2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid // Did this 38 MPG SUV Impress us After 7 Days??

Here's the ALL-NEW 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid EX! Kia has completely from the ground-up redesigned the Sportage and this new Hybrid model is IMPRESSIVE! Boasting 38MPG combined, 40 more horsepower than the gas version, and a price starting at $27,000 for the LX trim this Sportage Hybrid might be the one to buy! But with stiff competition from Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and Honda CR-V Hybrid, is this BETTER?? Go ahead: CLICK to find out :) Also, be sure to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and tap the notification bell if you enjoyed this review -- it helps us more than you can imagine!
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0:00 Intro
1:11 Detailed Exterior Walkaround
5:12 Interior Design & Technology
13:16 Rear Seats & Cargo
16:49 Test Drive & Impressions
20:15 Sound Level Reading (dB)
24:41 Air Ball & Slam Dunk
27:15 Pricing
© Car Confections, LLC 2023. All rights reserved.
“Sampling the Latest Automotive Delicacies!”

[@toyanucci]

Apparently I'm the one person getting 38mpg with my EX hybrid as calculated and documented on fuelly. To get that number takes some discipline though as gunning it a few times as was done in this video TANKS the fuelly economy REAL quick. Fuel economy aside, I love this car and have very few if any complaints.

[@MikeSpille]

I have owned mine for a couple months now and I have been getting 38mpg when by myself. Sometimes I even get over 40 on some trips. On a long road trip fully loaded with luggage and passengers I was getting around 32mpg. I wasn't excited about this car when I bought it, but it was the only hybrid I could find in the area of Denver where I live. I have since fallen in love with it. My biggest gripes are the glossy console between the seats that shows fingerprints and reflects sun in to my eyes at times, and the dial knob shifter which I admit I am starting to get used to.

[@ArjitGuptaAG]

seeing that you bought it in the denver area, how has your experience been since your last comment? I'd love to know how it performs on long trips in the colorado mountains!

[@mikeinva8]

Wonderful review, I purchased the SX prestige and have been very very happy with it. I am also one of the few that seems to be getting very good gas mileage I am averaging 40 to 41 miles per gallon but then I do not gun it all the time and I have a lot of highway driving. Simply put this is the best new car I have ever purchased. Hands-down a winner.

[@HamzaKhan-uc5zo]

in my opinion, the kia sportage blows every single compact suv out of the water. this model in particular should be worth upwards of 35-37k, not 31-33k. it has so much value

[@robynwhitney4854]

On the MPG-I bought a 2023 KIA Sportage Hybrid in late April of 2023 and have put 2750 miles on the vehicle. My cumulative MPG rating is 38.5 MPG. If you keep this vehicle in ECO mode and go easy on the accelerator, you can get crazy fuel efficiency. My cumulative 38.5 MPG includes a road trip from DC to Portland, ME and back with the car fully loaded with luggage and passengers and we only got around 31MPG for the whole trip. There are times when I drive the car to the grocery store about 2 miles away and the motor never turns on. It's not uncommon on short trips to get over 60 MPG, even 70 MPG. I noticed in this video they were accelerating quickly which will lower the average. Bottom line, this vehicle is capable of getting over 40 MPG if you are willing to go easy on the acceleration in ECO mode.

[@Ferarri4444]

I just purchased one and have been testing it. I have been averaging 38.8 mpg and that is mostly highway and city mixed driving via a commute. I have experience with these because I notice the mpg fuel economy doesn't reach its peak until you "break in" the engine. After that, you get in the 40s, based on other long term reviews. Mind you I have the AWD EX HEV. I think it has more to do with driving habits. I cruise on the highway and use very light foot when accelerating. I have a nack for "hacking" the gas mileage since my feet are extremely light on the throttle. I also know exactly when to when when not to accelerate hard, based on highway or city hill grade. I've been absolutely more impressed than I initially thought. Mind you, I had owned the EX standard engine model.

[@honestle8328]

I had been debating between the Kia K5 and Kia Sportage but I think you've sold me on the Sportage.

