HY VIS SUV(some text hidden)

By Jonathan Crouch

Ten Second Review word count: 62

On paper, you might wonder whether the HEV full-Hybrid version of Kia's Sportage SUV is the best choice to make from this fifth generation model's now improved line-up. But in practice, this variant proves to be a very efficient real-world all-round choice, with eager performance matched to the usual attributes of the current Sportage - striking looks, practicality and a long warranty.

Background word count: 172

If you're not quite ready yet to plug your car in, then the chances are that you want a Hybrid of some sort. And it's equally likely that you want some sort of SUV. If that needs to be of the mid-sized family-shaped sort, then here's a model that needs to be somewhere on your shopping list; the full-Hybrid HEV version of Kia's Sportage. The fifth generation model has always sold well with this HEV powerplant and here, that drivetrain benefits from a useful mid-term update, introduced in Summer 2025 The 'full-Hybrid HEV' terminology's important here because Kia also offers this car in mild hybrid guise (where it's cheaper) and in Plug-in Hybrid form (where it's predictably pricier). All these various flavours of 1.6-litre petrol turbo engine are directly shared with this Kia's Hyundai Motor Group close cousin, the similarly-priced Hyundai Tucson. But this Kia has a very different visual vibe. Is it the family SUV Hybrid for you? You'll need the usual comprehensive Car & Driving Road Test to find out.

Driving Experience word count: 226

This Sportage model's Hybrid powertrain gets a few changes as part of this facelift, upgraded by to 235bhp, courtesy of a more powerful 64kW electric motor (up from 44.2kW in the pre-facelift car) mated as before to a 1.49kWh battery pack. As previously, this drivetrain is paired to either a six-speed automatic transmission driving the front wheels, or an optional all-wheel drive set-up in the top-spec 'GT-Line S' variant. Weight and aerodynamics combine to keep performance relatively modest; the rest to 62mph sprint occupies 7.7s in the front-driven model and maximum speed is 120mph. There are 'Eco', 'Normal' and 'Sport' drive modes. Like other Sportage models, this one is superbly refined, particularly around town where the electric motor frequently and seamlessly kicks in to supplant the engine. Only when you push on around twisty roads beyond the city limits will you begin to feel the mandatory 6-speed auto gearbox chase itself a bit; and at this point, you might find the engine's usual calm disrupted somewhat. Like its rivals, this Sportage is never likely to feel fun or entertaining; the steering is particularly light and relatively feel-less, though that's great in town. But there's plenty of cornering grip, it's wieldy on urban roads, easy to park and a quiet highway cruiser, with the usual semi-autonomous driving tools available to take the strain out of long trips.