The Ford Bronco Sport caused quite a stir when it hit the market in 2021. Despite the madness of car shortages and increased demand thanks to the pandemic, the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport was still an attractive package. However, when we come across the new Kia Sportage Hybrid and the new Ford Bronco Sport, we realize that there are other SUVs that could offer some interesting competition. The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid has two main advantages over the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport; mileage and gas price.
Does the Ford Bronco Sport get good gas mileage?
Even though gas prices have come down a bit since the summer, we all still remember the horrible prices that plagued us. As such, many SUV buyers are still very conscious of gas mileage.
The 2023 Ford Bronco Sport gets decent gas mileage at a total of 25 mpg, according to Consumer Reports. However, the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid, which uses a similar 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, gets much better gas mileage than the Sport’s base-model 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine.
The Sportage Hybrid not only makes 227 hp (46 more hp) with its hybrid motor than the Bronco Sport, but it also gets 36 mpg. More power and better fuel economy without having to fight 10 people with a stick at the dealership? Sure, the Kia isn’t quite as cool as the Bronco Sport, but heck, on paper, it looks pretty good.
2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid Price
The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid Comes Highly Recommended in Consumer Reports. It’s safe, reliable, efficient, and has a lower starting price than the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport. The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid starts at $27,290 and tops out at $42,990. The 2023 Bronco Sport starts at $29,215 and goes up to $44,695.
However, the Bronco Sport is much cooler than the Kia Sportage Hybrid.
It’s hard to catch Kia slipping. The Korean powerhouse is making cars and SUVs that hit what people want at affordable prices. However, Kia has yet to do anything that feels great to her. You might find yourself saying something like, “I mean, it’s great for a Kia.” However, the Bronco Sport is great.
The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid has an AWD drive option, but the Bronco Sport comes standard in AWD. Not only that, the rest of the Bronco Sport is made to make drivers feel like they own a true SUV, even though it’s built on the basis of the Ford Escape.
The reality is that while these two SUVs are quite similar, technically, the needle is tipping heavily in Kia’s favor. There’s still the feeling (and reality) that the Bronco Sport, despite its unibody construction, will make drivers feel great. It’s also hands down a better all-rounder. I seriously doubt most Bronco Sport owners are driving their small SUV, though, but the point is, they might.