[@howardbradley5516]

I’ve got the same HEV Sportage EX AND PAID MSRP less veteran’s discount. Dealer let me put 20k on my rewards cc and after about 4k miles have accumulated mpg of 39.7 , mostly city and short trip drives, calculated by the car.😅❤. Also at 5500ft elevation, ECO driving mode, at speed limit. Can’t use the mpg calculated on just a few hundred miles. Fun to drive.

[@mickeybrumfield764]

For a mid level trim KIA gives a lot except for adaptive cruise control which a lot of manufacturers put on their lower trims.

[@billlewis1483]

If you drive this like a car, you won't get good mileage, but if you drive it like a hybrid you can get good mileage. I have about 4K on it and in the winter, with the heater and heated steering wheel, I was getting 37mpg. Now in the warmer months using AC which is more efficient than opening the windows because of drag, I am getting 42-43 mpg. There are many videos on how to drive a hybrid. I do 60/40 city/highway. The surge and coast method doesn't work too well as this vehicle has an increased regeneration mode in the coast so you would have to balance the throttle. I find the cruise control does much better. Remember regeneration only gives you 15 - 50 % power back. When braking try to keep the braking above the white line as that is where the regular brakes kick in and you lose your regenerative braking but keep your eye on the road. I saw in the test drive they were not anticipating and were doing regular braking. I do shut off the heat or AC a couple of miles before the destination to save fuel and only keep it comfortable. I have the EX hybrid without the sunroof. There was one recall for a programing update for a flashing screen which I never had. KIA has a video on updating the navigation which should be done periodically.

[@j_orpz]

Really loving all of your review videos - the info is well rounded and presented in a very digestible way. Thanks!

[@CarConfections]

Much appreciated!

[@adamosman6417]

I get pretty good milage with my EX. I have about 1400 miles on it and the car says my over all average is 36.7 currently. I actually think while that is technically correct, it's correct to how and where I drive. I think your individual average will vary widely according to your circumstances. On my 35 mile each way, mostly highway and then 15 minutes of slower traffic and 10 minutes of mixed side roads work commute the car says between 39-40.5 most days as I park it. It's often around 43-44 after the highway and 10 minutes of coasting traffic part, and then drops to that 39-41after the side roads. The car needs time to get higher mpg. On short quick 10 minute or so hops the car will often say I got around high 20's- low 30's. The mpg slowly builds, but I do think if those drives were just 5 minutes longer the MPG would continue to climb. I do a few of those short hops during the week. I think they are what is holding my cars over all average down just a bit. In the end I'm very happy with the cars mpg, but again it will vary according to your particulars. On a side note. If you didn't know you can program the little dual radio/ventilation screen to default to one or the other. That way when you touch to switch, it switches for like 8 seconds and then turns back to the default. I have mine set to stay and go back to the radio controls, but to each their own. Just hold down the button for a few seconds and it offers you a choice to set a default. Enjoy your cars everyone.

[@davidmurling4252]

Plus if you keep your foot off the floor board your car will use less gas.

[@RicktechCambo2375]

Great job guys🎉

[@prathapuramsantoshkumar6432]

Hello.. what do you feel about sound system? is it ok? I heard many complaints about subwoofer is not that punchy. What are your thoughts?

[@NewYorksFinest1]

What do you use on your seats to keep them clean and protected ?

[@VuLe-br6qe]

My 2023 Sportage hybrid LX FWD getting 44 mpg and I love it.

[@neildesposito1492]

Great and honest review, keep up the great job.

[@CarConfections]

Thanks! 😁

[@Briguy1027]

I love the fact that the highest end SX still only has 18 inch wheels. Don't need 19s like the Tucson. Always like to have that extra sidewall to improve ride quality.

[@robbyprice8247]

I want this vehicle for snow and backing my boat down the ramp. Large rims, low profile tires suck with offroad. I would rather a 17 wheel that I can get mudder tires on to be honest. But 18inch you can still get good all weather tires.

[@Briguy1027]

@@robbyprice8247 Yeah, I would trade sidewall for esthetics any day of the week, especially in inclement conditions.

[@josephpayton9151]

Happy Friday you 2!

[@NewYorksFinest1]

Question: I have the same car. How do you get the blue jeans stains out of the tan seats ?

