2023 KIA SPORTAGE HYBRID TALKING CARS WITH CONSUMER REPORTS #372

EV Channels Review

Consumer Reports' 'Talking Cars' episode #372 delves into the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid, positioning it as the superior choice over its gasoline counterpart. The hosts consistently praise the hybrid powertrain for significantly improving drivability, offering smoother power delivery and better responsiveness off the line, effectively addressing the 'lackluster' performance noted in the non-hybrid version. They highlight that modern hybrids, unlike earlier models, no longer compromise on ride quality, brake feel, or overall refinement, with the Sportage Hybrid being a prime example. The review emphasizes that the hybrid variant retains all the strengths of the standard Sportage, including its value, features, roominess, and safety, while adding substantial benefits in fuel economy and performance. The primary criticisms are directed at the interior's rotary gear selector, which is found to be less intuitive than traditional shifters, and the dual-function climate/audio control knob, which requires an extra step to switch between functions. Despite these minor interior quibbles, the consensus is that the Sportage Hybrid is a 'slam dunk' recommendation.