2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid vs 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid

The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid, built on the N3 platform, was notably larger than its predecessor, offering increased rear-seat legroom due to its 3.4-inch longer wheelbase. The model was 7.1 inches longer, an inch taller, and half an inch wider than the 2022 version. Its bold styling featured angular LED headlights and distinctive "boomerang" LED daytime running lights, setting it apart from other vehicles. The interior boasted a minimalist design centered around a large optional infotainment display, with SynTex artificial leather upholstery that felt somewhat cheap despite its "animal-free" promotion. The SX-Prestige trim included gloss black plastic trim, which, while initially attractive, quickly showed fingerprint smudges and glare.

In contrast, the 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid maintained a more traditional appearance, with the RX 350h Luxury model looking nearly identical to the standard RX 350, save for a badge on the liftgate. The RX 500h F Sport Performance stood out with its Copper paint, blacked-out grille, and aggressive styling. The RX's design was not considered stunning, with a blunt-nosed look and a wheelbase stretch that reduced rear overhang, making it appear smaller. Inside, the RX adopted a cleaner, minimalistic look with fewer controls and a new Lexus Interface infotainment system. The RX 350h Luxury featured Macadamia semi-aniline leather and Ash Bamboo wood trim, while the RX 500h F Sport Performance had artificial suede and dark gray aluminum trim, with an option for Rioja Red upholstery.

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 227 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. It offered both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options, with the latter standard on higher trims. The powertrain provided smooth acceleration and seamless transitions between electric and gasoline power, making it a pleasant drive. The Sportage Hybrid had a maximum towing capacity of 2,000 pounds, slightly less than the non-hybrid version.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid offered two hybrid models: the RX 350h and the RX 500h F Sport Performance. The RX 350h featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with a hybrid system, producing 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque, and was expected to average 36 mpg in combined driving. The RX 500h F Sport Performance, with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and a Direct4 AWD system, delivered 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, accelerating to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds. However, it was less fuel-efficient, averaging 20.9 mpg during testing. The RX 500h offered a dynamic driving experience with its adaptive damping suspension and rear-wheel steering, while the RX 350h provided a quieter, more fuel-efficient ride.

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 rear passengers. 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 also featured a rotary shift knob, large storage bins, and clever cupholders.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid provided a comfortable interior, especially in the RX 350h Luxury trim with its ten-way power-adjustable seats and premium leather. The RX 500h F Sport Performance had eight-way power-adjustable seats with larger bolsters and standard-grade leather. The battery placement under the rear seat resulted in excellent leg support but tight headroom. The RX offered 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 46.2 cubic feet with them folded, an improvement over the previous model but still less than some rivals.

The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. Higher trims offered a 12.3-inch touchscreen and a panoramic display with a digital instrument cluster. The 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.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid introduced a new infotainment system, requiring subscription services for full functionality. The Lexus Interface offered cloud-based navigation and an Intelligent Assistant, though it had some limitations. The system's single-screen view and lack of a tuning knob were drawbacks, and the head-up display was difficult to see with polarized sunglasses. The RX also featured dual-function touch-sensing control pads on the steering wheel, which could be distracting.

The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid's safety features included forward collision warning, lane keep assist, and a driver attention monitor on the base LX trim. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and a 360-degree camera system. The SX-Prestige trim offered advanced features like Remote Smart Parking Assist and Highway Driving Assist.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid came with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, and intersection turn assistance. Proactive Driving Assist helped maintain safe distances and speeds, while Traffic Jam Assist allowed for low-speed, hands-free driving. The RX also offered Advanced Park, a semi-autonomous parking technology.