What’s the better car for me, the 2024 Kia Sportage near Rio Rancho or the Sportage Hybrid?

While some might expect that Kia offers two different options within the same model line, that both vehicles would be pretty much the same, right? But when the South Korean car company redesigned the Sportage last year, they were determined to make this fifth generation small crossover different than before. Let’s start with the obvious: the engine and drivetrain. Most 2024 Sportage models (including the LX, EX, SX and SX Prestige) use a 2.5-liter four cylinder engine, rated at 187 HP, driving in either FWD or AWD with a new eight speed automatic transmission. This DOHC design offers plenty of power for most consumers for everyday tasks throughout the day. EPA ratings for the 2.5-liter engine are 23 city, 30 highway and 26 combined for FWD models. With a 13.7 gallon gas tank, that puts range at about 315 miles in the city (AWD) or411 miles on the highway (FWD).

Meanwhile the 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid PHEV is powered by a 1.6-liter direct injected four cylinder engine making 177-HP and supplemented by a 66.9-kW electric motor with a 13.8 kWh lithium polymer battery. This turbo motor only takes over when load demands are high and usually when the Sportage is in motion. Electric motors get the vehicle off the mark quickly, as they provide ‘instant-on’ acceleration once power is applied. Kia engineers have made this switch over from electric to internal combustion almost seamless, with no additional maintenance usually required. With EPA ratings of 39 city, 39 highway and 39 combined, it means you’ll only be filling up every 540 miles (either city or highway) with the X-Pro or X-Pro Prestige AWD models. These new models also gain an off-road tuned suspension, Active-AWD and BF Goodrich off-road tires for those who want to indulge in exploring New Mexico’s outdoor adventures.

Of course, cost will be a factor with the Sportage FWD LX model starting at $27,090 with few options, while the X-Pro Prestige hybrid AWD will start at $37,890. In general, moving from FWD to AWD in the Sportage lineup generally means about a $1,000-1,500 markup. Not too expensive an upgrade for car meant to be used in a climate like New Mexico! Either vehicle will also have a $1,325 destination fee from South Korea tacked on. Expensive and advanced LED headlights are now standard across the line in 2024. Of course, both normally-aspirated and hybrid Sportage models will carry the same industry leading 5-year, 60K mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and 10 year, 100K mile powertrain warranty. 

All 2024 Kia Sportage models feature more interior room than any other vehicle in class. Kia put models like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V and Nissan Rogue Sport in their crosshairs when they redesigned the Sportage last year. Both standard and hybrid Sportage models now offer the same amount of seating and leg room (31.4”) for both the front and rear passengers. Luggage space grows to 39.6 square feet of storage space behind the rear seats. Design inside and out take a futuristic bent, with the cabin offering an asymmetric console, providing greater access to controls, and an available panoramic dual screen display that displays both performance and entertainment information. Passengers can access on-screen controls for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in all Sportage models, as well as a WiFi hotspot with 4G LTE based internet for up to five devices. Beyond all this, Kia can also equip Sportage with an advanced safety equipment package- including lane keeping and forward collision avoidance to detect pedestrians, bike riders and other cars in front of the vehicle. Cross traffic and Reverse Parking Distance Warning (RPD-W) are also available on upscale Sportage models, along with Driver Attention Warning (DAW) in the 2024 Kia Sportage near Rio Rancho NM.

When Will the 2024 Kia Sportage near Rio Rancho NM and Sportage PHEV Hybrids arrive?

Kia has been shipping different models of the 2024 Sportage for some time now, but there’s no easy way to tell if a FWD model is in stock in your color, or if the latest AWD turbo hybrid is being unwrapped as we speak. But savvy consumers who know how and where they drive can look up the new car inventory of the 2024 Kia Sportage at the Fiesta Kia dealership in Albuquerque at 7400 Lomas Blvd NE Albuquerque, NM 87110 right now!