[@darylburks7889]

Oscar winning moment in chirography when the rear seating window rolls down. He nailed his line in a way I could only dream. 👍 I am, ready for my Sportage Hybrid! 😊

[@terrymorris8617]

Drew your use of bougie is very cool 😎

[@NewYorksFinest1]

A lot of reviewers forget that the back cargo area cover where the spare tire is goes down an extra slot. Not that big of a deal cuz no one will use it

[@darriontunstall3708]

I like it! I like the blue seats

[@robbyprice8247]

I was excited, but the closest Kia dealer ship here was telling me they want $4,000 above MSRP (including shipping fee) That's a huge difference almost 15% more cost. If you factor that in... you are either getting close to a base model Tesla, or you can get a gas version Forester, or even Kia and just pay at the pump and even out if not end up ahead depending on driving habits. Gwenke Kia - Yuba City, CA is the dealership asking $4k above MSRP if anyone wants to compare.

[@CarConfections]

Definitely make sure to compare with other dealerships nearby and even ones far away. $4,000 is a lot of money and, if you're willing to travel, you can likely find one that sells at MSRP. Inventory is beginning to recover a bit now.

[@gregkramer5588]

Just go to a different dealer

[@davestadt49]

Good review. Although I'm not a huge Kia fan, I must admit that there is a lot of value in the EX,nice looking interior. Forgot to mention I still prefer my 22 Equinox LT.

[@CarConfections]

Thanks!

[@newchannel1220]

lets go KIA BOYZ!!!!!!!!🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@jumac6290]

Are you counting mpg with all the full throtle launches since that is not normal driving and quickly brings the average mpg down

[@TheLastBabyBoomer]

Love the review. Been stuck on the Prime Rav4 but can't deal with waiting lists so this may be the one. Heading for a test drive today. Thanks.

[@CarConfections]

Thank you! Good luck deciding 👍

[@andrewlee5948]

You are crazy if you buy a Kia over a Toyota, my friend. Kia/Hyundai has a track record of poor engineering, as evidence of their terrible recall history, and deceptive marketing practices. They were found guilty of falsely claiming MPG levels on their vehicles and customer service is inadequate and apathetic. Stick with the Toyota pedigree, and don’t let the current supply shortage affect your good judgment. Don’t do it 😮!

[@TheLastBabyBoomer]

@@andrewlee5948 Gotcha. You may be right. No rush as I'm expecting the auto price market to drop over the next 12 months or so. I'll wait it out. I currently have a 2015 Toyota Rav4 and have had zero issues with the car. Thanks for the reminder.

[@andrewlee5948]

@@TheLastBabyBoomer I waited 3 months for my 2022 Toyota Prius XLE, couldn’t get the color that I wanted and had to pay full MSRP. Still, it was worth the wait and I find that everyday, I discover something new about my car that makes me appreciate the quality that was put into the construction of my car. You really can’t “overpay” for a Toyota because the car will give you SO much enjoyment and good service, far beyond what you pay for the car. In the event that you get a car that does you wrong, Toyota has proven that they stand behind their product. I’ve owned a gazillion cars and Toyota has consistently shown me that you can’t buy a better vehicle for your hard earned money. Good luck, my friend 🍀🍀🍀!!!

[@stevendesimone7215]

I wonder what the average lease price for 36 months in the current market, taxes down Paying mid-fours for my Alfa Romeo thinking about this vehicle next. New York area

[@ryanfrisby7389]

Excellent review, Kia has been nailing it as always!

[@shockwave402]

Want to get a hybrid, but the local dealers have these marked up 2-3k. The gas-only models they have on discount 2k...kinda makes the choice easy for me. SX Prestige I believe has the best value in the segment. Easily beats out the Rav4, CRV, CX5, Rogue, and even the Tucson. Crazy the amount of tech and features the SX Prestige offers for basically 36k w/AWD.

[@davidarreola1985]

That’s actually a decent deal. I paid more for my SX Prestige FWD. Absolutely love everything about it, and despite the side airbag recall, I’ve had no issues at all after the first year of ownership.

