2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid vs 2024 Lexus TX

The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid was built on the N3 platform, shared with the larger Kia Sorento, resulting in a size increase over its 2022 predecessor. It was 18 centimetres longer, with an 8.6-centimetre longer wheelbase, 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, setting it apart from other vehicles. The interior was centred around a large infotainment display, flanked by large air vents, and offered a minimalist, elegant look. SynTex artificial leather was used for upholstery, though it felt somewhat cheap, and the gloss black trim was prone to fingerprint smudges.

The 2024 Lexus TX, based on the Toyota Grand Highlander, presented a more upscale appearance. It featured 22-inch wheels in a silver finish, enhancing its presence. The styling was more conservative compared to other Lexus models, appealing to those who preferred a toned-down design. The TX came in various model series, with prices ranging from $72,036 to $87,486. The TX 350, likely the volume-selling version, was equipped with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and standard all-wheel drive. The Ultra Luxury package added premium features like ambient interior lighting and semi-aniline leather upholstery. The interior, though dark, was luxurious enough for a Lexus badge, with a quiet highway ride and commendable body motion control.

The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid was powered by 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 featured standard all-wheel drive in Canada and offered more horsepower than its non-hybrid counterpart and several competitors. The powertrain delivered smooth and predictable acceleration, with seamless transitions between electric and gasoline power. The Sportage Hybrid provided a comfortable ride, aided by a well-tuned transmission and quiet cabin. However, its steering felt artificially heavy in Sport mode, and it had a maximum towing capacity of 907 kilograms.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, generating 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. It accelerated to 100 km/h in roughly eight seconds, though it felt quicker due to its torque. The TX 350's fuel economy was rated at 10.3 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, but during testing, it averaged 13.8 L/100 km. The ride and handling were well-balanced, with a firm suspension providing a comfortable ride. The steering was accurate, and the interior remained quiet on the highway. The brake pedal, though soft, was easy to modulate for smooth stops.

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 added flexibility, with 1,118 litres of cargo space with rear seats in place and 2,087 litres with them folded. The interior featured clever storage solutions, including a rotary shift knob, large bin for phones, and adjustable cupholders.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUVs. It offered a comfortable interior with premium materials, though the front seats lacked a massage function. The second-row seat, while not as welcoming, featured triple-zone climate control and USB charging ports for all rows. The third-row seat was habitable for adults, with ample leg support and large side windows. The TX provided 572 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,625 litres with the third-row seats folded and 2,746 litres with the second-row seats down. The interior had numerous storage slots, though some lacked lining, potentially causing noise.

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 panoramic display was visually impressive and user-friendly, though Android Auto didn't utilize the entire screen. Touch controls below the screen offered a clean dashboard look, with controls switching between audio and climate functions. Hybrid models included four standard USB-C ports, with additional ports and an upgraded Harman Kardon audio system available on the SX trim.

The 2024 Lexus TX came with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a digital rearview mirror, with additional features in the Executive packages. The head-up display, though useful, had unmarked steering wheel controls that required referencing the display, which was problematic with polarized sunglasses. The Lexus Interface infotainment system featured a 14-inch touchscreen, with a Drive Connect subscription offering cloud-based navigation and a digital assistant. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, with easy connectivity. The TX offered free subscriptions to Service Connect and Safety Connect, with Remote Connect available for three years. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system provided impressive sound quality.

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 advanced features such as a blind-spot view monitor, 360-degree camera system, and Highway Driving Assist. The Remote Smart Parking Assist and blind-spot view camera were unique features not offered by competitors.

The 2024 Lexus TX was equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Proactive Drive Assist, part of LSS+ 3.0, provided braking and steering assistance, though it wasn't entirely transparent. The TX also featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and safe exit assist. The Executive packages offered additional features like front cross-traffic alert and traffic jam assist. The traffic jam assist system provided hands-free driving at low speeds on approved highways, though a higher-speed system wasn't available.