What’s the Best 2027 Kia Sportage Hybrid Trim? Our Expert Guide Helps You DecideMotorTrendMiguel CortinaThu, September 24, 2026 at 1:00 PM UTCAdd us on GoogleWhat's the Best 2027 Kia Sportage Hybrid Trim?MotorTrend - MotorTrendIf you're in the market for a compact SUV, you're probably feeling a little overwhelmed by all the models from which to choose. But with gas prices still high, perhaps you're thinking a hybrid SUV would be your best bet, which narrows the options somewhat. Then, after browsing our MotorTrend list of the Best Compact Hybrid SUVs, you've landed on the 2027 Kia Sportage Hybrid, presently our top-ranked model in the segment. Good choice.Now you have one more big decision to make, namely picking which 2027 Sportage Hybrid to buy. Available in five trims, choosing the right one is arguably just as important as choosing the vehicle itself. To make things easier, we've broken down what each Sportage Hybrid trim offers, how much it costs, and which one we'd choose. Let's dig in.Kia2027 Kia Sportage Hybrid LXThe Sportage Hybrid comes relatively well equipped from the start. Every model is powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, producing a combined 232 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque. Those are healthy numbers for an SUV of this size, and the LX still delivers an EPA-rated 40/42/41 mpg city/highway/combined with front-wheel drive.AdvertisementAdvertisementWhen it comes to technology and convenience, the LX features dual 12.3-inch screens—one for the infotainment system and one for the digital instrument cluster. Kia's current infotainment system may not be best in class, but it offers more than the basics, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Having those features standard is a nice bonus.The comfort and convenience features continue with four USB-C ports, rear air vents, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and dual-zone automatic climate control.The biggest drawback to the LX is its limited selection of exterior colors. Kia offers it in Gravity Gray and Fusion Black, while Snow White Pearl costs an additional $495. Unfortunately, no other colors are available on this trim.As the least expensive Sportage Hybrid, the LX starts at $32,085. That's a very manageable price considering how much equipment comes standard.Kia2027 Kia Sportage Hybrid SIf the LX feels too basic, the next-level-up Sportage Hybrid S sweetens the deal. It includes everything from the LX while adding a bit more style and equipment.AdvertisementAdvertisementFor starters, six exterior colors are available, and the 17-inch wheels are replaced by 18-inch triangular alloy wheels finished in black. The exterior upgrades continue with a gloss-black grille and chrome surround. The S also gets heated sideview mirrors with turn signals, while the windows receive a gloss-black surround that looks considerably nicer than the plain plastic trim on the LX.Inside, the driver gets a 10-way power seat. Although the front passenger seat remains manually adjustable, both front occupants get heated seats. Like the LX, the S comes with cloth upholstery. The S also adds safety features such as blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and Kia's Safe Exit Warning, which warns occupants of approaching vehicles before they open a door.There are no mechanical differences between the LX and S, but the S is available with all-wheel drive, which isn't offered on the LX. Fuel economy for the front-wheel-drive model is the same as the LX, while the AWD version returns 35/36/35 mpg city/highway/combined.The S starts at $32,785, which is a reasonable price for the added equipment. For just $700 more, it makes more sense than the LX.Kia2027 Kia Sportage Hybrid EXSitting in the middle of the lineup, the EX adds plenty of features without becoming excessively expensive. If the S still feels too basic, the EX aims to be the sweet spot.AdvertisementAdvertisementIn addition to everything included with the S, the EX replaces the cloth seats with synthetic leather upholstery. It also adds a power liftgate and illuminated sun visor vanity mirrors. The driver and front passenger get one-touch automatic up-and-down power windows, too. Because the Sportage Hybrid already comes well equipped with technology, the EX doesn't add many tech features. It does, however, include a wireless phone charger, which is a convenient upgrade.Outside, the EX gets a different design for its 18-inch wheels, satin-silver window surrounds, and a temporary spare tire. A panoramic sunroof is optional, and choosing it also adds gloss-black roof rails.Fuel economy remains unchanged from the S, including on AWD models. With its added convenience features, the EX's $33,785 starting price isn't too shabby.Kia2027 Kia Sportage Hybrid X-LineIf the previous trims don't quite have the look you want, the X-Line could be the right choice—especially if you prefer a more rugged design in an SUV. The X-Line is primarily an appearance package, but Kia also gives it hardware that makes it more capable when the pavement ends. For starters, the X-Line comes exclusively with all-wheel drive. Its ground clearance increases from 7.1 inches to 8.3 inches, and it gets Snow, Sand, and Mud terrain modes to help drivers navigate challenging surfaces.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe exterior features exclusive 19-inch alloy wheels with a black finish, gloss-black roof rails, and unique front and rear styling. The front grille also receives a gloss-black finish.Inside, the X-Line doesn't add much over the EX, although the panoramic sunroof comes standard. It's also available with a technology package that adds several convenience features, including a 360-degree camera, front, rear, and side parking sensors, and Kia's Remote Smart Parking Assist. The latter can move the Sportage out of a tight parking spot using only the key fob. The package also includes navigation, an eight-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system, LED foglights, and power-folding sideview mirrors.Because the X-Line is available only with AWD, fuel economy is rated at 35/36/35 mpg city/highway/combined. Pricing also takes a noticeable jump, with the X-Line starting at $37,285. Adding the technology package brings the total to $39,785.MotorTrend - MotorTrend2027 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX PrestigeIf you want to check nearly every box, the SX Prestige is the trim to get. As the top model in the Sportage Hybrid lineup, it comes with all the good stuff, and no optional packages are available because it already includes everything Kia offers for the model.AdvertisementAdvertisementInside, the SX Prestige adds power front seats with ventilation, a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, and memory settings for the driver's seat and sideview mirrors. On the technology front, the SX Prestige gets a digital key, meaning you can use your smartphone to lock, unlock, and start the vehicle without a physical key. It also adds a head-up display and the Harman Kardon audio system offered in the X-Line.The exterior doesn't have the same rugged look as the X-Line. Instead, it more closely resembles the EX, while adding foglights, power-folding sideview mirrors, gloss-black roof rails and grille trim, and 19-inch alloy wheels with a black finish.When it comes to safety, the SX Prestige is fully loaded. In addition to the parking sensors and 360-degree camera, it gets automatic emergency braking with turn- and cross-traffic detection, evasive steering assist, smart cruise control with stop-and-go capability, and Kia's Highway Driving Assist 2, which can perform automatic lane changes on the freeway.As expected, the SX Prestige's price is high, given all the equipment it includes. At $42,185, there's still some value to be found, but it isn't as strong as what you get with the lower trims. Because it's available only with AWD, fuel economy remains at 35/36/35 mpg city/highway/combined.MotorTrend - MotorTrendMotorTrend's Take on the Sportage Hybrid Trim to GetNow that you've made your way through the pros and cons of each trim, it's time to decide which one is right for you. If it were our money, we'd choose the EX. It offers the best balance of price, comfort, and convenience without piling on features you may never use.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe EX covers the essentials, adds a few genuinely useful upgrades, and delivers the kind of equipment most buyers are looking for in a compact hybrid SUV. So, go for the middle-of-the-road trim and save yourself some dough, especially if you opt for one with front-wheel drive.
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