The Kia Sportage Hybrid is among the best-performing SUVs on the market in terms of efficiency, achieving an impressively frugal EPA rating of 42 mpg city, 44 mpg highway, and 43 mpg combined. That figure is only applicable for front-wheel drive versions of the SUV, however — all-wheel-drive cars including the Sport Hybrid are rated for 38 mpg combined. Some cars are only frugal on paper, demanding only the most careful of driving to get anywhere near their claimed mpg figures. Not the Kia: SlashGear saw mileage figures on par with the manufacturer’s claims during testing.
There’s a lot else to like about the Sportage Hybrid aside from its efficiency. The car’s interior is roomy and thoughtfully designed, with durable faux leather and an intuitive infotainment system. Cargo space is also impressive, with 39.5 cubic feet on offer, and front and rear legroom is class-leading. During SlashGear’s time with the car, there was some unusual behavior from the hybrid system, which would frequently switch to electric power and then back again when traveling at highway speeds. This was disconcerting at first, although it didn’t affect the car’s overall efficiency. Other than that, there’s not much to dislike, especially given the Kia’s competitive starting MSRP of $28,590.