2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid | 38 MPG Without a Plug!

One of the worst vehicles I can ever recall testing was the original Kia Sportage; so underpowered that it struggled up the most modest incline. Flash ahead 23 years and Kia now leads the industry in dependability, they’re the most awarded brand in J.D. Power’s APEAL study and they’re at the forefront of electrification. Take for instance this all-new 2023 Sportage - available in gas, hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants.
MSRP as-tested: $38,235
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2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX-Prestige AWD
• 2023 Kia Sportage Hybr...
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[@travismith99]

This car looks way better in person. Saw one in white color on the street today. Absolutely gorgeous both front and back 👌

[@columbiars]

I support this comment! the car definitely looks WAY better in person. Videos doesn't give somehow all the credit it deserves.

[@Pabla98]

an absolute home run by Kia once again

[@dsdddsd4543we]

Kia is now leading in reliability? That is very impressive. They have come a long way.

[@SangTran-ow1xv]

Yeah recognized by JD Power the same company who gave Chevy best initial reliability *smh*

[@bigboi57]

Never heard of the optima hybrid?

[@SleekSpacesLiving]

My jaw dropped too. I always thought it was toyota.

[@anandr1385]

Great review! Also for people considering the PHEV or EV vehicles, please educate yourself on the tax credit law. Each vehicle has a different credit amount dependent on the battery size. The tax credit is also only a one-time credit and is limited to the amount of your tax liability.

[@peterpichardo865]

Well I do local highway very mix I drive long distances and the mile never will be there I have 54 cars in my life this one is worst cars for mile per gallon I have owner I’m going to reporter to fuel economic.gov

[@peterpichardo865]

Also thanks for contact me about

[@peterpichardo865]

This suv is bad in mpg

[@rcairflr]

@@peterpichardo865 > You have a 2023 Sportage Hybrid and it is the worse of 54 cars? Yu are full of crap.

[@dsdddsd4543we]

This is impressive. Comparing this to the Honda CR-V, this interior is way better. Very impressed with Kia's design.

[@philseung8]

i agree

[@jdm1039]

Since widespread adaption and normalizing of pure EV vehicles is years away (cost, lack of infrastructure, lack of range etc..) I would hardly be questioning the value or importance of hybrids. They offer significant fuel economy and pollution advantages over non hybrid ICE vehicles, with no range issues and little upcharge now over gas only motors. It would be a much easier sell to the public and still resulted in large gains towards environmental goals. Frankly I think the initial push for better fuel economy & less emissions should have started with a transition to widespread hybrid adaptation while the EV situation more thoroughly matures. There are serious unanswered questions regarding battery pack disposable after they've reached the end of their useful life along with the limited precious metals needed to manufacture battery packs in the first place. Not to mention the fact that electricity production requires a generating source that still primarily uses natural gas or coal to run the electric plants. All issues that seem to be largely ignored or glossed over.

[@anandr1385]

I agree. I attribute hybrids being overshadowed because of legislation . Because all vehicles have to be electric by 2035, marketing for EV’s have gone up considerably. People will ask themselves why buy a hybrid of electric is the new thing. There is no real “transition”. At least not on a personal level. It’s a statistical transition. People who can afford it now will go electric. Those who can’t will have to suffer at the pumps or suffer with car installments because it’s not like they’re cheap. Hybrids definitely is a better alternative.

[@razzyg8600]

all I can say is...AWESOME tutorial, the best use of "short & to the point explanation and luv how u integrate still shots along with true video, good use of "pace and rhythm" keeping us informed without all the unnecessary babbling to get a point across. excellent editing also. definitely subscribed with a thumbs up. Keep up the great work!!!

[@stevehammes]

Thanks! Appreciate the feedback.

[@eganfo]

I bought this car and love it.

[@c.daubz.5386]

Tax credit is useless because auto manufacturers just raise cost that amount instead of customer saving money but new kia is nice, good video

[@rcairflr]

@5:04 > I really like the Dual Control panel. It is very intuitive and keeps the cabin looking modern. I hate the chintzy big knobs and antiquated look of the Toyota Rav 4 cockpit

[@76carmel]

I seriously see this Sportage Hybrid as a true contender to the Big Kahuna, the RAV4 Hybrid.

[@rcairflr]

Probably not overall. But the antiquated, boring cabin, and dash, large knobs, junking looking center pedestal of the Toyota just turned me off.

[@SleekSpacesLiving]

I'm impressed and I want. When they couldn't find a part for my 05 corolla. .... that's how I knew. It's time to upgrade!!!!

