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2023 Honda Accord Hybrid Review

by Mark | Jun 5, 2023 | 0 comments

The completely redesigned 2023 Honda Accord has the appealing dimensions of the once-classic American family sedan. But not everybody will like how low it rides

A nighttime front three quarter view of the new Accord.

The 2023 Honda Accord is longer and sleeker with a broad stance with tires and wheels pushed to the edge of the body line for aerodynamics. (Photos courtesy of American Honda or as credited)

Hybrid Sedan Competition
Accord’s 47-Year History
2023 Honda Accord Pricing
Two-Motor Hybrid Powertrain
Safety Features and Technologies
Interior Function
Ride and Handling
Why Buy the 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid?
Specifications

BY MARK MAYNARD

If you drive a lot and are not reimbursed for fuel, the redesigned 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid can bring some payback. The most efficient Accord Hybrid EX-L model has fuel economy estimates of 51 mpg city, 44 highway, and 48 mpg combined. And today’s tester, the Accord Hybrid Touring, has mileage ratings of 46/41/44 mpg.

For the mileage conscious, that 3 to 5 mpg variance is the difference between 17-inch wheels on the EX-L and 19-inch wheels on the Hybrid Touring. And the Touring trim (3,532 pounds) is slightly heavier by just 64 pounds.

But the more fashionable Hybrid Touring tester still provides excellent fuel economy. I worked up to 48.7 mpg on extended highway driving, and it might have gone higher on a longer drive. Around town, I saw mileage of 44.9 mpg.

How can a commuter not like sitting on a range of more than 560 miles with a full tank? Well, for one, all 2023 Accord models have a recommendation for premium fuel to get higher fuel economy, but it is not a requirement.

Whether a parent in a carpool or a ride-share driver, there is much to like about the redesigned 11th-generation Honda Accord. But the low-riding Accord, like most midsized sedans, is why many American motorists have migrated to an SUV, like the Honda CR-V.

A view of the modern and clean front seat interior design.

Modern and clean interior design of the 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid.

The Hybrid Sedan Competition

There are just three mainstream midsize hybrid sedans on sale in the U.S. today, including the Hyundai Sonata and Toyota Camry, the only choice offering all-wheel drive.

The Camry Hybrid LE ($29,750) nails the mileage points at 51/53/51 mpg with a total range of 686 miles. The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Blue ($29,365) is second with 50/54/51 mpg.

Even the 2022 Honda Accord Hybrid has mileage ratings of 48/47/47 mpg.

Accord’s 47-Year History

The Honda Accord was introduced to American car buyers in 1976. It debuted amid an ongoing oil embargo led by Saudi Arabia. At the time, people followed Honda car haulers to dealerships to get one of the most fuel-efficient cars.

And it was the Honda Accord’s early sales success that helped it establish the midsize sedan segment. Since then, the Accord has become a best-selling sedan over the last five decades, Honda says.

Honda hopes its completely redesigned 2023 Accord will re-energize the midsize sedan segment. And the Accord is off to a strong sales start. In May, Accord sales rose to 20,007 cars, 55 percent of which were the Accord Hybrid, or 11,100 units. Honda says the hybrid model has passed 10,000 units for the second straight month. Total 2023 Accord sales are up more than 80 percent compared to May 2022.

The new dash-top 12.3-inch-wide infotainment screen for upper-trim Accords.

A new 12.3-inch-wide infotainment screen for upper-trim Accords.

The 2023 Accord Redesign

The 2023 Honda Accord is longer and sleeker with a slightly broader stance, with tires and wheels pushed to the edge of the body line for aerodynamics.

New styling for the midsize sedan is familiar but with a decidedly upscale appearance, almost Audi-like with some Kia Stinger. Overall length has grown by 2.7 inches, with a 0.4-inch wider rear track for improved stability, particularly when making evasive maneuvers. Wide, horizontal LED straight-line “flush” taillights accentuate Accord’s wide stance.

