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    Talking Cars 372: Driving the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid

    Plus, how significant are the benefits of all-wheel drive?

    Main theme: This week we share our test results on the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid. Previous testing revealed that the non-hybrid 2023 Sportage was “long on style and room, short on verve.” Does this hybrid version address the lackluster performance of the non-hybrid powertrain, while at the same time providing a hybrid’s benefit in fuel economy? We also discuss whether the small-SUV segment is particularly suited to the benefits that hybridization sometimes brings.

    Audience question: Is all-wheel drive (AWD) a real safety benefit or just overhyped? 

    Talking Cars 372 podcast panel
    “Talking Cars” panelists Gabe Shenhar, Jen Stockburger, and Keith Barry.

    Photo: Consumer Reports Photo: Consumer Reports

    As with other “Talking Cars” episodes, this one is available free through Apple Podcasts. (Subscribe to the audio or video.) You’ll also find the audio on Spotify (log-in required) and video on YouTube.

    Have a Question?

    We’d love to include it in a future show. Upload your video questions to our Dropbox folder. Please send high-definition (1920x1080) MP4 video files with high-quality audio. Or send an iMessage question to our [email protected] account.

    Talking Cars

    Browse the complete podcast archive for past shows.


    Jen Stockburger

    Jennifer Stockburger is the director of operations at the Consumer Reports Auto Test Center, focusing on the day-to-day operations of CR’s 327-acre testing facility as well as overseeing the child seat and tire test programs and contributing to CR’s comprehensive vehicle ratings. Jennifer joined CR in 2000; before that she gained auto industry experience as a tire test and fuel systems engineer, and has been a certified child passenger safety technician (CPST) since 2001.