Which Kia Sportage Model Is Best for the Money?Kia (Kia)The Sportage has long offered great value for money, and the current model is no exception.There are plenty of features on the higher-trim models, but more basic trims have everything you actually need and then some.It's potentially worth paying the premium for plug-in-hybrid capability, especially with fuel prices so high.See Our Comprehensive Kia Sportage Make-Model PageShop New Cars | Shop Used CarsAdvertisementAdvertisementThe second-generation Sportage was a real game changer for Kia, arriving just as the company began its first real expansion into the North American market. Two decades later, the platform offers great value for money, spacious practicality, and styling that's a little more daring than you'd get from rivals. And, since we're talking value, there's one trim that's best here.Which Sportage Trim Level is the Best?Like many options in the hugely competitive compact crossover segment, the Sportage's base LX model comes with a headline-grabbing low MSRP. However, we'd recommend moving up on trim, regardless on whether you're going with the standard model's 187-hp four-cylinder or the peppier hybrid or plug-in-hybrid versions (227 hp and 261 hp, respectively). That'd be the Sportage EX.For $30,885, the EX gets you a wireless charging pad for your smartphone, a power liftgate, and heated seats. That's plenty for a less than 10 percent price bump over the basic car, which has a laundry list of standard features from a 12.3-inch touchscreen to front and rear parking sensors.What Options Should You Consider?With such a long list of standard features, Kia keeps the options list very simple. If you live in a state that gets snowy or slippery weather regularly, all-wheel drive adds an entirely reasonable $1800 to the tab. There's also a panoramic sunroof available for $1000, pretty much an industry-standard charge for letting a little more light into the cabin.What Do I Miss Out On in the Higher Trim Levels?Since the Sportage makes the most sense as a value proposition, it's not necessarily worth shelling out more for the more luxurious amenities of the X-Line and Prestige trims. The exception would be the plug-in hybrid models, which are only available in the top two trims. With these, you get a far punchier powertrain and 34 miles of battery-electric range. The Sportage X-Line PHEV starts at $40,490, but if you hate paying for fuel, it's both parsimonious on gasoline consumption and far more responsive to drive.AdvertisementAdvertisement➡️ Skip the lot. Let Car and Driver help you find your next car.Shop New Cars Shop Used CarsYou Might Also LikeGift Guide: Best Ride-On Electric Cars for KidsFuture Cars Worth Waiting For: 2025–2029
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