The midsize four-door approaches the dimensions of the once-classic American family sedan. Without the moonroof, there is tall headroom of 39.5 inches, or 37.5 inches, with the power moonroof. Legroom of 42.3 inches is about as long as is possible in a car. Back seat legroom is also long at 40.8 inches. And the trunk is family-vacation large at 16.7 cubic feet, expandable by the 60/40 folding back seat.

Notable for the Accord Hybrid is that neither back seat nor trunk space is diminished by the battery pack. Mounted under the rear seat, the Intelligent Power Unit — containing the battery pack and its controlling hardware — is 9 percent smaller, Honda says. The smaller and lighter IPU allowed the cooling fan to be integrated into the unit rather than externally mounted.

2023 Honda Accord Pricing

The 2023 Honda Accord is available in six front-wheel drive trim levels, two of which are gasoline powered.

LX and EX gas models have a 192-hp turbocharged and direct-injected 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine. It has fuel-economy ratings of 29/27/32 mpg city/highway/combined.

Pricing starts at $28,390 for the LX and $30,155 for the EX. All manufacturer retail pricing includes the $1,095 freight charge from Marysville, Ohio.

The four gasoline-electric hybrid trim levels — Sport, EX-L, Sport-L, Touring — have starting prices that range from $32,440 to $38,435 for the top-line Accord Hybrid Touring.

Standard Accord Hybrid Touring features include:

Walk Away Auto Lock, a driver-configured convenience through the infotainment system;
Smart-key locking and push-button ignition;
One-touch power moonroof;
Leather-trimmed upholstery;
10-way power driver’s seat;
4-way manual front passenger seat;
Heated and ventilated front seats;
Heated rear (window) seats;
60/40 folding back seat;
12-speaker Bose audio system;
Head-up display;
Wireless phone charger;
19-inch alloy wheels with black inserts and grand-touring tires.

Check here for current Honda Accord pricing and offers.

A nighttime view through the open power moonroof

A power moonroof is standard on all trim levels except the base LX.

Accord Hybrid Warranty Coverage

Honda’s new-vehicle warranty covers just 3 years or 36,000 miles with 2 years of free maintenance, but there is significant coverage for the hybrid elements.

For states that have adopted California emissions standards, hybrid components have a warranty of 15 years and 150,000 miles. The hybrid battery has coverage for 10 years and 150,000 miles.

Included in the warranty coverage are the following:

Hybrid Battery module and internal components
Drive and Motor Generator stators and rotors;
Drive motor control module, including software;
Battery control module, including internal components and software updates;
High-voltage and bypass contactors, resistor, and fuse;
High-voltage power cables;
Battery current sensor.

Two-Motor Hybrid Powertrain

Since 2014, Honda has used a two-motor gasoline-electric hybrid system. One motor is for driving, and the other is for generating power for the hybrid battery.

The two electric motors are now side-by-side rather than in-line. The new positioning has multiple benefits, Honda says. Among them is a larger, more powerful propulsion motor. Total combined horsepower is 204 with 247 foot-pounds of peak torque from 0 to 2,000 rpm, an additional 15 lb.-ft. more than before. And more torque gives a stronger launch from a stop.

For pedestrian awareness, the hybrid system emits an Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System when idling and at low speed on battery power. The tone sounds like a machined angel chorus, but it is effective.

Atkinson Cycle Engine

The 2023 Honda Accord hybrid system runs through an Atkinson-cycle 2.0-liter four-cylinder, revised with direct- and multistage injection. The two-part system improves cleaner combustion for reduced carbon buildup over time.

This engine idles silently with no vibration.

With Honda’s gasoline-electric hybrid system, I achieved highway fuel economy of 48.7 mpg. However, Honda recommends premium fuel for peak mileage. (Mark Maynard photo)

CVT Drive Modes

I don’t like most continuously variable automatic transmissions because of their rev-and-wail performance as the belt catches up with engine power. However, Honda’s e-CVT has Step Shift programming that simulates gear changes and gives downshifts during braking. Acceleration has absolute launch force without lag or obnoxious engine sounds.

