The Kia Sportage Hybrid has made its debut in Australian showrooms, offering consumers a fourth powertrain option for the popular mid-sized SUV range. Priced from $45,950 before on-road costs, the Sportage Hybrid enters the market as a competitor to vehicles like the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and Nissan X-Trail e-Power.
Kia anticipates strong demand for the Sportage Hybrid, with expectations to sell approximately 300 units per month, constituting 20 percent of total Sportage sales volume. Available exclusively in SX and GT-Line trim levels, the hybrid variant does not offer S or SX+ options and comes with front-wheel drive only.
Despite being the sole Sportage GT-Line model without all-wheel drive, the Sportage Hybrid commands a $2500 premium over the AWD diesel GT-Line. Compared to the most affordable SX automatic, opting for the hybrid powertrain represents an $8400 increase in price.
Boasting a combined cycle fuel economy of 4.9L/100km, the Sportage Hybrid surpasses the efficiency of every other Sportage variant, including the diesel model which consumes 6.3L/100km on the same cycle.
The arrival of the Sportage Hybrid contributes to the expanding segment of hybrid SUVs, joining competitors such as the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, Nissan X-Trail e-Power, Honda CR-V e: HEV, and GWM Haval H6. Additionally, Kia’s corporate cousin, the Hyundai Tucson, is set to introduce a hybrid option in Australia later this year.
The 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX costs about $45,950 and the 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid GT-Line costs about $55,420 (All prices exclude on-road costs.)
Furthermore, the 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid pairs a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, generating 132kW of power and 265Nm of torque, with a 44kW/264Nm electric motor and a 1.49kWh lithium-ion battery. The total system outputs are 169kW and 350Nm.
All Sportage Hybrid models come with a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive and achieve a fuel consumption of 4.9L/100km on the combined cycle.
While specific dimensions for the hybrid variant are not available, the petrol and diesel 2024 Kia Sportage models measure 4660mm in length, 1865mm in width, between 1665mm and 1680mm in height, and ride on a 2755mm wheelbase.
They offer 543L of boot space, expanding to 1829L with the second row folded. The Kia Sportage Hybrid is covered by the brand’s seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty. Kia provides capped-price servicing across its range, with pricing for the Sportage Hybrid to be updated once available.
The petrol and diesel Kia Sportage models hold a five-star ANCAP rating based on testing conducted in 2022.
The safety rating for the Hybrid is pending. Standard safety features include autonomous emergency braking, vehicle, pedestrian, and cyclist detection, junction assist, blind-spot assist, driver attention alert, intelligent speed limit assist, lane-keep assist, lane following assist (lane centering), rear cross-traffic assist, safe exit warning, front, and rear parking sensors, reversing camera, tire pressure monitoring, and front, front-side, and curtain airbags.
The GT-Line variant additionally offers a blind-spot view monitor, surround-view camera, and parking collision avoidance reverse assist. The Sportage Hybrid lineup offers two variants, each catering to different preferences and needs.
The Sportage Hybrid SX closely resembles its petrol counterpart, distinguished primarily by the inclusion of a space-saver spare wheel and a dial-type shifter.
It boasts a range of standard features, including 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic LED headlights, rain-sensing wipers, a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and dual-zone climate control, among others.
On the other hand, the Sportage Hybrid GT-Line adds an extra layer of sophistication with projector-style LED headlights, leather upholstery, keyless entry and start, a hands-free power tailgate, and a panoramic sunroof.
It also features a heated steering wheel and a space-saver spare, along with additional enhancements such as a wireless phone charger, ambient lighting, and an eight-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.
Furthermore, the Sportage Hybrid GT-Line retains 18-inch alloy wheels instead of 19s found on its petrol/diesel counterparts. It comes equipped with advanced amenities such as full LED tail lights, an electrochromic rear-view mirror, and rear privacy glass.
Inside, occupants are treated to luxurious touches like an eight-way power driver’s seat with two-way power lumbar support, heated and ventilated front seats, and a leather-appointed steering wheel.
The panoramic sunroof enhances the sense of spaciousness and openness in the cabin, while alloy sports pedals add a sporty flair to the driving experience. With its comprehensive array of features and refined design, the Sportage Hybrid GT-Line offers an elevated driving and ownership experience.
