2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX‑Prestige AWD: Bold, Efficient, and Surprisingly Fun

When Kia redesigned the Sportage for 2023, they didn’t just play it safe with a mild refresh.. They went all-in. The result is a compact SUV that’s bigger, bolder, and more feature-packed than ever before — and in hybrid form, it promises impressive efficiency without sacrificing power or capability. The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX-Prestige AWD sits at the top of the lineup, offering premium comfort, advanced tech, and a dose of attitude.

I spent the past week living with one to see how well it lives up to the hype. Spoiler alert: it’s really good, such an improvement from the outgoing model. But there are a few quirks that keep it from being perfect.

Bold First Impressions: This Crossover Wants to Be Noticed

The Sportage has always been one of the more stylish options in the compact SUV segment, but the 2023 redesign really takes things to another level. Kia’s “Opposites United” design philosophy is on full display here, with sharp angles, bold surfaces, and a front fascia that’s impossible to ignore.

The boomerang-shaped LED running lights frame a dramatic grille that gives the Sportage real road presence, and the Shadow Matte Gray paint on my tester elevated the look even further. It’s aggressive without being too over-the-top (though some may disagree), and it definitely stands out in a sea of anonymous crossovers.

The size jump is noticeable, too. The new ’23 Sportage is 7.1 inches longer than the outgoing model, with a wheelbase that’s up by 3.4 inches. It now looks and feels more like a midsize SUV, which pays dividends inside.

Powertrain & Performance: Efficient, Smooth, and Surprisingly Quick

The heart of the Sportage Hybrid is a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder paired with a 44-kW electric motor and a 1.5-kWh battery. Combined output is 226 horsepower, routed through a six-speed automatic transmission to all four wheels. That might not sound like much on paper, but in the real world it’s more than enough. Acceleration is brisk, and the transition between gas and electric power is nearly seamless.

The hybrid system shines in everyday driving. Around town, it uses electric power frequently, and on the highway, the gas engine hums along quietly and efficiently. Over my week with the Sportage, I averaged 38 MPG in mixed driving, which is impressive for an all-wheel-drive SUV of this size, especially with my heavy foot.

Ride quality is excellent, soaking up rough pavement and bumps with ease. Steering is light but accurate, making it easy to maneuver in tight city streets. It’s not a sporty crossover, but it feels composed and confident in corners, and the AWD system adds extra assurance in wet or slippery conditions.

Interior: Modern, Comfortable, and Packed with Tech

Step inside and the transformation continues. The cabin is very modern, premium-feeling, and loaded with thoughtful touches. Kia’s dual 12.3-inch displays dominate the dash. There’s one for the digital gauge cluster and one for the infotainment system, creating a seamless, high-tech look that wouldn’t feel out of place in a luxury vehicle. This is a Kia?!

The seats are very comfortable and supportive on long drives, and the SX-Prestige trim adds ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a Harman Kardon premium audio system. Rear seat space is excellent thanks to the longer wheelbase, and cargo capacity is generous, with 39.5 cubic feet behind the second row and 73 cubic feet with the seats folded.

If there’s one gripe, it’s with the user interface. The dual-purpose control panel that toggles between climate and infotainment functions is clever but occasionally frustrating, especially when you’re trying to adjust volume and realize there’s no dedicated volume knob. And while wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included, wireless connectivity is still missing, which feels like an oversight in a vehicle at this price point.

Daily Life: Spacious, Comfortable, and Easy to Live With

Practicality has always been a Sportage strength, and this new model doubles down on it. The longer wheelbase and increased dimensions make it one of the roomiest vehicles in its class. The back seat is adult-friendly even on longer trips, and the cargo area is well-shaped and easy to load.

The interior layout is intuitive, with plenty of storage cubbies and a clever dual-level cargo floor. Visibility is generally good, and the available 360-degree camera system makes parking a breeze. Add in thoughtful touches like remote start, a power liftgate, and Kia’s excellent suite of driver-assistance features – including adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, and blind-spot view monitor, and you’ve got a crossover that’s easy to live with day in and day out.

Pricing & Value

The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX-Prestige AWD starts at $36,190, and my car only had two additional options – Shadow Matte Gray paint and floor mats, bringing the as-tested price to $38,155. That’s on the higher end of the compact SUV segment, especially when you factor in competitors like the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and Honda CR-V Hybrid. But the Kia fights back with bold styling, more standard tech, and a more premium interior feel.

It’s also worth remembering that Kia still offers one of the best warranties in the business (a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty), which sweetens the value proposition.

Verdict: A Hybrid SUV That’s Easy to Recommend

The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX-Prestige AWD is a seriously impressive package. It’s stylish, efficient, comfortable, and packed with features — a true jack-of-all-trades that does almost everything well. It’s not perfect (the lack of a dedicated volume knob and wireless CarPlay are frustrating, and the price might give some buyers pause), but none of those issues are real dealbreakers. Kia really outdid themselves with the new Sportage!

So if you’re shopping for a compact or midsize hybrid SUV, you’d be doing yourself a disservice not to check this one out. I’d definitely tell any friend in the market for a new crossover to go take one for a spin. There’s a really good chance the new Kia Sportage Hybrid will surprise you.

2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX‑Prestige AWD Gallery