THE MOST AFFORDABLE HYBRID SUV WITH OVER 500 MILES OF DRIVING RANGE IN 2024

With manufacturers from each corner of the globe introducing cutting-edge electric technology into their lineup, the market has become ultra-competitive in almost every category. Although electric cars tend to grab the headlines, hybrid powertrains offer the best of both worlds, combining the performance and efficiency of electric motors with the practicality and distance of combustion engines.

The progress made in electrification has made a considerable impact on the SUV segment, with these vehicles benefiting from all aspects of the technology. Besides hybrid technology, the crossover SUV segment, in general, has also been growing rapidly, offering a practical solution that blends the utility of SUVs with the comfort and drivability of sedans.

In 2024, the Kia Sportage Hybrid will lead its segment on multiple fronts. With range being one of the biggest selling points for hybrid crossover SUVs, the 2024 Sportage Hybrid offers class-leading efficiency at the most affordable price on the market. Here's a detailed look at the new 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid's standout features.

10 Things You Need To Know About The Kia Sportage Hybrid

The Sportage hybrid fuses smart technology with luxurious features in a fresh, new avatar, and here's all you need to know about it.

The 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid Offers Up To 589 Miles Of Driving Range

Building on the 2023 redesign, the 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid comes with a mild hybrid option for the crossover SUV, which, in comparison to a full hybrid system, can't be driven electric-only regularly. However, Kia mild hybrid vehicles can be driven in all-electric mode when at a standstill, decelerating or when driving at constant slow speeds.

While full hybrid systems offer advantages in shorter trips around the city, mild hybrid systems are an excellent choice for eliminating range anxiety during long-distance drives. The Kia Sportage Hybrid is a prime example of this, offering impressive fuel efficiency ratings of 42 MPG in the city, 44 MPG on the highway, and 43 MPG combined for the base front-wheel-drive trim.

Despite offering solid fuel economy, the Kia Sportage Hybrid's headline feature is its total range of 589 miles. The 2024 Sportage Hybrid's standout fuel economy means that you won't need to stop at gas stations too often.

Starting At $28,590 For The Base Trim

Hybrid vehicles tend to cost more upfront than their gas-powered counterparts, which is the case for the 2024 Sportage. However, Kia manages to keep the Hybrid's cost as close as possible to the gas-powered model, with the entry-level Sportage Hybrid starting at just $28,590.

In comparison with the combustion-engined model, which will cost $27,190 in 2024, the Sportage Hybrid offers a sizable 9 MPG combined increase for just $1,400. By staying below the $30,000 for the front-wheel-drive trim, the 2024 Sportage Hybrid instantly becomes a top pick in the market. The Hybrid version will also cost you just $1,200 per year for fuel, whereas the combustion engine model costs $1,800 per year.

Each Trim Compared

For 2024, the Kia Sportage Hybrid comes in three different trims: the base LX, the mid-range EX, and the top-spec SX Prestige. The base EX offers an all-wheel-drive powertrain, which adds $1,800 to the price tag, but the top two trims come with all-wheel-drive as standard. For the EX trim, pricing starts at $32,290, which moves up to $37,490 for the SX Prestige.

As for fuel economy, the all-wheel-drive option receives EPA estimates of 38 MPG for both city and highway. The engine remains the same in all three trims, delivering the same amount of power. The main differences between the trims can be found inside, with the base LX trim having cloth seats only, compared to the EX and SX Prestige trims featuring the synthetic leather material called SynTex.

The Most Affordable AWD Hybrid SUV In 2024

If you're looking for a competitive all-wheel drive hybrid SUV on a budget, Toyota has a fine option for under $30,000.

At the heart of the 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid is a 1.6-liter four-cylinder combustion engine. By itself, the combustion engine produces 177 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. Thanks to its electric motor, however, the 2024 Sportage Hybrid has a combined power output of 227 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This gives the Kia class-leading performance within the segment, standing head above shoulders, especially when considering the price.

The Benefits Of Front-Wheel-Drive From Its Single Motor

Of course, as the 2024 Sportage Hybrid comes with one electric motor as standard, the crossover SUV naturally has a front-wheel-drive driveline. For SUVs, front-wheel-drive introduces a key benefit which the Sportage Hybrid makes the most of. Only sending power to the front wheels leads to better efficiency, giving the Sportage a combined 43 MPG. While front-wheel-drive SUVs can provide grip in trickier conditions, opting for the all-wheel-drive powertrain would perform better overall.

