History/Overview
The Kia Sportage morphs into a new fifth generation for 2023, a redesign that includes the model’s first-ever plug-in hybrid (PHEV) option, which you’re reading about here. This is yet another big leap for a vehicle that has already made many major strides in performance, comfort, and design since its introduction nearly 30 years ago.
What’s New/Key Changes From Last Year
All-new model.
Available Trims
Kia offers the Sportage PHEV in EX and SX trim levels. In both, power is from a 1.6L turbo four-cylinder engine, a six-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive.
Standard Features
EX trim comes with LED headlights, fog lights, a heated windshield, rain-sensing wipers, a hands-free tailgate, passive keyless entry, and 19-inch wheels. Inside, there are heated front seats/steering wheel, dual-zone A/C, quilted leatherette upholstery, power/ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a 12.3-inch touchscreen with navigation, an auto-dimming mirror, and wireless phone charging.
Standard driver assists include adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, forward collision mitigation, lane keep/follow assist, blind spot monitor/collision prevention, rear cross traffic collision mitigation, and rear-seat occupant alert.
SX’s additions include LED taillights, digital gauges, a Harman Kardon stereo, rear collision mitigation, highway driving assist, blind spot/surround-view cameras, and remote park assist.
Fuel Economy
Kia’s fuel consumption estimates for the Sportage PHEV are 6.6/6.7 L/100 km (city/highway) when running as a gas-electric hybrid, and 2.8 Le/100 km in electric mode. Kia says the Sportage PHEV is capable of up to 55 km of electric driving on a full charge of its battery.
Competition
The Kia Sportage PHEV faces just a few direct competitors as we write this, including the mechanically similar Hyundai Tucson PHEV. There’s also the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, Ford Escape PHEV, Toyota RAV4 Prime, and Subaru Crosstrek PHEV.
