2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid vs 2024 Chevrolet Traverse

The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid was built on the N3 platform, shared with the larger Kia Sorento, resulting in a noticeable size increase over its 2022 predecessor. It was 7.1 inches longer, with a 3.4-inch longer wheelbase, enhancing rear-seat legroom. The new model was also about an inch taller and half an inch wider. The Sportage Hybrid featured a bold design with angular LED headlights and distinctive “boomerang” LED daytime running lights, setting it apart from other vehicles. The interior was centered around a large optional infotainment display, with a clean, minimalist design. While the base models had cloth seats, higher trims offered SynTex artificial leather, which felt somewhat cheap. The SX-Prestige trim included gloss black plastic trim, which quickly showed fingerprints and glare.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse was available in four trims: LS, LT, Z71, and RS, with the Z71 being a new addition for moderate off-roading. It was not designed for extreme terrains like the Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco but could handle reasonably rugged paths. The Traverse's pricing was competitive, starting at $38,995 for the LS and reaching $55,595 for the RS. The Z71 model, priced at $47,795, featured gloss black-painted 18-inch alloy wheels and Iridescent Pearl Tricoat paint. The interior had a Jet Black theme with "Torch Red" accents, and while synthetic leather was optional, the standard cloth seats were comfortable. The Traverse offered a smooth ride, even with all-terrain tires, and had a quiet cabin with minimal tire noise.

The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid was powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and an electric motor, producing a combined 227 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The base LX trim offered standard front-wheel drive with optional all-wheel drive, while the EX and SX-Prestige trims were all-wheel drive only. The powertrain provided smooth and predictable acceleration, with seamless transitions between electric and gasoline power. The Sportage Hybrid had a maximum towing capacity of 2,000 pounds, which was 500 pounds less than the non-hybrid version. The ride was comfortable, with a quiet cabin and well-tuned transmission, although the steering felt artificially heavy in Sport mode.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse replaced its previous 310-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque. This new engine offered more power and torque than the discontinued V6. All-wheel drive was optional on all trims, with the Z71 featuring a more advanced system. The Traverse provided acceptable acceleration and passing power, with a pleasant exhaust note. The steering was adequate for general driving, though the vehicle's length was noticeable. The ride quality was excellent, even with the Z71's all-terrain tires and extra ground clearance. The brakes were progressive, and the stop-and-start feature was seamless. Fuel economy estimates ranged from 18 mpg city to 26 mpg highway for the Limited with FWD.

The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid offered competitive interior space, with slightly less headroom and cargo space than the non-hybrid version. It provided more front-seat headroom than the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 hybrids but less for second-row passengers. Rear-seat legroom was best-in-class, tied with the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid. The dual-level cargo floor allowed for 39.5 cubic feet of space with the rear seats up and 73.7 cubic feet with them folded. The Sportage Hybrid featured a rotary shift knob, large storage bins, and clever cupholders, enhancing practicality.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse's base LS model came with seating for eight, while the LT, Z71, and RS offered seven seats with second-row captain’s chairs. The Smart Slide second-row seats were easy to use, and the power-folding third row was standard on the RS. Cargo volume was 22.9 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 96 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The Traverse had numerous storage compartments, including a hidden area under the center console. Visibility was generally good, though the third row felt a bit enclosed. The Z71 model featured a power-operated driver’s seat, but the front passenger seat had manual controls.

The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid came with an 8-inch touchscreen featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The EX model upgraded to a 12.3-inch touchscreen, while the SX-Prestige had a panoramic display combining a 12.3-inch screen with a digital instrument cluster. The panoramic display was visually impressive and user-friendly, though Android Auto didn’t utilize the entire screen. The Sportage Hybrid included touch controls for audio and climate, four USB-C ports, optional wireless charging, and an upgraded Harman Kardon audio system on higher trims.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse featured a standard 17.7-inch infotainment touchscreen with rapid response times and simple menus. An 11-inch digital instrument display provided configurable information, aiding navigation. The system ran on Google-based software, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Z71 model included a wireless charging pad that securely held phones. Physical controls for volume and HVAC functions were retained, though the driving mode button was less accessible. The Traverse introduced Super Cruise, a hands-free driving aid, which expanded its functionality to single-lane roads.

The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid had not been crash-tested by the IIHS or NHTSA at the time of review. The base LX trim included forward collision warning, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and a driver attention monitor. The EX trim added blind-spot monitoring and safe-exit warning, while the SX-Prestige offered adaptive cruise control, a blind-spot view camera, a 360-degree camera system, Remote Smart Parking Assist, and Highway Driving Assist.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse had not undergone crash tests by the NHTSA or IIHS. However, it came equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver aids, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, traffic-sign recognition, and a surround-view parking camera. These features provided peace of mind during the test drive.