The 2023 Kia Sportage PHEV is the newest electric vehicle to join the South Korean brand’s award-winning SUV portfolio. The turbocharged Sportage PHEV builds on the foundation built by the Sportage HEV, offering remarkable efficiency with a 13.8-kWh battery and a projected all-electric range (AER) of 32 miles.
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The new Sportage comes with a 66.9-kW electric motor
“The first Sportage PHEV to be introduced in the U.S. demonstrates that Kia is listening to our consumers who are asking for electrified solutions and super-efficient powertrains, and Sportage delivers on that promise in a sophisticated, refined package,” said Sean Yoon, president and CEO, Kia America and Kia North America. “As Kia continues to implement our Plan S strategy and push toward carbon neutrality, models like Sportage PHEV are paving the way.”
The Sportage, the Kia brand’s lengthiest model, had its most major update to date when the fifth generation was introduced in November 2021. The 2023 Sportage was created as part of Kia’s new worldwide brand reinvention, “Movement that Inspires,” and offers more of everything to today’s intelligent, adventurous, and environmentally responsible customers.
The Kia Sportage PHEV adds two design-focused X-Line trim levels to the Kia subcompact SUV roster, both of which come standard with all-wheel drive. The Sportage PHEV is expected to hit the market in the third quarter of 2022, with the price to be revealed closer to the vehicle’s launch.
Electric performance and powertrain
A 1.6-liter, 177-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine provides power for the 2023 Sportage PHEV, which is augmented by a 66.9-kW electric motor and 13.8-kWh lithium-polymer battery. Downhill Brake Control is included, as is a 6-speed automatic gearbox with variable driving modes (DBC).
A 7.2 kW high-efficiency onboard charger provides charging, with the greatest potential power density of 1.53 kW/l. When connected to a Level-2 charger, the Sportage PHEV’s battery will be completely charged in around two hours. The Sportage PHEV’s standard Integrated Electronic Brake (IEB) combines hydraulic pressure generating and control functions.
The computerized management of the motor provides a linear braking sensation, and the Sportage PHEV has a better regenerative braking recovery rate than its rivals. The Sportage PHEV’s EPA fuel-efficiency ratings will be released closer to the vehicle’s on-sale date.
The Sportage PHEV chassis is built on the same “N3” platform as the Sorento and has hot-stamped components and ultra-high-strength steel for higher average tensile strength and torsional stiffness. Road, wind, and engine noise are reduced thanks to sound absorbent and insulating materials.
The 2023 Sportage PHEV, like other fifth-generation Sportage models, is currently one of the biggest SUVs in its class. The Sportage PHEV offers best-in-class back legroom of 39.5 inches and a rear load capacity of 34.5 cu.-ft., giving rear passengers plenty of room to relax.
2023 Kia Sportage PHEV trims, design and technology
The Sportage PHEV is available in two model levels, both of which are well-equipped: X-Line PHEV AWD and X-Line Prestige PHEV AWD. Exterior characteristics include distinctive front and rear bumpers with a satin chrome surround, gloss black side mirrors, roof rack, and window surrounds, and 19-inch gloss-black alloy wheels that combine athletic and tough aesthetic cues.
The Sportage PHEV has a striking exterior that creates a lasting impression with contrasting components, as it incorporates all of the aspects of Kia’s “Opposites United” design concept. Rugged, sheer shapes contrast with smooth, soft surfaces.
Kia’s trademark Tiger Nose grille, which includes a floating design and unmistakable “boomerang” daytime running lights, is front and center on the Sportage PHEV. LED taillights are also standard on the Sportage PHEV. Around the back, muscular shoulders flow into modern “notch-shaped” taillights, which are linked by a thin black logo over the tailgate.
The inside of the Sportage PHEV is inspired by high-end outdoor items, furnishings, and contemporary architecture, transforming the cabin into a delightful living area. The futuristic driver cockpit has a dual panoramic curved display that links two displays for a total viewing area of roughly 25 inches (12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, 12.3-inch infotainment screen).
The Sportage has a plethora of standard and optional infotainment options to keep drivers connected, confident, and informed, which matches the substance and quality of the high-tech cabin.
Both grades come standard with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, as well as an intuitive touchpad with temperature and audio settings that rests underneath the infotainment screen. A 360-degree Surround-View Monitor with a 3D perspective is offered, giving you a bird’s-eye view of the vehicle’s surroundings.
The Sportage X-Line Prestige PHEV AWD comes equipped with a Harman/Kardon premium audio system.
Available Kia Connect services provide enhanced integrated connection to elevate the customer experience, including the option to charge remotely using the Kia Access smartphone app.
Kia Connect features a Wi-Fi Hotspot9 that can connect up to five devices to 4G LTE-based internet, over-the-air map updates, stolen vehicle tracking and immobilization, and Connected Routing, which is a cloud-based system that calculates the best route using real-time maps and predicted traffic info based on historical data and AI to learn the preferred routes of users.
