No race to a Civic type R non-reveal first-to-the-web report?!!! Thanks for actually displaying maturity and original thought regarding your content. This is a sensible vehicle and a sensible review. Porridge. Keep up the great work!
Yeah, none of the rollout reviews are really adding anything to Honda's PR video. No sense reviewing a car you can't drive to actually experience. Oatmeal with some cinnamon.
You guys had way more fun driving this thing on a track than any other car you've reviewed. I'm now taking out a 96 month loan on a kia sportage, the dealer says its only a $12,000 markup I think I got a good deal. I'm bringing it to the nerdturdring next week, gonna set a new PBR.
Americans are getting bigger and bigger every year. I drive a Buick Verano which is the size of a Cruze. Every time I go to Europe on vacation and come back my Verano feels like a large sedan.
@@PianoBlackTrimRep. lol well I personally like compact or midsize automobiles my self not really into full size cars and bigger my compact Kia Sportage is just perfect size for me😁
@@PianoBlackTrimRep. Americans are fat, yes, but they're also in this weird arms race to drive the biggest goddamn vehicle on the road. If I had a dime for every tryhard douche I see driving a Sierra 2500HD or F-250 Super Duty who NEVER tows or hauls anything, I'd be a rich man.
ive noticed that with all cars. a new compact truck is as big as a 99 3/4 ton truck. honda civics are as big a full size cars a decade ago. i dont understand.
Remember this is a mid-range EX affordable hybrid so the audio is not premium. Definitely a value. First-rate photography, looks like it was graded in post!
When I test drove one of these I noticed a very smooth/luxurious ride, some body roll but plenty of grip at the same time. This vehicle feels quicker 0 to 60 than it is on paper but it does seem to run out of steam over 80 mph. For $32,500 and up to 40 mpg combined I highly recommend this vehicle. The front headroom is not great but it just makes the cut for me. I could not really notice a difference with the drive modes.
Test drove an EX Hybrid yesterday. Loved it. But the Kia dealership added a $5000 "adjusted market value" to it. 15% mark up. Went from $34k to $43k out the door.
If you really want to get anything these days, you have to increase your search range to find a good deal and talk straight about OTD price with your own one in mind...
Oh my god a midsized family CUV, JUST what the doctor ordered. Thank god. My wife’s work friend Todd said he was looking for space in the back to go on road trips with my wife! She’s so happy when they hang out together
Technically, the Sportage is a compact SUV, not a Midsized... but it's one of the largest compact SUVs and almost the same size as "midsized" SUVs... much like it's twin, the Hyundai Tucson 2022-2023.
Great car, but good luck getting one. I was told more than 10 months wait for a factory order about 2 months ago. Ended up getting a Tucson instead under 2 months.
Even though I'm not a car guy, even I know that taking a Sportage to a race track is just heresy. Could always test how many Yuri's and Jacob's could fit in the back with the backseats folded down.
Great hybrids. It's a pity the dealers are killing it with "negotiable" markups. 8k 10k markups out here in LA. I see a 5% interest rate and a markup..fuk that noise. I can pay for the gas with a ICE car for 3 years instead.
Yeah, I just got this car a few weeks ago. I’m pretty happy with it so far. I need a good 2-3 hour drive to see how the MPGs do. Overall I’m pleased. Good review.
My girlfriend and I recently picked up an X-Line version of this. It is the first Kia for both of us.There are so many good things about it, namely the looks, the interior, the fit and finish, that I try to overlook the issues it has. It rides very nice, but as you can see in the video, it has excessive body roll. That's to say nothing about the wonky-ass transmission this thing has. The hybrid might fix that major issue and I'd be okay with that. However, I would like it if I felt comfortable doing more than 40 MPH on my local on-ramp. It's kind of a bummer because I REALLY like this vehicle otherwise. Drive it before you buy it. Take it on the highway in cruise control. Make sure you can deal with it. I want to like it more than I do...
@@busterscrugs Mine is not the CVT, it's the 8 speed auto. I have a Subaru with a CVT and that is MUCH better than what Kia is bringing to the table with this one. We've had two Elantra's in the past with the 6 speed auto and they felt much better. Also, had a bunch of Honda's, and I really think they might have one of the best CVTs in the business. I'm not going to crap on a good CVT, they're good for daily do-it-all stuff.
@@th003g It was available when we needed it. Also, dealership made a pretty big mistake so we got a KILLER (like 3K off sticker) deal. I might try the PHEV when that comes out because it will, supposedly, carry the X-Line trim package with the Prestige goodies. Like an X-Pro Prestige with a hybrid. I'd be willing to at least drive one.
Thanks guys for featuring this vehicle. I really enjoyed hearing your thoughts. I’m on the fence about buying one. I think a person could do a whole lot worse. Lots of value for what it offers!
In Australia, we have a bespoke tune for the suspension led by an ex-racer. This removes almost all the ride issues mentioned, and makes it a lot more attractive!
Simlar to my 17 Hyundai Sonata hybrid. Good tech (at the time) and comfortable ride. Same problem (only major one) with the kick down which I think is dangerous. Try to merge on hwy and the car refuse to kick down for couple seconds and no power at all. It actually react better when I don't step on it.