A new “B” transmission setting amplifies regenerative and engine braking to put power back into the battery for more electric driving. B mode also allows “one pedal” driving (common among battery-electric vehicles) for deceleration. Paddles at the steering wheel can increase the level of slowdown.

There are four drive modes of CVT performance, but I spent most of my week in Normal.

Normal: Balances fuel efficiency and driving performance;

ECON: Fuel efficiency is prioritized by reducing accelerator responsiveness, and air conditioning is set to a more efficient cycle. (I found the ECON performance maddingly resistant to acceleration and not worth its incremental benefit.)

Sport: This Hybrid-only mode sharpens throttle response, and the Active Sound Control opens the muffler for a sporty tone, though I did not notice a tone difference. Sport mode is my quickness tool in heavy traffic to guard against other drivers trying to sneak in.

Individual: A Hybrid-only mode to make individual settings, such as engine responsiveness, gauges, and steering assist.

Qi-compatible 15-watt wireless smartphone charging pad.

Qi-compatible 15-watt wireless smartphone charging is standard on Touring.

Safety Features and Technologies

The 2023 Honda Accord has earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s highest rating of Top Safety Pick+. The new Accord earned the institute’s highest possible ratings in six of seven categories. Among the categories is Accord’s standard front crash prevention system. It got a “Superior” rating from IIHS in the daytime and an “Advanced” rating in the nighttime vehicle-to-pedestrian avoidance tests.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has yet to rate the 2023 Accord. Check here for updates.

In addition to 10 air bags and a rear cross-traffic monitor, the 2023 Accord has the Honda Sensing system of advanced driver assistance system.

Its new features include a front sensor camera and radar, Traffic Jam Assist (in stop-and-go cruise control), and Traffic Sign Recognition. With TSR, the front camera reads traffic signs and displays them through the instrument cluster, infotainment screen, or head-up display. It is a ticket-saver when speed signs are so far and few between.

Other driver-assist features include:

Low-Speed Braking Control;
Updated Adaptive Cruise Control;
Lane Keeping Assist;
And a new blind spot information system.

Driver-Assistance Tech

The elements in Honda Sensing combine to provide Level 2 semi-autonomous driving. The system will steer, accelerate, and stop when activated with advanced cruise control. In my experience, Honda’s system gave precise control in highway cornering and never let the Accord drift wide across the lines or Botts dots. Not all such systems are as accurate.

Traffic Jam Assist will be of value for commuters in high-stress traffic. When activated, the system will keep pace with traffic, slow and accelerate as needed, or stop, then start again.

Honda Accord Interior Function

Honda has long focused on creating interiors with find-it-in-the-dark simplicity. The new Accord is another champion of clean design and ergonomics — mostly. The materials are of a refined and pleasing appearance, and, of course, with meticulous panel alignment.

Vacation trips will be more comfortable with the new Body Stabilizing Seats. The design treatment helps reduce fatigue and improve posture, Honda says. Among the seat innovations is a resin mat that supports the area from the pelvis to the lumbar spine for a more stable seating feel. The seat bottom has a new curve to reduce forward and lateral pelvic tilt. And the seat also centers the upper body over the pelvis, Honda says, helping stabilize the upper arms and the driver’s eyesight.

However, the seating position is low in the hole and has an almost drop-in for the driver. And, worse for the passenger because even this top Hybrid Touring model only provides four-way power adjustment and no height lift. The girlfriend-wife was not happy going for a ride.

I suppose for a Sport model, it is essential to include an actual gearshift lever, but it is unnecessary in the hybrid model. The narrow shifter of spindly proportions gets in the way of easy access to the wireless charging pad and cup holders. Honda could have instead used its low and flat strip of electronic gear switches, such as in the Honda Pilot SUV.

I like the Accord’s spray-arm wipers because they don’t scrape dry glass. But the driver-side wiper leaves a 3-inch margin of unswiped glass on driver’s left. The sightline blockage is wider with uncleared droplets and streaks next to the windshield pillar.

