Kia Launched the Sportage Hybrid in Los Angeles

• It will be equipped with a 226-horsepower hybrid powertrain

• It has a targeted fuel economy of 39 MPG (6 L/100 km)

• It will be on sale starting in the beginning of 2022

Kia used the Los Angeles Auto Show to show more than the new EV9 concept, the brand also launched the hybrid version of its Sportage compact SUV.

The Sportage is the longest running model in the Kia lineup since it was one of the two model offered when the Korean brand entered the Canadian market over 20 years ago.

For 2023, it received a major makeover that saw its design completely transformed both inside and out. This new generation of Sportage will also bring something that has not been seen before in this model: a hybrid powertrain.

The Sportage hybrid will be powered by a 1.6L turbocharged four-cylinder engine partnered with a 44-kW electric motor, both of which will funnel their output through a 6-speed automatic transmission to reach the front wheels or all of the wheels when equipped with the optional AWD system.

This will make the hybrid version the most powerful Sportage since it produces 226 horsepower, while the 2.5L four-cylinder engine that powers the “regular” versions of the Sportage can only make 187 horsepower.

This performance will be accompanied by a reduction in the fuel consumption that is targeted to be 39 MPG (6L /100 km). The Sportage will also be able to tow up to 2,000 lbs when equipped with this powertrain.

The Sportage hybrid is part of Kia’s move towards electrification, which has been picking up speed in the last few months with the introduction of the Sorento Hybrid, the EV6 electric vehicle and now the EV9 electric SUV and Sportage hybrid.