2024 Hyundai Kona vs 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid

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 minimalist and elegant design. However, the SynTex artificial leather upholstery felt somewhat cheap, despite Kia's promotion of it as an “animal-free” alternative.

The 2024 Hyundai Kona was designed with an electric vehicle (EV) focus, evident in its appearance. The grille resembled that of the Ioniq 5, and the front end featured a single skinny LED headlight. The new Kona was nearly 6 inches longer than its predecessor, maintaining a recognizable silhouette but with noticeable changes like the creased “parametric surface” of the doors. The Kona lineup came standard with LED headlights, taillights, and daytime running lights. Inside, the cabin was updated with a driver-oriented center stack and a gear shift moved to a stalk on the steering column. The most significant update was the curved display housing both driver-information and infotainment screens.

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 (FWD) with optional all-wheel drive (AWD), while the EX and SX-Prestige trims were AWD-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, 500 pounds less than the non-hybrid version.

The 2024 Hyundai Kona retained its predecessor's engine lineup, with a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine for the SE and SEL trims, producing 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. The N-Line and Limited trims featured a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. The seven-speed dual-clutch transmission was replaced with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Kona offered standard FWD, with AWD available for an additional fee. The AWD option reduced EPA fuel economy estimates slightly.

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. The Sportage Hybrid featured a dual-level cargo floor, offering 39.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats in place and 73.7 cubic feet with them folded. The interior included a rotary shift knob, large bin for phones, and clever cupholders.

The 2024 Hyundai Kona's increased length resulted in improved rear-seat legroom, measuring 38.2 inches, and increased headroom to 38.3 inches with the sunroof. Cargo capacity expanded to 25.5 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 63.7 cubic feet with them folded. The Kona Limited featured a power hands-free liftgate. Inside, the cabin included a handy shelf on the passenger’s side of the dash and a “guardrail” on the wireless charging pad. The Kona offered cloth seats on SE and SEL trims, with leather/suede for N-Line and H-Tex leatherette for Limited.

The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid came with a standard 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The EX model featured 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. Hybrid models included four standard USB-C ports, with additional rear USB-C ports, wireless phone charging, and an upgraded Harman Kardon audio system available on higher trims.

The 2024 Hyundai Kona featured a standard 12.3-inch infotainment system touchscreen display across the lineup. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were initially available only on lower trims, with an OTA update promised for higher trims. The Kona included wireless device charging, a new Wi-Fi hotspot, and a Bose stereo system. Dual 12.3-inch screens created a panoramic view in the curved housing, optional with the Convenience Package and included with N-Line and Limited trims. Hyundai’s Bluelink connected services were standard on all 2024 Konas.

The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid's crash-test ratings were unavailable at the time of testing. The base LX trim included standard 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. The SX-Prestige trim offered adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, a blind-spot view camera, a 360-degree camera system, Remote Smart Parking Assist, and Highway Driving Assist.

The 2024 Hyundai Kona included standard Safe Exit Warning, blind-spot collision avoidance, and rear cross-traffic collision avoidance. High-beam assist was standard, with adaptive cruise control available on N-Line and Limited trims. The Limited trim featured Surround View Monitor and blind-spot view monitor. Hyundai’s Highway Driving Assist suite provided Level 2 semi-autonomous driving features, offering smooth lane-keep assist and a clear inventory of driver-assistance features.