The open trunk with a big bag of potting soil and a tray of veggies

The trunk’s 16.7 cubic feet of space is expandable by folding the 60/40 split back seat. (Mark Maynard photo)

Infotainment Finesse

Accord hybrid models have Honda’s largest touchscreen to date. The dashboard-top 12.3-inch color display screen has an actual physical volume knob. A 1-inch finger rest at the bottom of the touchscreen makes it steadier to use.

The system also has fewer embedded menus. And for at-a-glance efficiency, the system has three programmable shortcuts on the left side of the screen.

LX and EX models have a 7-inch color touchscreen audio system. And both infotainment systems have wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Wi-Fi hotspot capability, and Alexa Built-In.

All trim levels have two illuminated 3.0-amp USB-C ports. The EX-L and Touring add two illuminated 3.0-amp USB-C charging ports in the back seat console. Qi-compatible 15-watt wireless smartphone charging is standard on Touring.

Google Built-In

The top-line Hybrid Touring features Honda’s first integration of Google built-in. A 3-year unlimited data plan is included to use Google Assistant, Google Maps, and Google Play.

Honda says Google Cloud’s Speech-to-Text service has incredibly accurate automatic speech recognition. The voice control works for such functions as climate control. Users can say “Hey, Google” or press the voice control button on the steering wheel to get started. Voice assistant also lets users set their destination in Google Maps without taking their eyes off the road. The route map can be displayed in the instrument cluster.

Google Assistant includes the voice operation of media apps and vehicle functions such as the air-conditioning system. It also is used for texting and making calls. Google Play is to download third-party apps for music, podcasts, and audiobooks.

Accord Hybrid Ride and Handling

Honda does excellent steel-spring suspensions, and the 2023 Accord has sport-sedan attitude and flat handling. But the Accord’s ride quality is inelegant and somewhat coarse. I could feel every expansion seam in the road, though some of that texture could be from the tires. The tester’s Michelin Primacy MXM4 Green X grand-touring tires (235/40) have a 500 treadwear rating, which is hard enough for a warranty of 55,000 miles.

Honda also uses its wheel resonators for noise-reducing wheels. The resonator is a narrow strap-like device that wraps around the inner wheel hub. The idea is to cancel noise from resonance generated by the rotating wheel and tire.

Honda says, “noise-reducing wheels are an ingenious technology that reduces noise and contributes to better fuel efficiency and vehicle performance.”

The 19-inch wheels with Michelin grand touring tires

The Accord Touring Hybrid has 19-inch alloy wheels with Michelin Primacy MXM4 Green X grand-touring tires, 235/40. (Mark Maynard photo)

Why Buy the 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid?

With the potential for nearly 50 mpg, the 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid does more for fuel economy and vehicle emissions than fleets of electric or plug-in electric vehicles.

But the new Accord is aerodynamically low to the ground. That strains the knees and backs of the more mature drivers who can afford an almost $40,000 new car. And in heavy traffic, the driver’s sightline is aimed at the taillights of the vehicle ahead.

That view will turn buyers’ eyes to the very carlike Honda CR-V compact SUV crossover. Here’s my review of the 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid.

2023 Honda Accord Hybrid Touring Specifications

Body style: midsize, 5-seat, front-drive sedan

Engine: 146-hp, direct-injected 2.0-liter Atkinson cycle 4-cylinder; 134 lb.-ft. torque at 4,500 rpm

2-motor hybrid assist system: 181-hp, AC synchronous permanent magnet; torque 247 lb.-ft. torque from 0-2,000 rpm; 1.4 kWh lithium-ion battery pack