2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Performance Specifications

The 2024 Sportage Hybrid also comes standard with three different drive modes: Normal, Smart, and Sport. These modes allow you to maximize Sportage's electrification in all scenarios, whether you're on a quick trip or a long-distance haul. In combination with front-wheel-drive, the 2024 Sportage Hybrid comes with a six-speed automatic transmission. While a few of its competitors are equipped with a CVT transmission, an automatic gives you a better sense of control over the vehicle's overall drive.

The AWD Hybrid Car With The Best Fuel Economy In 2024

Toyota excels at offering an all-wheel drive hybrid car with class-leading fuel economy returns at a competitive price.

Combining Practicality With Comfort

In addition to offering a class-leading range and excellent fuel efficiency, the 2024 Sportage Hybrid comes with plenty of driver assistance/safety features to help you feel secure behind the wheel. Inside the crossover SUV, Kia ensures that top-quality materials and cutting-edge technology are included.

The 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid's technology includes a dual panoramic display, which combines two 12.3-inch digital screens in one continuous panel. Curved slightly towards the driver's seat, the audio and infotainment controls are easy and efficient to use. Additional comfort features include a panoramic sunroof, privacy glass, and dual-zone automatic climate control.

Extensive Safety Features For Both On And Off-Road

Regarding the off-road features, they aren't as extensive as what comes with on-road safety, but they are still more than enough to add extra security when on the trails. Downhill brake control is the first major inclusion with the 2024 Sportage Hybrid, keeping the SUV as stable as possible when confronted with steep drops. You also get hill start assist control, preventing any rollback when setting off. Anti-lock braking also comes with the base trim as standard, along with electronic stability control.

A feature that's included with most 2024 Kia models is the Kia Drive Wise system, which comes with all the safety technology that you need. It must be noted that the base trim doesn't come with as many features as the top two trims, but still includes:

The Hybrid Vehicle That Outsells Every Other Hybrid

This trusted Japanese hybrid SUV has been winning the hearts of many new car buyers in recent months.

The Kia Sportage's Hybrid Rivals

As expected, the Kia Sportage Hybrid will face stiff competition in 2024. The South Korean manufacturer isn't the only brand to implement mild hybrid technology, offering standout fuel efficiency with excellent performance. It's also not surprising that the Sportage's closest rivals hail from Asia, with many flagship brands from the continent pioneering the development of electric power.

2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

The first direct rival is the 2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, which also offers standout specifications across the board. The major difference between the two models is that the Toyota RAV4 doesn't offer front-wheel-drive, instead coming with a dual-motor all-wheel-drive powertrain. Despite being all-wheel-drive, the RAV4 Hybrid still has a combined 39 MPG rating from the EPA.

As for driving range, the RAV4 Hybrid also isn't far behind in this category, offering 566 miles of range. As expected, the RAV4 Hybrid is more expensive in 2024, with a starting price of $31,725. This isn't much more than the front-wheel-drive trim Sportage but it still falls short of the Kia even after adding the all-wheel-drive powertrain to the crossover SUV.

2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid

Another equally competitive hybrid SUV with all-wheel-drive is the 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid, which starts at a higher $34,050. For power, the CR-V Hybrid has a lesser power output of 204 horsepower, despite being more expensive than both the RAV4 and the Sportage.

The EPA also estimates that the 2024 CR-V Hybrid has a driving range of 518 miles, once again falling behind the Sportage Hybrid. If you're looking for the performance benefits of all-wheel-drive paired with a driving drive of over 500 miles, you won't be able to find a more affordable option than the all-new RAV4 Hybrid.

Engine	1.6-liter Four-Cylinder with Single Electric Motor
Transmission	Six-Speed Automatic
Horsepower	227 HP
Torque	258 LB-FT
Driveline	FWD
0-60 MPH	7.6 Seconds
Top Speed	121 MPH
Towing Capacity	2,500 lbs (with trailer brakes)
Payload Capacity	N/A
Fuel Economy	43 MPG Combined