Category: Sportage

Apr 22

Kia Sportage Wins Us News’ Plug-In Hybrid of the Year for Its Affordability

This crossover PHEV could save you money in more ways than one.

What is a “Sportage?” According to Kia, the model name is a combinations of “sport” and the suffix “age” which means, “a state or condition of.” Sportage is the perfect word for the automaker’s most outdoorsy vehicle.

Kia and its distant Hyundai cousins have been absolutely killing it in the electric vehicle segment. So it’s no surprise that Kia just nabbed US News‘ plug-in hybrid of the year.

A white EV is charging in close left side view charging in front of a building
EV charging | Askolds via iStock

The Sportage is not the only PHEV the publication reviewed. The 2024 Volvo S60 Recharge went home with “Best Luxruy Plug-In Hybrid.” But for the regular segment, US News was taken with the Sportage’s affordability.

The most obvious metric of affordability is price. And with a $39,590 MSRP, this crossover is competitive. But it is engineered to save its drivers even more. The Sportage has a hefty all-electric range of 34 miles. That means most commuters will only need to fill up for roadtrips. Even when you are burning gas, the Kia Sportage PHEV gets 35 mpg. That’s one way to stretch your dollars.

The Kia Sportage is not without its flaws. For example, the 2023 Sportage had more owner complaints than most vehicles.

Jul 20

Why the 2023 Subaru Forester Outshines the Kia Sportage

Superior Fuel Efficiency

When comparing compact SUVs, the 2023 Subaru Forester stands out for its exceptional fuel efficiency, setting it apart from the Kia Sportage. The Forester delivers an impressive 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, surpassing the Sportage’s 23 mpg city and 28 mpg highway ratings with AWD. This difference means the Forester not only saves on fuel costs but also reduces the frequency of trips to the gas station.

Cost-Efficient Long-Term Driving

Choosing the Subaru Forester over the Kia Sportage could translate into significant savings over time. For instance, on a 500-mile trip, the Forester consumes three fewer gallons of gasoline compared to the Sportage. Over a year, this difference can add up to over $250 in savings, making the Forester a more economical choice for those prioritizing fuel efficiency.

In addition, while the Kia Sportage Hybrid offers better fuel economy, it comes with a higher upfront cost and only starts paying off after considerable use. If immediate savings are a priority and the extra cost of the hybrid doesn’t fit your budget, the 2023 Subaru Forester is the more practical choice for efficient driving.