Total system power: 204 hp

Transmission: CVT

Fuel economy: 46/41/44 mpg city/hwy/combined; 87 octane recommended

0-60 mph acceleration: 6.6-seconds *per Car and Driver

BY THE NUMBERS

Fuel tank: 12.8 gallons

Trunk space: 16.7 cubic feet

Front head/leg room: 37.5/42.3 inches

Rear head/leg room: 37.3/40.8 inches

Front shoulder/hip room: 57.9/55.4 inches

Rear shoulder/hip room: 56.5/55.4 inches

Length/wheelbase: 195.7/111.4 inches

Width/height: 73.3/57.1 inches

Track, front/rear: 63.6/62.6 inches

Curb weight: 3,532 pounds

Turning circle: 38.4 feet

FEATURES

Standard Hybrid Touring equipment includes: Walk Away Auto Lock, Smart-key locking and push-button ignition, one-touch power moonroof, leather-trimmed upholstery, 10-way power driver’s seat, 4-way manual front passenger seat, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear (window) seats, 60/40 folding back seat, 12-speaker Bose audio system, head-up display, wireless phone charger, 19-inch alloy wheels with black inserts and Michelin grand-touring tires;

Safety features include: 10 air bags, rear cross-traffic monitor, stability and traction controls, brake assist, blind-spot monitoring, front and rear parking sensors;

Safety technologies: Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Collision Mitigation Braking, Road Departure Mitigation, Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System;

Driver-Assist technologies: Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow, Lane Keeping Assist, Traffic Jam Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition, Auto High-Beam Headlights, Blind Spot Information with Cross Traffic Monitor, Low-Speed Braking Control, Parking Sensors front and rear.

PRICING

Accord Hybrid Touring base price: $38,435, including $1,095 freight charge;

Options on test vehicle: None

Where assembled: Marysville Auto Plant, Ohio

Warranties: 3-years/36,000-miles bumper to bumper, includes 2-year free maintenance; 5-years/60,000-miles powertrain

Kia Sportage Hybrid Review

by Mark | Jun 20, 2022 | 0 comments

The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid emphasizes the human in the interface between driver and machine

An exterior view of a Vesta Blue 2023 Kia Sportage

The 2023 Kia Sportage is now in its fifth generation, and completely redesigned and re-engineered. (Photos courtesy of Kia Motors)

Overview
Pricing
5 Cool Things
Powertrains and Fuel Economy
Kia Sportage Hybrid Performance
Ride and Handling
Interior Function
Back Seats and Cargo
Why Buy the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid?
Specifications

BY MARK MAYNARD

The Kia Sportage could have been put out of its misery after its 1995 debut in the U.S. This little SUV was the second model in the Kia lineup after the born-to-be-a-beater Sephia small sedan.

From my first test drive of the inaugural five-door Sportage, I remember the paint drips, the spongy seats, and the flimsy construction. But it was cheap to buy, its utility was family-friendly, and it had a can-do driving personality. It even had a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, which at the time went beyond the coverage of most other brands.

The mid-1990s was the frontier for new small SUVs. The Kia Sportage was up against the already popular Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V. Yet, the Korean upstart endured and has taught some tricks to its competitors.

Today, more than 30 subcompact and compact SUVs are for sale in the U.S. And the 2023 Kia Sportage is now in its fifth generation, completely redesigned and re-engineered.

Since launching the first Sportage, Kia now sports five SUVs ranging from subcompact to large and battery electric (EV6). There are 12 models in the Kia lineup, of which seven are electrified or battery electric.

Among the competitors of the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid are the Honda CR-V Hybrid, Ford Escape Hybrid, Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid, and Toyota RAV4 Hybrid.

An interior view of the Sportage front seats

Front headroom is reasonably tall at 37.8 inches with the panoramic sunroof.

2023 Kia Sportage Overview

The Sportage has gone from one of the smallest SUVs in its class to one of the largest, Kia says. Its overall length is 7.1 inches longer than the previous generation, with a 3.4-inch longer wheelbase.

The new Sportage is a half-inch taller and wider. Kia says the Sportage has class-leading rear legroom of 41.3 inches and best-in-class rear cargo capacity of 39.5 cubic feet when factoring in the dual-level cargo floor.

Kia moved the new Sportage chassis to the latest third generation “N3” platform of the Sorento midsize SUV. Building this compact SUV on a midsize foundation creates a rigid base and better driving dynamics, Kia says.

Using more “hot-stamped parts” and ultra-high-strength steel increased tensile strength and torsional stiffness. The result minimizes road, wind, and engine noise. And for a more traffic-calmed cabin, more sound-absorbing and insulating materials were added.

