Representative photo — may show another model year
Hybrid
2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid
Independent review & score by Carivo
Price Range
$33,940–$40,711
Fuel Economy42 MPG
Seating5 passengers
CategoryHybrid
Est. Annual Fuel$1,250/yr
The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid scores 8.1/10 at Carivo, ranking #67 of 135 hybrids, with 1 NHTSA recall on record and an estimated $1,250/year fuel cost.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid
With an overall Carivo score of 8.1/10, the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid earns a Recommended rating among the hybrids we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Value at 8.9/10, while Performance at 6.8/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability comes in at 8.3/10 in our assessment — above the middle of the pack for this class, though not flawless. Safety is a strength too — 8.6/10 by our scoring. As with any car, verify the official ratings for your specific trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Performance at 6.8/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Technology comes in at 7.8/10 — functional and modern, with wireless connectivity and core ADAS features, though some competitors pack more standard tech at this price point.
Priced from $33,940–$40,711, 42 MPG, seating 5, the Kia Sportage Hybrid sits in the mid-market bracket of the hybrid segment. The 8.9/10 value score is the headline: relative to what it costs, this hybrid delivers more than most of the class. At 3 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Bottom line: Think of the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid as the dependable pick rather than the exciting one. Its softer scores in performance are the only real asterisks. Shoppers who value predictability over headlines will be well served.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
How It Ranks Among Hybrids
The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid ranks #67 of 135 hybrids in the Carivo database — better than 51% of the segment. Its 8.1/10 overall score is 0.1 points below the segment average of 8.2/10. Its $33,940 starting price is about 7% above the segment's median of $31,584.
$0 — 1 campaign on record; recall work is always free at franchised dealers
Insurance
Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Which Sportage Hybrid Year Should You Buy?
Across the Sportage Hybrid model years we've scored, the 2023 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
Above-average reliability record with solid owner satisfaction data
Top-tier safety scores across crash tests and driver-assistance tech
Exceptional value for money — high-quality features at a competitive price point
Modern, intuitive tech suite with wireless connectivity and up-to-date ADAS
Exceptional fuel efficiency at 42 MPG — among the best in its class
✗ Where it falls short
Driving dynamics are adequate but uninspiring; not the choice for enthusiast drivers
Brand resale values vary — check current market data before committing
NHTSA Recalls — 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid (1 on record)
The following recall campaign has been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle with our free VIN recall checker.
Electrical system / instrument cluster/panel 26/04/2023 · 23V298000
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Sportage, Sportage Hybrid, Sportage Plug-in Hybrid, Niro Hybrid, Niro Plug-in Hybrid, Soul, and Telluride vehicles equipped with a digital instrument cluster containing a 4.2" LCD screen. The instrument…
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Own a 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid that's been repaired repeatedly for the same problem? It may qualify under your state's lemon law — run the free lemon law check →
Common Questions — 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid
Is the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid reliable?
We rate the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid's reliability 8.3/10 — one of the stronger records in its class. It has 1 NHTSA recall campaign on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
How many recalls does the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid have?
1 NHTSA recall campaign matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Is the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid worth buying?
It scores 8.1/10 overall, ranking #67 of 135 hybrids in our database (better than 51% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
How much does the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid cost?
The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid starts at $33,940 and ranges up to $40,711 across trims (MSRP when new). At 42 MPG, expect roughly $1,250/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Which Sportage Hybrid years should you avoid?
No standout weak years: across the 4 Sportage Hybrid model years we've scored, every year lands within half a point of the best (8.1/10). Pick on price and condition rather than year.
What problems does the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid have?
The documented issues for the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid are its NHTSA recall campaigns, which involve: Electrical system (details in the recalls section above; repairs are free at dealers). For wear-and-tear patterns beyond recalls, owner forums are the best source — we only report what federal data documents.
Owner Essentials — Kia Sportage Hybrid
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Similar Hybrid to Consider
Other hybrids at a similar price point, ranked by Carivo score.
Representative photo — may show another model year