[@lvhd3452]

Wow. That's a good deal! Where exactly is that local dealer who gives 2k discount?

[@mikedv39]

what is the Kia Sportage Hybrid X-PRO?

[@AeroDude73]

Surprised you didn’t mention the Hidden rear window wiper 🤷‍♂️🤔

[@RedNekLvr22]

I'm a heathen who has a 2023 Sportage EX FWD gas-powered version. I'm getting good fuel economy, especially on the highway. Frankly, I don't drive enough to feel it was worth the extra cash for a hybrid. My non-sunroof EX stickered for $29,400 with floor mats. (I hate panoramic sunroofs) I think I got the better end of the deal by sticking with gas and FWD. I'm still not convinced that hybrids are more than lease-type vehicles. I plan on keeping my Sportage for at least 7 to 10 years and I felt that the naturally aspirated gas engine was the better choice for simplicity of upkeep. Ok, go ahead and mock me.

[@slicunit]

I won’t mock you, instead I’ll congratulate you. I recently joined the Kia family with an amazing 2023 Forte GT Line in Fire Orange. I feel like we are on the cusp of a new Kia evolution. I was eyeing this Sportage, but the just released 2024 VW Atlas Cross Sport has won me back. Good luck with your Sportage- it’s a cool auto!

[@harold1901]

I always tell dealers to take the mats out so that way i don't get charged for them or any little stuff that dealers add on take off and once you do that you end up getting it for free and not get charged for it.

[@j808010]

I believe the discrepancy of MPG in city is how it's measured. I have a prius and I have never meet graded MPG in city. But, I can easily break graded MPG in highway.

[@mit4lev]

What size gallon are the Kia figures based on: American or imperial? Big difference between the two.

[@futbol1972]

Man iam debating between the kia sportage hybrid and the PHEV and the mitsubishi PHEV😮 my wife only drives 20 miles round trip about 3 times a week, maybe 50-70 miles the hole week.

[@m0therdumpling]

Can't find these anywhere near me :(

[@Mattshuckphoto]

I've had an SX Prestige Hybrid since October and I love it. I do have trouble matching that 38MPG, but I'm not too far off. I'm assuming as the weather gets warmer I'll see a small increase in efficiency. My only complaint so far is with the audio. It's certainly not bad, but for a "premium" audio system it's pretty underwhelming. Though I'm yet to hear a car audio system that was really that impressive.

[@davidmurling4252]

Drive a jeep Cherokee. My radio thumps!!

[@NewYorksFinest1]

Question: I just bought my 23 Kia Sportage from Kansas City and I'm driving it back to Seattle. Lots of bugs and the car is really dirty. can I wash my car or do I have to wait?

[@CarConfections]

Unless you have the special matte gray paint, there is nothing special to consider when washing your new Sportage

[@Aschoolbusandsimulatorfan2219]

This is the only Kia hybrid I can buy it bro.

[@jacquesbelisle7465]

Faites donc la comparaison entre le prime et le sportage phev à-10 degrés Celsius

[@dr.jackkang9588]

Love your blue ruler my man 😂

[@CarConfections]

Thanks 😂

[@enabulujames7066]

You guys should always open the vehicle bonnet for us to see the engine too. Beautiful ride from kia

[@CarConfections]

0:30

[@josephpayton9151]

U skipped that entire part

[@millebd]

Do you notice an increase in vehicle using gas engine more often when it's cold outside or does the battery charge get affected when it's cold outside?

[@CarConfections]

Like all batteries, cold can have an impact on it but we didn't notice anything too profound. Now the engine will run until it's warm enough to blow heat inside the cabin regardless of the battery status.

[@Jordensquad]

I would like to see the kia sportage vs 2023 rav 4 since the rav 4 has been updated I think it's going to be a tuff choice for buyers

[@KSguitarmusic]

One question that I don't think was answered in the video unless I missed it. Is this an HEV or PHEV? My local dealer told me that PHEV is available though limited production.

[@CarConfections]

You can get both! But this is the Hybrid (HEV) in this review

[@KSguitarmusic]

@@CarConfections Understood. I'm planning on test driving this car soon. It'll be a toss-up between that and the Tucson. Likely a tough decision. What baffles me is why, at least on the Tucson, the speaker for the reverse sound is mounted in the front (under the grille) rather than somewhere closer to the back.

