The Most Reliable Korean Hybrid Crossover in 2024

Image Name: The Kia Sportage Hybrid

The automotive industry has been booming over the years, showcasing stunning designs and innovative technologies. The hybrid industry, in particular, has surged in demand for several solid reasons. Whether it’s the sleek designs or the improved fuel economy, there are countless benefits to owning a hybrid (HEV). One reason that some might not even think of is reliability. This is another significant reason automotive manufacturers have started to see a rise in demand for hybrids.

It is a no-brainer to buy a hybrid car for the same price as a non-electric one while getting better fuel economy and reliability. On average, hybrids are 26 percent more reliable than non-electric vehicles. So where do you start when you decide to move to a hybrid? It comes down to personal preference and what type of car and model you want. A solid option to explore is crossover SUVs because they are the best of both worlds. Similar to hybrids, with it being a middle ground between traditional cars and electric cars (EVs), crossovers are the same when it comes to their size. They aren’t too big or too small, making them one of the more sought-after SUVs on the market.

The Kia Sportage Hybrid
The hybrid industry is so competitive that companies constantly compete with each other, so hybrid models keep getting better and better. The Kia Sportage Hybrid was released in 2023, relatively new to the American market. Fast-forward two years, and the Sportage is still thriving in its fifth generation, seeing modest changes along the way.

Regarding its reliability, the 2025 Sportage Hybrid scored 56 out of 100. This might seem like it has no reliability to offer, but companies such as Consumer Reports rate models very hard, and any that sit above fifty offer a decent amount of reliability. The 2025 Sportage Hybrid matches the exact score of the 2024 model, keeping its reliability consistent. Owners’ satisfaction sat in the middle, with ratings at 3 out of 5. The road test is the area in which the Sportage Hybrid excels, scoring 77 out of 100. Gather and put all these scores together, and the 2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid receives an overall score of 74 out of 100.

Uncompromised Safety Features
Various factors help a vehicle’s reliability, and one of the larger factors is safety. The 2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid received an overall safety rating of five out of five stars, making it an ideal hybrid for a safe ride home. These overall ratings carry over from the 2024 model, along with its zero recalls. So far, the Sportage Hybrid has a clean track record for both safety and recalls.

Tough Competition Among Korean Hybrids
Countries such as Korea and Japan offer some of the best vehicles, with companies like Toyota, Honda, Hyundai, and Kia producing class-leading hybrids. The Sportage Hybrid didn’t lead by far over its Korean competition based on its reliability. Models such as the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid, Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, and Kia Sorento all sat within the same ballpark.

The Hyundai Santa Fe received a reliability score of 46 out of 100, which put it dead last for Korean crossover hybrids. The Hyundai Tucson Hybrid came close to the Sportage Hybrid with its 53 out of 100 reliability. Lastly, its sibling, the Sorento Hybrid, was a point above the Tucson with a reliability score of 54 out of 100. Many of these hybrids are high in demand and, overall, excellent hybrids, which showcase the difficulty of these reliability ratings.

Competitive Pricing
Kia offers the Sportage platform in three engine configurations: non-electric, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid. While there are several trims and prices for each, the base Sportage Hybrid is $28,590. The other two hybrid trims range from $32,390 to $37,590. Based on its MSRP, you can expect to see a variety of standard features across the trims.

Impressive Performance and Efficiency
Underneath the hood of the Kia Sportage Hybrid sits a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid engine. The combination of the combustion engine and the electric motor produces 227 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Independent testing shows the 2025 Sportage Hybrid completed a 0-60 MPH sprint in just 7.4 seconds.

Within the last five years, car brands have started to divide their focus on both fuel economy and performance in hybrids, which is evident in the Sportage Hybrid. Not only is the Sportage Hybrid one of the fastest-accelerating hybrid SUVs, but it also comes jam-packed with fuel economy and affordable pricing.

