By: Joshua Lee
March 7, 2023
It’s often exciting when we see automakers revamp their image, as it provides a new look for the brand and hopefully convinces buyers of the vision of new technology and car design. Kia has been working hard with a new logo back in 2021 and has been transforming their lineup into one with a more premium feel. Currently, Kia is offering three fully electric models, three hybrid models, and three plug-in hybrid models. Last year, we reviewed the Hyundai Tucson Ultimate Hybrid, which we believe is a strong contender if you were looking for a hybrid crossover, but what about its sister counterpart?
Kia Canada let us take their 2023 Kia Sportage PHEV EX Premium for the week to see what their redesigned crossover is like. Powering the Sportage PHEV is a 177 horsepower, 1.6L turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a 66.9 kW electric motor for a combined 261 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The Sportage also has a 6-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. With the extra kick from the electric motor, this crossover provides quick acceleration, and the hybrid system works well switching between different power sources. It’s not sporty by any means but it is responsive to drive and comfortable to be in.
Being a PHEV model, the Sportage has the benefit of travelling up to an estimated electric only range of 55 km and can be charged from 15%-100% in two hours using a level 2 (240V) charger. If you’re a new PHEV owner without a level 2 charger installed in your home, you can charge the Sportage using a regular 120V outlet but it will take you about half a day to get that 13.8 kWh battery pack charged. We tried to drive this crossover in EV mode as much as we could, but due to the frigid temperatures during our testing period, it mostly ran with the gas engine.
We really like the bold styling of the redesigned Sportage. Its boomerang-styled DRLs, wide grille, and smooth body lines give the SUV some distinctiveness over its sibling, the Tucson. Our Steel Grey EX Premium gives us 19-inch alloy wheels wearing 235/55R19 Kumho Wintercraft tires, LED multi-reflection headlights, a power liftgate, and a panoramic sunroof. There’s no significant difference compared to its gasoline counterpart; there are only two fuel caps on each side for electric charging and fuel.
The interior of the Sportage will certainly be a selling point, as two 12.3-inch displays serve as the driver’s display and infotainment system. The layout is simple, easy to read, and fairly easy to navigate between menus. Underneath the infotainment system, there is a touch-sensitive panel that switches between climate control and infotainment functions. The cabin is comfortable to be in, with heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, ambient lighting, and a six-speaker audio system. With a 3.4-inch longer wheelbase, rear passengers have lots of room to stretch out and have 977 litres of cargo space behind the 60/40 split folding bench, with a maximum of 1855 litres folded down..
According to Kia, fuel economy ratings for the Sportage are 6.6L/100KM city and 6.7L/100KM highway and combined when using the gasoline engine only. It can reach 2.8Le/100KM using both gasoline and electric. For our test, we got 7.0L/100KM.
The 2023 Kia Sportage hybrid/electric version has four trims. Starting with the HEV EX (hybrid) at $39,183, the HEV SX (hybrid) at $45,883, the PHEV EX Premium (plug-in hybrid) at $48,283, and the PHEV SX (plug-in hybrid) at $51,683. At the time of testing, our PHEV EX Premium has a total price of $47,245 including taxes and delivery.
Korean automakers are surely making their mark in premium quality vehicles. Kia has certainly impressed us with the range of vehicles they offer. With three variants of the Sportage, customers have the option to choose which one suits their lifestyle better. If your daily driving range is greater than the electric-only range of the PHEV, it’s better to go for the gasoline or hybrid version. However, we believe the Sportage PHEV is of great value as it’s well equipped, has a smooth powertrain, and has a futuristic exterior design that’s sure to stand out
