2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid vs 2024 Lexus TX

The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid was built on the N3 platform, shared with the larger Kia Sorento, resulting in a significant size increase over the 2022 model. It was 7.1 inches longer with a 3.4-inch longer wheelbase, enhancing rear-seat legroom. The new Sportage was also about an inch taller and half an inch wider than its predecessor. Its styling took bold risks, featuring a radically designed front end with angular LED headlights and distinctive “boomerang” LED daytime running lights, giving it a unique appearance. The interior was centered around a large optional infotainment display, with a clean, minimalist design. However, the SynTex artificial leather upholstery felt somewhat cheap, despite Kia's promotion of it as an “animal-free” alternative.

The 2024 Lexus TX, based on the Toyota Grand Highlander, presented itself as a luxury SUV with a more upscale look. The Luxury trim featured striking 22-inch wheels, enhancing its presence. The styling was more conservative compared to other Lexus models, appealing to those who preferred a toned-down design. The TX came in various models, including the TX 350, TX 500h F Sport Performance, and TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid, with prices ranging from $55,050 to $69,350. The TX 350, likely the volume seller, offered a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with FWD or AWD. The interior, especially in the Luxury trim, boasted premium materials, though the dark Peppercorn interior felt a bit too somber despite the panoramic sunroof.

The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid featured a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and an electric motor, producing 227 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It offered FWD as standard on the LX trim, with AWD available, while the EX and SX-Prestige trims were AWD-only. The powertrain delivered smooth and predictable acceleration, with seamless transitions between electric and gasoline power. The Sportage Hybrid provided a quiet cabin and comfortable ride, although its steering felt nonlinear and heavy in Sport mode. It had a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds, slightly less than the non-hybrid version.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, generating 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. It accelerated to 60 mph in about eight seconds, offering adequate performance. The FWD model had a combined fuel economy rating of 23 mpg, though it averaged 20.4 mpg during testing. The AWD option improved traction but slightly reduced fuel efficiency. The TX 350’s suspension provided a balanced ride, with commendable body motion control and accurate steering. However, the brake pedal felt too soft, though it was easy to modulate for smooth stops.

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 dual-level cargo floor allowed for 39.5 cubic feet of space with seats up and 73.7 cubic feet with seats folded. The interior featured clever storage solutions, including a rotary shift knob and adaptable cupholders.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus’s three-row SUVs. The TX 350 Luxury trim included premium leather and suede upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, and a heated steering wheel. The third-row seat was spacious enough for adults, unlike previous models. However, sliding the second-row seat forward to accommodate third-row passengers compromised second-row comfort. The TX offered 20.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 97 cubic feet with seats folded. Storage solutions were plentiful, though some lacked lining, potentially causing noise.

The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid came with an 8-inch touchscreen featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a 12.3-inch screen available on higher trims. The panoramic display combined the infotainment and instrument cluster screens, offering a clean dashboard design. Hybrid models included multiple USB-C ports, wireless charging, and an upgraded Harman Kardon audio system on higher trims.

The 2024 Lexus TX featured an optional Technology Package with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel, head-up display, and more. However, the unmarked steering wheel controls were frustrating, especially with polarized sunglasses affecting the head-up display visibility. The Lexus Interface infotainment system, with a 14-inch touchscreen, offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a digital assistant and cloud-based navigation. The 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system provided excellent sound quality.

The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid lacked crash-test ratings at the time of testing. It included standard safety features like forward collision warning and lane keep assist, with more advanced tech available on higher trims, such as adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera system.

The 2024 Lexus TX was equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and more. Proactive Drive Assist was included but was not entirely transparent in operation. Additional features like blind-spot monitoring and traffic jam assist were available, though the system slowed too dramatically when other vehicles cut in.