Image Name: Spacious and Luxurious Interior

Solid Fuel Efficiency
There are several areas to nail on a hybrid vehicle, but one that sits at the forefront of concern and attention is fuel economy. If a hybrid car can’t offer an extended range and added fuel economy, then what is left on the board? The good news is that the Sportage Hybrid provides excellent fuel economy and an impressive range.

The Sportage Hybrid is offered in two drivetrains; front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. It’s common for front-wheel drive models to provide better efficiency, which is the case for the Sportage Hybrid. You can expect an MPG of 42 in the city and 44 on the highway, with a combined MPG of 43. For the all-wheel drive model, you can expect 38 in the city and 38 on the highway, with a combined MPG of 38. The range also varies, with the front-wheel drive model offering 589 miles and the all-wheel drive model offering 521 miles.

Versatile and Stylish
The new, facelifted Kia Sportage underwent various changes but kept its overall appearance the same. Like other car manufacturers, Kia also tweaked and upgraded some interior features while keeping everything close to its previous models. While most brands market their hybrids based on fuel economy or price, Kia takes a slight detour, marketing the entirety of its lineup over its breathtaking designs and features.

Eye-Catching Exterior Design
The Sportage Hybrid took inspiration from Kia’s new philosophy, “Opposites United,” which blends two components that don’t typically pair together. An example of one of these designs is seen on the exterior, where rugged, sheer forms offset the smooth and soft surfaces. This design combines off-road design with cutting-edge modern cues throughout the exterior. A more prominent feature outside the Sportage is the Tiger nose grille and distinct “boomerang” daytime running lamps. Kia implemented several eye-appealing designs on the Sportage Hybrid, encapsulating various art forms to catch the eye.

Spacious and Luxurious Interior
The Sportage Hybrid comes dressed in upgraded materials and convenient storage spaces, but the true showstopper is the cabin space. While the Sportage Hybrid is a member of the crossover class, its dimensions are heading toward midsize SUV classes. Crossover SUVs are used for various reasons, but some more notable ones are for families or adventures.

Rear space comes into play with these categories, which doesn’t seem to be a problem, with the rear legroom coming out at 41.3 inches, which is one-tenth off of the front passenger space. So, if you’re in the market for an SUV with elevated interiors and added space, the Sportage Hybrid is the SUV to test drive.

Tech-Savvy Features
Electrified vehicles such as EVs and hybrids are surrounded by innovative technology, and the Sportage hybrid is one of them. Some of the exciting features include an available Harman Kardon Premium Audio System. Kia understands that it is expected to include Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, which are offered on all Sportage platforms.

The 2025 Sportage Hybrid introduces larger infotainment screens, with the standard 10.25-inch touchscreen being replaced by a new 12.3-inch display. These upgrades offer sharper graphics along with a more intuitive user interface. One of Kia’s largest selling points is its interior and technology, and it is one of those instances where it is better to see it in person than on a device.

Comparing the Sportage Hybrid to Its Rivals
Much like the Kia Sportage Hybrid, many of its rivals recently became available to pick up for the 2025 models. In order to compare the competition to the Sportage Hybrid, you’ll have to compare its reliability to the 2024 models. This won’t be an issue with models like the CR-V Hybrid seeing minimal changes.

The 2024 Toyota Corolla Hybrid also won’t be an issue, since there is an assortment of compiled data on its reliability. Similar to the Sportage Hybrid, the 2025 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid received a facelift with some tech upgrades, but its powertrain stayed the same. So keep in mind that the 2025 CR-V Hybrid and 2025 Tucson Hybrid have yet to be given any scores for reliability but can be examined with last year’s models.

Conclusion:
When you’re on a car search to find a car that offers a blend of performance, safety, and reliability, the 2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid stands out as a top contender. This versatile crossover delivers a balanced package of stylish design, advanced technology, and impressive fuel efficiency. Whether you’re looking for the best car deals or simply want to buy cars that offer the latest features, the Sportage Hybrid deserves a spot on your car listings. As you navigate the journey to find used cars or new cars, keep the Sportage Hybrid on your car find a checklist for its remarkable attributes and overall value.