The larger Sportage is a market separator from Kia’s smaller SUVs, the Seltos and Niro.

SynTex leatherette upholstery is relaxed to the touch but feels durable.

2023 Kia Sportage Pricing

America loves a choice for just about any product and the 2023 Kia Sportage choices. It is available in seven trim levels with gasoline, hybrid, and (soon) plug-in hybrid powertrains. New for 2023 are two new “adventure-ready” X-Pro trim levels.

With standard all-wheel drive, the Sportage X-Pro and X-Pro Prestige have a 1.5-inch boost in ground clearance. X-Line models also have unique body and interior trims and options for new 19-inch all-terrain tires and the multi-terrain mode AWD system.

Sportage starting prices range from $27,285 for the LX front-wheel-drive model to $38,085 for the AWD X-Pro Prestige model.

The Sportage Hybrid has three trim levels of LX, EX, and SX-Prestige. Base pricing ranges from $28,585 for the LX FWD to $37,485 for the SX-Prestige AWD.

Today’s 2023 Sportage EX AWD tester came to $33,940 with options for the EX Premium package ($1,500) and carpet floor mats ($500).

The EX Premium package adds:

Panoramic sunroof with power sunshade.
Smart power tailgate;
LED interior lighting;
Dual illuminated sun visor vanity mirrors

Vehicle MSRPs include the $1,295 freight charge. Gasoline models are built at West Point, Ga.; electrified models are built in Gwangju, Korea.

Find current Kia Sportage pricing and incentives here.

The digital driver area of the Kia Sportage Hybrid.

5 Cool Things About Sportage

Driving range of more than 500 miles for the Sportage Hybrid.

Coat hanger re-imagined. A molded coat hanger behind the front headrests has a quasi-valet function. The plastic molded hangers give good collar support, but Kia also added a hook for a shopping bag or for organizing charging cables just below on the seatback. The robust coat hanger is a natural grip for back-seat occupants to use for a bit of leverage on exit.

8 standard Advanced Driver Assistance Systems. Included are the newly available 360-degree Surround View Monitor with 3D View and live feed Blind-Spot View Monitor in the instrument cluster.

Leading Vehicle Departure Alert. For those too busy answering texts at the stoplight, the Sportage gives a chime to notify that the vehicle ahead is pulling away.

Dual level cargo floor. It adds 5 cubic feet in the low position and drops the floor about 3 1/2 inches. Floor-to-headliner height grows from 29 inches to 32 ½.

The very useful molded coat hanger on the front seatbacks.

The plastic molded coat hanger.

he seatback USB port and hook for a grocery bag or the organize a charging cable.

And the seatback USB port and bag hook.

Design Styles

Kia’s “Opposites United” exterior design “philosophy” applies smooth, soft surfaces offset by rugged, sheer forms. The treatment combines off-road confidence with cutting-edge modern cues, Kia says.

Design identifiers include Kia’s Tiger nose grille that spans the entire width of the front fascia. “Boomerang” daytime running lights push the uniquely shaped headlights to the outer corners. And angular fenders imply a sharp and strong presence, Kia says. The futuristic “notch-shaped” taillights connect by a thin black graphic across the tailgate.

Big sky views with the panoramic sunroof, in the EX premium package.

2023 Kia Sportage Powertrains

The base, nonturbocharged, direct-injection 187-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine replaces the outgoing 181-hp, 2.4-liter engine with direct injection. A new eight-speed automatic transmission replaces a six-speed automatic. Fuel economy ratings on the recommended 87 octane are 25/32/28 mpg city/highway/combined for front-wheel drive and 23/28/25 mpg AWD. (The 2.4-liter had fuel economy ratings of 23/30/26 mpg FWD and 21/25/23/ AWD.)

The 2023 Sportage Hybrid has a combined 227-hp from the turbocharged and direct-injected 1.6-liter four-cylinder and front and rear permanent magnet synchronous hybrid motors. The lithium pouch-style battery pack has 270 volts and 1.49kWh of energy.