@@silverfox1234 I thought this is only the last gen issue but still exists. The plug in using the same system and transmission so I believe would behave the same.
I experienced the exact same problem when I test drove one 2 weeks ago. Tried to merge onto the highway and no power at all which was very scary. That helped me make the decision to pass on this it. Very disappointing.
My big complain with the audio system, specifically the Harmon system is that there’s no dedicated subwoofer. All the bass comes from the lower speakers in the door. No bass comes from the rear door speakers either. It can get muddy at higher volumes and the bass not coming from the back removes that bass you can feel.
That EV to ICE thing you guys experienced, sounds like the thing we had on the 1st generation Optima hybrid, before they did the update to fix that. It would be in EV up to 25MPH before the gas engine came on, which made for a scary experience to merge on to a highway from a stop. Since then, they didn’t do that anymore on the Optima hybrid, you want power, you got it no matter what mode you were in. Great review guys!
H/K tuned their hybrids to start and stay in RV mode as much as possible The only way to prevent the Sportage from starting off in EV mode is to switch to Sport mode. It's something I have learned after renting a Sonata Hybrid for a few days.
@@JT-fq2bl True however, they will kick on the ICE system if you give it more acceleration and use both to power the vehicle. The newer systems had bigger electric motor that can power the wheels up to 80 mph, if you had batter power from start. I would drive my 2016 Optima hybrid in Sport mode to build up the battery, then I could drive for a few miles in EV mode around town. That instant torque off the line was fun and got me into EVs later.
Trying to decide between the Sportage SX Prestige and the Toyota Venza Limited. A few things on the Kia concern me such as reliability of the small turbo engine mated to the hybrid system. I have read that turbos run at high temperatures, and that the constant starting and stopping of the turbo engine when on/off electric power will lead to turbo problems. Anyone else heard of this? Also, I have read that the Harmon Kardon stereo is not good, and that the heated windshield elements are causing glare problems at night for some people. The Venza doesn't have a turbo on their hybrid, and it has a highly rated JBL sound system. But most reviews complain about some engine and road noise. But I think I have a Toyota bias due to their long term reliability. Thoughts?
@@SingletonD well, mainly the price as my dealership offered the cheapest for the vehicle and if you get the mid range with tech package; lots of money saved.
I liked this hybrid system in my friends older Sonata. Would really need to compare it directly with Toyota to know which I like better, but I bet KIA would win this one.
Much prefer normal-car feel to CVT. And I do not care if this car has a sporty feel. I do wish this car came in the Vesta blue and blue-gray interior for the SX trim.
I bought a 2023 Sportage EX FWD gas-powered without the stupid sunroof. I'm getting over 40mpg on the highway and around 25 in the city becuas I keep it in smart more, I don't driveike a maniac, and kept it under $30K.
I really like the styling, interior and out, and in something like this I too want a soft ride. I would be taking it around town where the roads are lousy, or down dirt roads to get to the mountain biking trails. My one concern is long-term reliability, any thoughts on that?
Great video like always, please @savagegeese do the review about the 2023 Mitsubishi outlander PHEV, some dealers already have the preproduction sample. I would like to see your opinion about this car. Thank you!
Thanks for another great review guys. I really wanted one without having ever driven or even sat in (silly) but after seeing this i dont anymore! It seems to struggle with even slightly enthusiastic driving… strictly a cool modern get the commute, kids, and misc done type of vehicle. I think if they werent so hard to get along with the Rav4 hyrids and readily available to test drive and buy at least 30% of people who currently “need” one will move on to other options.
You would have to test drive one. I was impressed enough to put my self on a list to get one incoming. If the 2023 Prius does not work for me then I will settle for this EX Sportage Hybrid.
Makes me vaguely want one even though it's not in my need set right now. Love the space since I'm a hot hatch lover that stuffed everything in my vw r32 in the day
On Saturday my one-owner 1999 Subaru Forester succumbed to an evil PA pothole. Ripped open the rear strut tower. RIP Subie. Today I will be out and about looking for a new ride. I'm leaning towards the Sportage, Niro or Venza hybrids.
Is it cheaper for Hyundai/Kia to use DCT/Conventional automatics in their hybrids? The reason I’m asking cause it seems like a transmission just adds more unnecessary weight to the car, not to mention an extra mechanical part to take care of.
It's easy to package this style hybrid into a vehicle also sold with conventional powertrains. The Prius-style hybrid is quite different in its shape and requires more engineering to fit.
I was waiting for 23 crv but after the reveal & seeing it, I walked away feeling disappointed in the small things. I placed a order for the sx prestige hybird, i think this offers the best bang for the buck for all the bells & whistles. Just gotta wait for it to come in but not paying any mark up.
the new CRV is rather lame yeah.. the kia sportage in wolf gray with red interior knocks it out of the PARK styling wise vs the CRV. Which interior color did you get?(not black right?)
Also no spare tire in the new CRV Hybrid. Understandable because of the battery placement but kinda lame considering both Venza and Sportage offer it! Must have for long drives.
