2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid vs 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander

The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid was built on the N3 platform, which it 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 design that was more elegant than its competitors. However, the SynTex artificial leather upholstery felt somewhat cheap, despite Kia's promotion of it as an “animal-free” alternative.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander was a true crossover built on the TNGA-K platform, sharing its underpinnings with the regular Highlander and other Toyota models. It was a large vehicle, measuring 201.4 inches in length with a 116.1-inch wheelbase, offering a spacious interior. The design was more conservative and blockier, drawing inspiration from rugged vehicles like the 4Runner. Inside, the Grand Highlander offered Softex synthetic leather on the XLE trim, with real leather available on higher trims. The interior was comfortable, with ample head, leg, and shoulder room in every row, making it a suitable choice for long road trips.

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 total of 227 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It offered both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options, with the latter being standard on higher trims. The powertrain delivered smooth and predictable acceleration, with a seamless transition 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 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander offered three engine options: a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 265 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid with 245 combined net horsepower, and the Hybrid Max powertrain with 362 combined net horsepower and 400 combined net pound-feet of torque. The Grand Highlander was available with both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, except for the Hybrid Max, which was AWD-only. The Hybrid Max provided impressive acceleration, with a zero-to-60 time of 6.3 seconds. The Grand Highlander’s brakes were solid, and the vehicle offered three drive modes: Sport, Eco, and Normal, with additional modes for AWD-equipped models.

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 was well-utilized, with a rotary shift knob and clever cupholder designs.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander was larger than its primary rivals, with a total cargo capacity of 97.5 cubic feet. It offered 57.9 cubic feet of space behind the second-row seats and 20.6 cubic feet with all three rows up. The Grand Highlander was comfortable, with good outward visibility and ample space in every row, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. Higher trims featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen and a panoramic display combining the infotainment screen with a digital instrument cluster. The system was user-friendly, with touch controls and analog knobs for audio and climate adjustments. The Sportage Hybrid also offered multiple USB-C ports and an upgraded Harman Kardon audio system on higher trims.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with an intelligent assistant available via a connected-services subscription. The system included dual-device Bluetooth connectivity, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an 11-speaker JBL stereo on higher trims. Streaming audio integration and a Wi-Fi Connect package were also available, offering a comprehensive tech experience.

The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid had not been crash-tested by the IIHS or NHTSA at the time of review. It offered standard safety features like forward collision warning, lane keep assist, and a driver attention monitor. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and a 360-degree camera system, among other advanced features.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS either. However, it came with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, which included automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, and adaptive cruise control. The system also featured road-sign recognition and blind-spot monitoring, providing a comprehensive suite of safety features.