The six-speed automatic transmission helps provide AWD fuel-economy ratings of 38/38/38 mpg on the recommended 87 octane. Front-drive hybrid Hybrid models have mileage ratings of 42/44/43 mpg city/highway/combined.

Around-town driving in my test week, I saw mileage in the mid-20s to the mid-40s. My highway mileage ratings were 36 to 41 mpg on average. The 13.7-gallon fuel tank will provide a generous cruising range of 500 to 520 miles.

The soon-to-be-released 2023 Sportage PHEV builds on the hybrid model’s powertrain. Its 177-hp, 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine is supplemented by a 66.9kW electric motor and 13.8 kWh lithium-polymer battery. It has a targeted battery-electric driving range of 32 miles. Sales are expected to begin in July 2022 with pricing expected to start at around $35,000.

The 227-hp Sportage Hybrid powertrain has highway mileage ratings of 38 mpg with AWD or 44 mpg with front-drive.

The 227-hp Sportage Hybrid powertrain has highway mileage ratings of 38 mpg with AWD. (Mark Maynard)

Kia Sportage Hybrid Performance

The roll-on of hybrid power is linear and forceful. There are driver-selectable drive modes of Eco, Sport, Smart, and Snow (AWD only). The system defaults to Eco mode on start up, but I got the best fuel economy in Smart mode, which monitors driving style for the most efficient performance.

While paddle shifters are standard on the Sportage Hybrid, I did not feel the need to use them. There is an element of deceleration braking, which is useful to reduce on-and-off throttle use. The engineering of throttle uptake, braking engagement, and steering response is balanced and reassuring to the driver.

Low-rolling resistance Goodyear Assurance Finesse tires on the Sportage Hybrid

Low-rolling resistance Goodyear Assurance Finesse tires, 235/60 18-inch.

Sportage AWD Ride and Handling

The Sportage suspension is tuned for comfort, not sportiness — and that is an asset for this glorified family wagon. The independent suspension uses front MacPherson struts and a rear multilink setup with gas-pressurized shock absorbers front and rear. The ride can feel bouncy over city street transitions and lumpy sections of road, but it is never sloppy.

The ride quality is cushioned by the robust sidewall of the 235/60 18-inch Goodyear Assurance Finesse tires. These are all-season low-rolling-resistance tires to aid fuel economy, and they are not hard-rolling or squirmy in emergency maneuvers. (17-inch tires and wheels are standard on front-drive models.)

The active on-demand all-wheel-drive system, with terrain modes, is fully automatic with no driver engagement. The system routes power between the front and rear wheels depending on road and driving conditions.

Braking force is absolute from the 12.6-inch front rotors and 11.9-inch rear rotors. And the regenerative action of the braking is not noticeable.

The shifter console has tool-box function.

Driver Assist Technologies

All models of the 2023 Sportage have a suite of driver-assist technologies. Among them:

Forward Collision Avoidance-Assist with Car, Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection;
Blind Spot Detection;
Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist;
Lane Keeping and Following;
Driver Attention Warning with Leading Vehicle Departure Alert;
Rear Parking Sensors;
High Beam Assist.

For more semi-autonomous driving (two hands on the steering wheel), the EX model includes Blind Spot Collision Avoidance-Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance-Assist.

The e-bin with wireless charging.

Kia Sportage Interior Function

The Sportage interior reflects the design of high-end outdoor products, furniture, and modern architecture, Kia says. The treatment is intended to transform the cabin into a pleasant living space, complete with near-luxury, thoughtful features.

And it is a pleasant space, very well soundproofed, and with many details to emphasize the human in the machine interface. The most noticeable noise is the HVAC fan.

But it also is a highly digital space. Some functions of the infotainment screen require a two-finger tap that can take eyes away from the road.

The upper trim levels of the Sportage have a panoramic curved display that connects two 12.3-inch screens. One is the driver’s digital instrument cluster; the other is for infotainment and cabin controls, top center in the instrument panel.

