2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid vs 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid

The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid was built on the N3 platform, shared with the larger Kia Sorento, resulting in a size increase over its predecessor. It was 18 centimetres longer, with a wheelbase extended by 8.6 centimetres, enhancing rear-seat legroom. The new model was also about 2.5 cm taller and a centimetre 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 centred around a large infotainment display, flanked by large air vents, and offered a minimalist, elegant look. The use of SynTex artificial leather was promoted as an “animal free” alternative, though it felt somewhat cheap. The SX trim included gloss black plastic trim, which quickly showed fingerprints and glare.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid, tested in Santa Barbara, California, presented a redesigned look with subtle differences between the RX 350 and RX 350h, except for the badge. The RX 500h F Sport Performance stood out with a blacked-out grille, matte-black 21-inch wheels, and aggressive styling. The RX models maintained a blunt-nosed design, with a wheelbase stretch that reduced rear overhang, making the SUV appear smaller. Inside, the RX adopted a cleaner, minimalistic appearance with 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 grey aluminum trim. The RX 350h started at $63,436 in Canada, while the RX 500h began at $83,086.

The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid was powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and a single electric motor, producing 227 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It came with standard all-wheel drive in Canada. The powertrain delivered smooth and predictable acceleration, with seamless transitions between electric and gasoline power. The well-tuned transmission provided smooth shifts and quick responses, contributing to a quiet cabin and comfortable ride. The Sportage Hybrid had a maximum towing capacity of 907 kilograms, slightly less than the non-hybrid version.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid offered two hybrid versions: the RX 350h and RX 500h F Sport Performance. The RX 350h featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque, with an expected fuel efficiency of 6.5 L/100 km. It accelerated to 100 km/h in about 7.5 seconds. The RX 500h F Sport Performance used a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, with an estimated fuel consumption of 8.6 L/100 km. It accelerated to 100 km/h in about 6 seconds. The RX 500h featured an adaptive damping suspension, upgraded brakes, and rear-wheel steering, providing a dynamic driving experience. However, the RX 500h's fuel economy fell short of expectations, averaging 11.3 L/100 km during testing.

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. Rear-seat legroom was best-in-class, tied with the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid. The dual-level cargo floor allowed for 1,118 litres of cargo space with the rear seats in place and 2,087 litres with them folded. The Sportage Hybrid featured a rotary shift knob, large bin for phones with USB ports, and clever cupholders.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid provided a comfortable interior with ten-way power-adjustable front seats, premium leather, and three-zone automatic climate control in the RX 350h Luxury. The RX 500h F Sport Performance had eight-way power-adjustable seats with larger side bolsters and standard heated and ventilated front seats. The battery pack placement under the rear seat resulted in excellent leg support but tight rear headroom. The RX offered 838 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat and 1,308 litres with the seat folded, an improvement over the previous model but still less than some rivals.

The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid featured a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen, with the SX trim adding a panoramic display combining the touchscreen with a digital instrument cluster. The system included wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with touch controls below the screen for audio and climate adjustments. Hybrid models had four standard USB-C ports, with additional ports and an upgraded Harman Kardon audio system available on the SX trim.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid introduced a new infotainment system, requiring subscription to connected services plans after trial periods. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, cloud-based navigation, and an Intelligent Assistant. The touchscreen displayed one menu at a time, with some reflection issues. The available head-up display included dual-function touch-sensing control pads on the steering wheel, which were difficult to use with polarized sunglasses.

The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid's crash-test ratings were unavailable at the time of testing. The base EX trim included standard safety features like forward collision avoidance, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. The SX trim added a blind-spot view monitor, 360-degree camera system, 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 was available, slowing the RX to maintain safe distances. The system had some irritations, such as the front cross-traffic alert and curve-speed reduction tech. Traffic Jam Assist and Advanced Park were also available.