[@brokeboy87]

I was close to getting one of these but refused to pay an additional 3-5k over MSRP.

[@Briguy1027]

I'm still hoping the demand will go down and I can hopefully get one. The tester they have is what I would want but they are hard to find.

[@brokeboy87]

@@Briguy1027 Some people are traveling out of state for their new rides.

[@Briguy1027]

@@brokeboy87 I might have to do that *sigh* but I am hoping supply will get better.

[@Pendragon501]

Everyone testing this thing has the exact same problem with the gas mileage... You all have a lead foot with this thing because it's quick. If you put it in eco mode and drive it normal you'll pick up another 2-3 mpg.

[@TMS5100]

Give me a Kia Sorento with the stinger drivetrain.

[@TheJlspereira]

Just bought one and I make around 180 miles day can someone tell me how capable is this engine

[@ColLennox177]

So the higher trim models require a wired connection for Apple CarPlay?

[@CarConfections]

Correct

[@ColLennox177]

@@CarConfections thanks for replying! That’s really silly haha, they should be wireless!

[@evoixmr8426]

My Awd toyota rav4 hybrid gets constant 40 mpgs.

[@christinaschultz6864]

Why coupons ..no one really carries those anymore …wouldn’t a tablet be a better measuring tool? Or even for myself for example how large a container of dog biscuits it can hold…

[@KSguitarmusic]

How loud is the backup sound on these?

[@KSguitarmusic]

Sorry...I posted the above before getting to the part in the video where you can hear it. Doesn't seem in any way offensive.

[@eechaze12]

Can't find one to buy

[@infinity7014]

Between the Kia Sportage and Kia Sorento which can i take ?

[@JesusRodriguez-pf1gq]

Sportage has digital speedometer , roomier cargo area and futuristic front end. The Sorento has normal analog speedometer, third row seating which leads to less cargo space. The front grill is also more traditional styling. So the main question between the two is do you need third row?

[@NewYorksFinest1]

Do both back seats recline ?

[@CarConfections]

Yes

[@NewYorksFinest1]

I ordered that same car form 2 diff dealerships. Just waiting for it Kia to fill the order and build it.

[@CRVgarage]

Nice. What wait time did they quote?

[@NewYorksFinest1]

@@CRVgarage 1st dealership said approx 4-6 mos. He got back to me yesterday and said they are behind with their allotment and will be getting an allotment next month but my car isnt in that allotment

[@SecretSauce8]

I just got one. It's a really nice compact SUV, but the mileage are overrated. If you drive very gingerly in the city you can get 41 mpg. BUT, for every day driving, including freeway... etc. I've been at around 31 mpg. But it does have a lot of features if you get the EX trim.

[@ryancraig2795]

Do many cars actually achieve their EPA fuel economy ratings? Their "highway" ratings are based on an absurdly low speed compared to most real world highway driving. And for this car doing a lot of short trips in the winter doesn't deliver great economy because the car wants to run the gas engine to produce some heat. The rated fuel economy, or better, is achievable depending on conditions and how you drive it. You're not going to get 38 MPG going down the highway at 80 mph. And in stop and go you need to brake fairly gently to maximize regen, and also keep acceleration moderate.

[@ojobasi1559]

Offers more interior colors now.

[@JustinAdams84]

Would this be the better buy over a Honda CRV Hybrid?

[@rahulitrc]

I think No

[@CRVgarage]

Everything's good except that Kia forgot about the adaptive cruise control. A deal breaker for so many.

[@rcairflr]

What do you mean, they forgot? I believe all trim levels have it. I know my SX Prestige does..

[@ollieptrprpt]

I was sold on this until… I found out this trim does not have ACC. That broke the deal for me. It’s a big mistake to omit such on Kia’s part. One potential customer who settled for the Tucson just for that reason. I would opt for this if it did have ACC. Why they did not include it makes me scratch my head. What were they thinking?????

[@chawpino8320]

Close the sunshade and it will be quieter.