[@Aforgamon]

Setting aside that the US federal tax credit is going away for vehicles not made in the US, AVAILABILITY is also a huge hurdle for obtaining the PHEV. It's not just about "being ready for electrification". The HEV alone is hard to come by for many people and is often marked up like mad. Small and/or rural dealerships get fewer cars as well. Wait times for new orders can take forever.

[@sixxstringtattz6049]

That's my baby right there😊 love my 2023 Kia Sportage SX Prestige hybrid

[@glenarseneault7084]

Hi Just to be clear. I would not have to plug in this vehicule? I'm not equipped at my place to have a plug. Thanks

[@chanzo7950]

Put in an order for the 2024 plug-in hybrid x line prestige matte gray, which will take 4-8 months. I may get one sooner if they have one in their allotment order that matches my order with add-on accessories.

[@jonnykromps9836]

Great review once again!! Love your channel.

[@baldheadlogic]

I am strongly considering one of these. I am just slightly concerned since Kia has had some recent major engine issues

[@keriddunk1520]

Nah.. those are used vehicles from 2005's

[@jaycobmelo1904]

If any wouldn’t it be covered under warranty? Man I’m also considering this one

[@twystedhumour]

@@keriddunk1520 they were NOT early 2000's; some of the most recent were 2012-13s. you might want to take a look at some newsreports.

[@columbiars]

Those engine issues were related to the Thetha Engine, which is not used in this car.

[@rcairflr]

@@twystedhumour > You don't think in 7 years they have those problems fixed in the new engines. In todays world 7 years is forever. Most things get fixed on in very short order. But hey, if it worries you buy something else. You might just find that "something else" now has problems.

[@SSS-mp8th]

The only issue (depending on trim you want) is you can get the PHEV for less $$ after tax credit. Assuming you can find one these days at or near MSRP.

[@nettns]

The rules for the tax credit are changing, so it's likely that the Sportage won't qualify by the time they arrive on dealer lots.

[@anandr1385]

There’s a max to the tax credit and it’s only one time. If your tax liability for that year is less that the tax credit allowed for the vehicle then you won’t actually be buying benefiting as much as you thought you would.

[@michelleatamian6362]

not anymore...That went away on 8/16 with a stroke of Biden's pen

[@TomTom-gn9mp]

I love my new 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid EX but there is a noticeable growl and rev between 2,500 - 3,000 RPMS at low speeds under minimal throttle application. Have you noticed this at all?

[@benhowes88]

The colour of this car is 😍 wish it was available in the UK in this colour 🇬🇧

[@tkinginyellow]

Ordered mine in April... still waiting. (I'm in the EU btw)

[@ej8125]

I just ordered mine in Gravity Gray on Monday 😎

[@gabrielobrien21]

iZotope makes a great plosive remover in their RX series of plugins. Also, moving your mic 6-8in away and using a pop filter when recording voiceovers will help.

[@stevehammes]

Don’t like my VO, eh?

[@gabrielobrien21]

@@stevehammes your videos are great and the voiceovers are fine. I'm a pro audio engineer/cinematographer and plosives are easy to avoid by moving the mic a little, and if you get them (it happens) then RX De-plosive is a lifesaver.

[@jermboy911]

I’m confused… why is the plug in much diminished driving range? It still runs on gas PLUS wtvr charge no?

[@kotteo8171]

I am also confused 😕, logically the PLUGIN should have bigger range, this make me to want the hybrid version with more miles

[@cdr927]

You mention the heated windshield... how distracting is the heating element? Is it through the entire front windshield? Is it noticeably visible?

[@stevehammes]

It is. Much like in a Land Rover. Not terribly distracting but some find it irritating.

[@geftiler2112]

@@stevehammes if you find it distracting then you have ADD

[@drewledger6386]

I've read that some people have only received 31mpg combined when driving this vehicle. Did you find this true or false in your tests?

[@ttpp9584]

You questioned the relevance of hybrids, but city dwellers living in high-rise condo/apartment buildings won't be able to avail of PHEVs with relative ease so hybrids are a logical option.

[@stevehammes]

Fair.

[@rudolfdsilva2844]

Good review Steve. The reviewers should be frank in their reviews, and if a person who reviews is a fully qualified automobile Engineer then the review will be more better.

[@bossman408]

Can someone explain how the plugin would have a "much diminished driving range" as described at 7:02? In other videos I heard its about 85 MPG for the plugin. Wouldn't this mean a better driving range? The other bummer for the plugin version is that carmine red is not available for the interrior. That sucks!