Put on 235/45r18 tires(thinner sidewall) lower it down to car level. Boom, wagon. That is what we want. Honestly i would even go thinner tires like a 225/50r18 for better comfort/economy. I bet dropping it an inch and changing the tire you can possibly get 43-45mpg.
I'd go for the Kia Carnival if it was an AWD plug in Hybrid. I'd like the room of a minivan, the awd for up north winter weather plus any bonus hybrid electric motors could give like in a Toyota Rav4 Prime. 400-600mi range I'd gladly buy that vehicle.. This shortage isn't bad though if it could last me 300k miles
I am getting one now, at around $43000 equivalent in EU. Loads of tech, upper middle spec, and compared to RAV4 it's a car from the future. MPGs might be lower on a KIA, but the comfort, space and style is the upside. In current marked you have to wait for the rav4 for 11 months xD at price +30% of Sportage. For lower and older tech, much more cheap plastic feel and garbage infotainment. KIA will be at my doorstep in 3 months. TY SG :)
Don't really care about Type R right now. Every channel gives the same limited reveal. I rather wait til it's fully available for track, dyno, and tested without the NDA restrictions.
Come on guys....I drive a 2022 Tucson Hybrid and I would say that 99.5% of time the startup of the gasoline engine from EV mode is COMPLETELY imperceptible. Even while rolling. Totally different experience than the usual CVT/hybrid drivetrains
@@ThirdBrainLives I said the same thing for many years, just like tools like you say. However, it is a very good, useful daily driver that gets excellent fuel economy. One day that may matter to you.
@@dragospahontu You may be right, but it depends on how you define "better". If you mean better fuel economy, then I would agree. But if you mean better driving experience, um, no.
I think that you guys would have had a much different verdict in winter. We have the sister vehicle, ‘22 Tucson Hybrid, and the winter fuel economy is atrocious. Most electrified vehicles have this issue but this one seems to be particularly bad. In February, on a drive from Milwaukee to Rockford IL, we averaged 22.3 MPG at 71 MPH AVG speed.Typically when not only driving in city, our winter averages are in the mid 20s. I just don’t think this is good enough, I expect a hit in winter to fuel economy but getting low 20s on the highway in winter could be a dealbreaker.
Out of the brands with these types of suvs, which ones don't have that issue of lag before giving power? I'd like a car that will go when I tell it to. I'm looking at CX5, Rav4, maybe CX50, and I can't even think of what else is out there. I've heard of so many problems with chevys and ford's that I am tempted to stay away from them.
Just avoid turbo engines and they should behave as you expect. The Mazdas are very reasonable choices, let down mainly by poor gas mileage and dated infotainment systems.
It is so weird hearing this vehicle pronounced so differently between US/Canada. When visiting the States and seeing the commercials I was all like, wtf is a [Spor-tej]. For some reason it's all fancied up to [Spor-taj] here.
why can't there be a middle ground and not just sloppy like a boat protecting your cat litter or hard like a BMW? Why wouldn't any lincoln be a better middle ground than this? i think I will wait a while before purchasing anything these days. prices are horrible. changes are coming too quickly and next year should bring a ton of newer vehicles with better middle ground and the same if not better mileage. oh, and a recent study came out with Korean buyers being very upset with the aging of these cars in a 6 to 10year ownership. the quality really falls off and becomes obviously cheaply made lower quality. the bling ages quickly. this has always been the plan of these cars and MFRS.
how often do you change the temperature on an automatic climate control system? I've had a VW Jetta GLI for 11 years and I leave it on 72 Auto for 99% of the time I've driven it. I do NOT see the 2 function system as an issue. just leave it on Radio mode and you'll be fine.
I heard somewhere that the swappable radio/climate can be set where one is the standard and you press a button to swap it briefly and it reverts. That would be more predictable. Still don't like it, but it's probably better than VW's chaos
I just don't understand why they did another heavy refresh. The new Sportage released during the pandemic and it's not like they were readily available. I know they like major refresh every 2 years but this time it seems like they refreshed it a year later.
Been really liking Kia style these days. But did they hire they kid who designed the outgoing Civic type R? That is the busiest front end I've ever seen🤨
Wondering if the touch screen color (purple) can be adjusted. I have it stuck in my head since seeing the Straight Pipes guys that indeed the monocolor scheme makes it hard to easily identify the different options.
Those coolant lines under the car look way to exposed for such a vital fluid, especially when they may subjected to harsh winter conditions in some areas.
Ford has the same thing in their Escape, Maverick and F150 hybrids. I've seen 2 early F150 hybrids leak coolant at the exhaust, surprisingly not from the lines, but from the heat exchanger itself.
@@inrirodriguez9755 The issue I see is they are too exposed. They could have ran the lines over an exhaust heat shield or add other panels like so many cars have these days.
@@niuhuskieguy the F150 has pretty heavy foil wrapping around the hoses, similar to the foil wrapping they put around certain O2 sensor wires. But right at the connector the foil ends. It's a plastic quick disconnect, so who knows how well that's going to hold up after a million heat cycles, salt and 15 years.
