2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid vs 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ

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, giving it a unique appearance. 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 Cadillac LYRIQ boasted striking exterior styling, reminiscent of the classic Seville with its long hood and low ground clearance. It featured vertical light bars with nine LED headlights that performed a light show upon unlocking. The grille had lighting effects, and the Sport trim had a dark triangular motif. The interior was meticulously detailed, with leather-wrapped seats, polished window switches, and a unique three-spoke steering wheel. However, the floating center console offered limited functionality, and the 33-inch OLED display, while impressive, didn't dominate the space. Despite its luxurious design, some elements, like the floating console, were less practical.

The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid was powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a single electric motor, producing a combined 227 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It offered both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options, with a smooth and predictable powertrain that provided robust acceleration. The transition between electric and gasoline power was seamless, and the well-tuned transmission ensured smooth shifts. The Sportage Hybrid had a maximum towing capacity of 2,000 pounds, slightly less than the non-hybrid version.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ, despite its sporty appearance, was more suited for long-distance comfort. It featured dual motors producing 500 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque for all-wheel drive, with a standard single rear motor option. The 102-kilowatt-hour battery pack offered a range of 314 miles with rear-wheel drive and 307 miles with all-wheel drive. However, the Lyriq's handling was hindered by its weight, affecting its agility and steering feel. The regenerative braking system was well-calibrated, but the lack of handling-enhancing features was noticeable. The Lyriq had a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds.

The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid offered competitive interior space, with slightly less headroom and cargo space than the non-hybrid version. It featured a dual-level cargo floor, providing 39.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats in place and 73.7 cubic feet with them folded. The Sportage Hybrid had clever storage solutions, including a rotary shift knob and adjustable cupholders, enhancing its practicality.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ, while spacious in terms of headroom and legroom, sacrificed cargo space for a roomy back seat. It offered 28 cubic feet of cargo space behind the seats and 60.8 cubic feet when folded. However, functionality issues, such as a difficult-to-access glovebox and a small center cubby, detracted from its practicality. The floating console and rotary selector for the touchscreen were less user-friendly, and some physical components seemed poorly integrated.

The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid came with an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while higher trims featured a 12.3-inch panoramic display. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with touch controls and analog knobs for audio and climate adjustments. Hybrid models included multiple USB-C ports, wireless phone charging, and an upgraded Harman Kardon audio system on higher trims.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ featured a 33-inch OLED screen with three sections, offering touch-enabled controls and a large, legible instrument cluster. The infotainment system ran native Google Maps and Google Assistant, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The Super Cruise system provided excellent hands-free driving capabilities, and the 19-speaker AKG stereo offered variable surround sound modes.

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 and lane keep assist, with additional driver-assist tech available on higher trims, including adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera system.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ also lacked crash-test ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS. It came with standard safety features such as forward automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist, with optional adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera system. The Safety Alert Seat provided tactile feedback instead of audible alerts.