I have been driving the new 2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid for a week now. I wanted to see if it is as good as people say. With gas prices going up and down, everyone wants a hybrid. The Kia Sportage has been around for a long time, but this new one looks very different.
This review is for normal people. I am not a mechanic. I just want a car that works and saves me money. Here is what I think about this SUV.
Quick Spec Table
Here are the numbers if you like to compare.
| Feature | Specification |
| Engine | 1.6L Turbo Hybrid 4-Cylinder |
| Horsepower | 227 hp |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 6-Speed Automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD (LX) or AWD (Standard on EX/SX) |
| MPG (FWD) | 42 City / 44 Hwy |
| MPG (AWD) | 38 City / 38 Hwy |
| Cargo Space | 39.5 cu ft (seats up) |
| Warranty | 10 Year / 100,000 Miles (Powertrain) |
What is the Sportage Hybrid?
It is a compact SUV. It sits between the smaller Kia Seltos and the bigger Kia Sorento. The “Hybrid” part means it has a gas engine and an electric motor. You do not need to plug it in. The car charges itself when you brake or coast. It is very easy to use.
For 2025, Kia did not change too much. They added some small safety things and changed some colors. But mostly, it is the same popular car from last year.
The Outside: It Looks Like a Spaceship
The first time I saw it, I thought “Wow, that is wild.” The front of the car has very crazy lights. They are shaped like boomerangs. Kia calls this the “Tiger Nose” grill. I think it looks cool, but my wife thinks it is a bit too much.
The side of the car is nice. It has some sharp lines. The wheels look sporty. The back has a small wiper blade that is hidden up top. This is a smart idea because it makes the back look clean.
The car feels big for a “compact” SUV. It is actually one of the biggest in its class. It is longer than the old Sportage. This means more room inside.
The Interior: Screens Everywhere
When you open the door, you see a huge piece of glass. It looks like one giant screen, but it is actually two screens next to each other. One is for your speed and gas, and the other is for maps and music. It looks very expensive, like a Mercedes or BMW.
The seats are very comfortable. I drove for 3 hours and my back was fine. In the back seat, there is so much legroom. I am 6 feet tall and I can sit behind myself with no problem.
The Buttons
There is one thing that is a little annoying. The buttons for the radio and the air conditioner are on the same touch panel. You have to press a small arrow to switch between them. Sometimes I turn up the heat when I want to turn up the volume. It takes some time to get used to it.
Storage
The trunk is huge. It has 39.5 cubic feet of space. That is bigger than the Toyota RAV4. I put my kids’ stroller and a week of groceries in there, and I still had room. If you fold the back seats down, you can fit almost anything.
Also Read My Drive of the All-New 2025 Nissan Murano: Goodbye CVT, Hello Luxury
How Does It Drive?
This is the best part. Most hybrids are slow and boring. But the Sportage Hybrid is actually quick.
It has a 1.6-liter turbo engine. Because it is a turbo, it has good power. When you add the electric motor, you get 227 horsepower. That is plenty for merging on the highway.
It uses a real 6-speed automatic transmission. This is important. Many other hybrids (like the Honda CR-V) use a CVT transmission that sounds like a rubber band stretching. The Kia shifts gears like a normal car. It feels natural.
The ride is smooth. It absorbs the bumps well. It is also very quiet inside. You can hardly hear the engine when you are driving in the city.
Gas Mileage: The Truth
The window sticker says you can get 43 MPG if you get the front-wheel drive (FWD) model. If you get the all-wheel drive (AWD) model, it says 38 MPG.
I drove the AWD model. In the real world, I was getting about 36 MPG. That is still very good for a big SUV. If you drive carefully in the city, you can get close to 40. If you drive fast on the highway, it drops a bit.
Trim Levels
There are three main versions you can buy:
- LX: This is the cheapest one. It starts around $29,000. It has smaller wheels and cloth seats. It is a good value.
- EX: This is the one I recommend. It costs about $33,000. It adds heated seats, a wireless phone charger, and the bigger screens. It feels much nicer.
- SX Prestige: This is the fancy one. It is almost $39,000. It has cooled seats, a 360-degree camera, and a better sound system. It is nice, but expensive.
Comparison to Others
- Toyota RAV4 Hybrid: The Toyota gets slightly better gas mileage. But the Kia feels more modern inside and has better tech. The Kia is also usually a little cheaper.
- Honda CR-V Hybrid: The Honda drives very smooth, but the infotainment screen is smaller. The Kia feels faster because of the turbo engine.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Do I need to plug it in?
A: No. This is a regular hybrid. You just put gas in it and drive. There is a “Plug-in Hybrid” (PHEV) version, but that is a different car.
Q: Is it reliable?
A: Kia has a very good warranty. It is 10 years or 100,000 miles for the engine and battery. That gives you peace of mind. The car seems solid so far.
Q: Does it have a spare tire?
A: Yes! Unlike some hybrids that only give you a repair kit, the Sportage Hybrid has a compact spare tire. This is a life saver if you get a flat.
Q: Is the All-Wheel Drive good for snow?
A: Yes. The AWD system is good. It also has a “Snow Mode” button that helps you get traction on slippery roads.
Final Verdict
Is the 2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid worth buying?
Yes, definitely.
It is one of the best family cars you can buy right now. It is big, comfortable, and saves money on gas. It looks cooler than a RAV4 and drives better than a CR-V.
The only bad things are the touch buttons for the AC and the piano black plastic that gets dusty. But these are small problems. The rest of the car is awsome.
If you are looking for a new SUV, you should go test drive one. Just make sure to try the EX trim, I think it is the best deal for the money.
