1650kg vs 1500kg.
They have very similar price points too, though the Toyota can be had at a lower entry price.
Sportage looks sharp, the front end with its distinctive light signature, the rear treatment smart too. It’s about as dynamic as you can make a run-of-the-mill medium SUV look.
The alloys are a great colour, good for hiding the brake dust. This hybrid doesn’t have too much in the way of brake regeneration but when you do use the brake pedal it has a ‘normal’ feel to it, not snatchy or squishy like some.
You’d opt for the $55,390 Earth over the $53,990 Light variant as it gets seat heaters and a wheel warmer which are tops on cold mornings.
These can also help save fuel; switch them on instead of running the heater hard which in turn causes the engine to run constantly.
There are a few other extras, like electric seat adjustment, leather trim, smart key and powered tailgate that make the Earth the better buy.
Three kids across the back seat is no problem, Sportage being bigger in its latest generation, and that added width helps in this regard.
A couple of USB-C ports are located on the backs of the front seats, which we found to be a better location for them than down low on the rear of the console, where they tend to be knocked about by the halfling perched in the middle.
The boot area is generous, the well formed hold swallowing up the grocery shop and all the kids’ stuff. Its powered tailgate is a bit beepy in operation, especially when using the remote control function off the key fob.
Got something bigger to lug around? Flick the button, and the spring-loaded second row folds down to liberate a decent load length.
And this hybrid has a space saver spare under the boot floor, some others having to make do with a repair kit.
About the only aspects that annoyed were the gear selector, the rotary type just not as easy to use as a lever; you sometimes find yourself in N rather than the desired D or R.
And we aren’t sure why the infotainment system has to default to its screen saver setting. It looks pretty but it means you have to tap it again to get it working.
The widescreen format is good, vibrant and it’s all otherwise reasonably straightforward.
The shiny black trim gets a bit grubby with fingerprints but otherwise the cabin is of the hard wearing, easy-to-clean type. There’s good storage too with durable materials in the right places.
There are numerous charge solutions onboard, the wireless pad always handy along with 12-volt and USB-C ports.
Its steering has commendable weighting, and is quick for easier manoeuvres. While it’s grown, Sportage is still car park friendly, as are the turning dimensions.
There’s just a regular back-up camera but you can make do. Of the safety features, the lane keeping can be a little pedantic, but easily eliminated thanks to a button on the steering wheel.
Along with active cruise control, blind spot monitoring is appreciated in traffic.
Another aspect we like is the 235/60 series rubber that surrounds the 18-inch alloys; there’s a decent side wall on the tyre, making those alloys harder to graunch against the kerb.
| Model | Kia Sportage Earth Hybrid |
| Price | $55,390 |
| Engine | 1598cc, IL4, T + 44kW Motor |
| Power | 169kW |
| Torque | 350Nm |
| Drivetrain | 6-speed auto, FWD |
| Weight (claimed) | 1707kg |
| Fuel Use | 5.4L/100km |
| C02 Output | 122g/km |
| 0-100km/h | 7.2 sec |
This story first appeared in the August 2024 issue of NZ Autocar magazine.