Front headroom is reasonably tall at 37.8 inches with the panoramic sunroof (in the EX Premium package) or 39.6 inches without the sunroof.

“Boomerang” style running lights.

Asymmetrical Shift Console

The shift console has tool-box function to smartly arrange all the little things American drivers use every day:

Engine start button
Self-parking camera
Wireless charging
2 USB charging ports (including one C-type
Seat heaters

A pair of deep cup holders can be segmented by a nifty spring-activated grip for smaller cups or cans or leave the space open to secure a tablet.

The gear selector is a low and broad dial, but it will take some initial focus to rotate the dial. The lower trim levels have a traditional shift lever.

The EX cabin is well dressed in quality trim materials. SynTex leatherette (“animal-free”) upholstery is relaxed to the touch but feels durable. Perforated centers take the sweat from summer, but the Sportage EX does not have ventilated front seats.

The driver seat is 10-way power adjustable with lumbar support. But the front passenger has only a four-way manually adjusted seat.

From my testing of other higher trim level Kia models, I missed having a front power passenger seat, a front parking sensor, and the blind-spot view monitor. The blind-spot views activate in the gauge array, either left or right when the turn signals are used. And for the tester’s almost $34,000 price, it would not have been excessive to expect a cargo area roller cover, which is “available” for $150.

To get a front (eight-way) power passenger seat and front AND rear parking sensors requires moving up a trim level to the SX Prestige. It starts at $37,485, but floor mats and a roller cargo cover are still optional.

The Sportage back seats have long legroom of 41.3 inches

Back seat space is relaxed with long legroom and a reclining seatback.

Back Seat and Cargo Space

The back seat legroom in the Sportage is some of the longest in a passenger vehicle at 41.3 inches. Even with tall occupants in the front seats, there is adult leg space and footroom.

But three across on the 60/40 folding rear bench makes the space feel more subcompact than compact. And like nearly every rear bench seat, the center position is best as a short-run position or for the neighbor kid on a summer evening ice cream run. A low hump to the transmission-exhaust tunnel helps center seat footroom, but it is still a narrow, no-elbow-room position. The window seats are the best, separated by the cushy fold-down armrest with can holders.

There is an easy-fold function to the seatbacks. The seat-base handle, rather than a release tab at the top of the seatback, is for handier for an occupant to ease back the seat a few inches, or fold the seatback completely for cargo.

Cargo space is broad and tall, with an assist from the dual-level floor. The opening is 45 inches wide by 29 inches tall for 34.5 cubic feet behind the back seat. And the dual-level floor adds about 3 ½ inches more height in the low position. Fold the 60/40 seatback for 6 feet in length.

Cargo space is flexible with the dual-level floor.

Why Buy the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid?

The 2023 Kia Sportage has evolved to the top tier of family-life small SUVs. Its fuel economy will be a top attention-getter for motorists in the market. And the EX tester is a defining statement of “premium” materials, durable construction, and smart engineering. There are less expensive small SUVs, but few that compare to the Sportage Hybrid’s interior appearance and easy drivability.

Sportage owners considering the 2023 model will immediately appreciate the languid stretch of cabin space. It is a more horizontal environment rather than the vertical cabin orientation before. The tailgate glass is taller for better views, and the ride quality is far smoother, too.

The design is a study in providing special small features and details that make this small SUV a keeper. But there were a couple of missing details on the Sportage EX tester that prevented it from being a keeper for me (and her).

The girlfriend-wife did not like the “sitting in a bucket” front passenger seat. And a front parking sensor would take the creep out of edging closer to our garage door — and an inadvertent “Oops, too far.”

There is a $3,000 price difference between EX versions of the gas and hybrid models. But the value difference between the two powertrains is the enjoyable performance of the Sportage Hybrid with its much better fuel economy.

It might be worth considering the Sportage SX Prestige for those who plan to keep their new Sportage for the life of the powertrain and hybrid battery warranties: 10-years/100,000-miles.

The 2023 Sportage shares the midsize chassis of the Kia Sorento SUV.