[@stevehammes]

Much smaller gas tank…only 11 gallons. So it’s range is only 430 miles vs the Hybrid’s 521.

[@chuckwalla2967]

KIA - Killing It Again.

[@omarauleear8056]

which colour is this one? can't seem to find it when buying one with the dealer in my country

[@Nitaiyoga108]

Why does some higher trims have the dial shift which is more classy and others have the old stick shift knob?

[@charlesoh9006]

Higher trim comes with remote start and park

[@Brayant25]

Only the hybrids come with a dial shifter. The Ice version all come with the old school shift lever. I ordered this vehicle last year August and it finally arrived this April. I paid $400 under MSRP. And I ordered gravity gray .

[@dioralcide8490]

This SPORTAGE is more luxurious than NX/RX

[@rcairflr]

I own a 2023 Kia Sportage SX Prestige, so my comment is based on experience. I looked at almost everything in the market before buying, including the Lexus NX. there was nothing with a higher end interiro than the NX that I looked at and the NX seats were incredibly comfortable. I just couldn't justify an extra $25000

[@csguak]

​@rcairflr that's why this is so hilarious. This hybrid car looks like a $40k+ SUV, but you can buy one for like $33K USD. Those $40k luxury SUV MPHs are pure trash. So people are paying more for worse MPG... wtf?

[@TJC450]

I’ve been trying to convince my grandpa to buy anything but the rav 4 prime but I can’t 🥺

[@InvestBetter.]

In his defense, the Rav4 Prime is an excellent vehicle. A great one to get stuck on. The real question is why are you trying to get him off it?

[@TJC450]

@@InvestBetter. too expensive for what it is. Toyotas are very boring in design and driving dynamics. Cheap interiors.

[@InvestBetter.]

@@TJC450 So you think your Grandpa wants and exciting design and driving dynamics? Maybe you want that? Maybe he doesn't think their interiors are cheap? Maybe you do? You need to calm down, and let him do him. He's earned the right.

[@treads2595]

Do you have some miracle worker that's going to get your grandpa a Rav4 Prime w/o a huge markup? Good luck with that! I've seen some dealers asking for $60K!

[@TJC450]

@@InvestBetter. There’s also dealer mark up. The dealer also told me you can forget about getting one in our state. So he just needs to give it up.

[@jfoz7602]

I have the 2023 Kia Sportage GT-Line hybrid. I can’t believe how terrible the fuel consumption on this car is. It’s pointless getting the hybrid it’s just a gimmick in my opinion. Great car don’t get me wrong. But for fuel consumption the hybrid is just pointless most full combustion vehicles from past years far excel the mileage of this car.

[@peterpichardo865]

Hello is a very nice car but I buy one 2023 hybrid and don’t do the mile given by Kia only produce a 32 mile per gallon please look in to this car is not good for the mile

[@gimli1128]

What kind of driving do you do? I just hit the 5000 km mark with mine and getting 6l/100km which is about 39 mpg

[@columbiars]

I would recommend to go to Reddit. There are redditors giving inputs to get good mpgs.

[@davidnguyen3275]

Federal tax credit is no longer applied based on the new laws, if I'm not mistaken.

[@stevehammes]

You are correct.

[@Griffen427]

Important to note that this no-longer qualifies in the US for the Federal tax credits, after the recent legislation changes.

[@stevehammes]

Correct

[@chefsumeerkhan]

I went to cochren kia they told me no tac credit for kias

[@stevehammes]

Yeah. Things have changed since I made this video.

[@mkstheboss3030]

Honda & Toyota Hybrid is giving 60mpg

[@nielskjr5432]

Small utility vehicle? Ha ha! In my country this would be a big car.

[@csguak]

Lmaoo looks like KIA is going all out these days. Enjoy it while it lasts I guess

[@cgatito3528]

"Not everybody is ready to take the EV plunge"? "Hybrid is yesterday's engineering" wtf. This guy must live in San Jose. Either that, or this video is from the year 2030.

[@stevehammes]

Does this look like San Jose? Geez. Get a clue. And if you think the hybrid is new you must've been living in a cave the past 20 years.

[@mattfeyer8476]

I cant average above 31 mpg.

[@Andrew-zx9wx]

5:18 no wonder why Steve hasn’t responded to my message 😜

[@jfoz7602]

I have the 2023 Kia Sportage GT-Line hybrid. I can’t believe how terrible the fuel consumption on this car is. It’s pointless getting the hybrid it’s just a gimmick in my opinion. Great car don’t get me wrong. But for fuel consumption the hybrid is just pointless most full combustion vehicles from past years far excel the mileage of this car.