Drive Notes: 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige AWD

This one sets up a 1.6-liter turbo four with an electric motor for a total system horsepower of 227 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. There's a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.

Standard features included navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist, forward collision-avoidance assist, blind-spot collision-avoidance assist, satellite radio, wireless device charging, dual-zone climate control, 18-inch wheels, heated front seats, and more.

Options included a “smart” power liftgate, panoramic sunroof, LED fog lamps, smart cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, Harman/Kardon audio, cooled front seats, heated steering wheel, and a memory driver's seats. Oh, and this one had matte paint for $595.

Base price, with D and D: $37,490. Price as optioned, again with D and D: $39,730.

Let's get to it.

Pros

• Smooth is the word I'd use the most here. It rides smoothly, the hybrid transitions are smooth, it's just smooth to use.
• Kia's steering is, alas, too artificial. But the tradeoff is that it's dialed-in well enough and weighted nicely — it's almost too heavy.
• The interior layout looks good and controls are mostly easy to use, save for one thing (see below).
• I like the styling, though the matte paint seems an unnecessary for a mainstream crossover.
• The cabin is quiet.
• The price may seem dear, but it's in line with a lot of the competitive set.
• Overall, the Sportage Hybrid is well packaged and pleasantly unremarkable. It's enjoyable enough to drive though not particularly memorable.