2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid vs 2023 Lexus GX

The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid, built on the N3 platform, showcased a significant size increase over its predecessor, enhancing rear-seat legroom with an 18-centimetre longer body and an 8.6-centimetre longer wheelbase. It was also taller and slightly wider, offering a more spacious interior. The exterior design took bold risks with angular LED headlights and distinctive “boomerang” LED daytime running lights, creating a unique front-end appearance. The interior featured a large infotainment display, flanked by air vents, and a minimalist design with SynTex artificial leather upholstery, although some materials felt less premium.

In contrast, the 2023 Lexus GX boasted a commanding presence with its large spindle grille and 206 millimetres of ground clearance. The Black Line Special Edition returned with limited units and exclusive paint options. Despite its luxury badge, the GX’s interior had a surprising amount of plastic, reflecting its low sales and manufacturing focus. However, it offered luxury touches like heated and cooled seats and impressive leather upholstery. The GX’s design leaned sleeker compared to other Toyota models, with a hood that provided better visibility for technical driving.

The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid featured a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and an electric motor, producing 227 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It came standard with all-wheel drive in Canada. The powertrain delivered smooth acceleration and seamless transitions between electric and gasoline power. The Sportage Hybrid offered a quiet cabin and comfortable ride, although its steering felt less composed in corners compared to competitors. It had a towing capacity of 907 kilograms.

The 2023 Lexus GX was powered by a 4.6-litre V8 engine, generating 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque through a 6-speed automatic transmission. While not the most powerful on paper, the V8 provided a satisfying driving experience with a linear power delivery. The GX had a towing capacity of 2,948 kilograms but lagged in fuel efficiency, with estimates of 16.2 litres per 100 kilometres in the city. Despite its weight, the GX offered predictable handling and strong brakes, aided by a Torsen limited-slip differential and a 4WD system.

The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid offered competitive interior space, with slightly less headroom and cargo space than its non-hybrid counterpart. It featured a dual-level cargo floor, providing 1,118 litres of space with seats up and 2,087 litres with seats folded. The interior design included a rotary shift knob and clever storage solutions, such as adjustable cupholders and a wireless charging bin.

The 2023 Lexus GX provided ample cubby space, with a deep centre console and convenient cupholders. It retained physical controls, favouring hard buttons over touch interfaces. The second row offered comfort with captain’s chairs, while the third row was tight for regular use. The GX had a side-hinged trunk door, offering 328 litres of cargo space with all seats up, expanding to 1,832 litres with seats folded.

The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid came with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, with the SX trim adding a panoramic display. It featured wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with touch controls for audio and climate settings. The SX trim offered additional USB-C ports and a Harman Kardon audio system.

The 2023 Lexus GX had a 10.3-inch touchscreen, an improvement over previous models, with standard features like SiriusXM and smartphone compatibility. However, its tech felt dated compared to other Lexus models. The GX excelled in off-road capabilities, with a 4WD system, KDSS suspension, and various driving aids.

The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid lacked crash-test ratings but included standard safety features like forward collision avoidance and adaptive cruise control. The SX trim added advanced features like a blind-spot view monitor and a 360-degree camera system.

The 2023 Lexus GX, despite its older design, included Lexus Safety System+ with features like automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. It lacked some advanced features but offered a solid suite of safety technologies.