[@muhammadharits3237]

Tuson no Sportage yes 🙂🙂

[@user-ln7xg7wb8l]

wow my Ford Escape Hybrid blows the fuel economy numbers away, with a larger engine and AWD.

[@hellraiserx9490]

What the heck is the leatherette ? Is that the same thing as pleather ? Lol!

[@CarConfections]

It's one of the ways to say fake leather, yes 😂

[@CRVgarage]

Its faux leather

[@thereignofthezero225]

31 mpg?! F'n bs smh

[@LokeshSharma-wg1fq]

JAI SHRI DHAN AISHWARYA BHAGYA LAKSHMI RJ~17/(Blue)+10 Str. Manual Jai Shriman Narayan

[@asfdafasdfwfrg]

Had a Kia for 10 years and my mechanic thanked me personally he said thanks to my car he managed to build a a second level on his house 😅

[@tocreatee3585]

I've been saying for years Kia Hyundai use poor cheap wire harnesses which turn into electrical problems on the vehicles & now fires, I had a 16 Sorento what a nightmare almost everything broke electrical issues up the a** battery continually dying, moon roof wouldn't close just a disaster, they entice with the designs of the car but reliability eventually catches up to you... I remember Hyundai back in the 80s Pony Stellar were also disasters.

[@MaGiKRat420]

@tocreatee3585 the hybrids and bevs hyundai makes have excellent reliability ratings. I can't speak for the rest of Hyundais lineup though

[@tocreatee3585]

@@MaGiKRat420 they dont. google it 2021 automakers relativity ranking Lexus (76) Mazda (75) Toyota (71) Infiniti (69) Buick (66) Honda (66) Subaru (66) Acura (64) Nissan (63) Mini (60) Hyundai (56) Chrysler (54) Porsche (52) Chevrolet (48) Audi (47) Cadillac (47) BMW (45) Ford (44) Kia (43) 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 Volvo (42) Ram (40) GMC (37) Mercedes-Benz (34) Volkswagen (31) Genesis (30)🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗

[@MaGiKRat420]

@tocreatee3585 notice I listed a car model, not simply hyundai itself. The hyundai santa fe hybrid is one of consumer reports most reliable cars for 2023.

[@Spad68]

@@MaGiKRat420 and they both have the same skate board and the same components

[@myutube1960]

How can they get away with that lie about the real miles per gallon?

[@cjloha91]

If you noticed in this vid they gunned it a bunch of times which will tank the mpg. Now since this car was basically a rental, im positive all the other drivers treated it as such. Driving faster than normal breaking harder etc to test it. Everyone in the comments seems to be getting much closer to the rated mpg.

[@stevenkreiss2113]

Hyundai/Kia gives you a regular 6 spd auto not the CVT that Toyota and Honda force on you on their hybrids...

[@markendara8957]

fuel economy sucks... absolutely sucks! 31mpg here. That's hypermiling. BS if not!

[@danlewin1561]

second

[@atulyaop2803]

First

[@ulvihasan746]

I MADE LIKES 1K :D, 1ST TIME IN MY LIFE HAVING THIS CHANCE))

[@user-hp9co2iu1s]

Long term reliability. Toyota will always win. Do your homework. Look at resale value. A long warranty isnt what you all think it is. Who pays for your time to take it back and forth to get service under warranty. I never take my toyotas in except for tires, brakes, oil changes. They've all lasted well over 200K. Dont believe me? Check out you DMV in your state and look at how many 10-20-30 year old toyotas are still registered compared with all the other manufacturers. Watch any documentary around the world with the harshest conditions, Africa, Irag.. toyotas dominate. I was looking at Kia Sportage. They do look nice. lots of features and low price but look at a whole bunch of consumer reviews and it doest look good long term.

[@hellraiserx9490]

I absolutely hate the way cars are now coming with these stupid transmission knobs instead of a stock type shifter. I actually will overlook a car if it has this knob.

[@CRVgarage]

Did you see the Tucson with buttons?? That's even worse. Knob is a lot better.

[@jacobtor5349]

I used have 21 rav4 now have 23 Sportage . Kia is wayyyyyy better. Never going back to Toyota again