The KIA Sportage is one of the preferred options of Spanish customers in the C-SUV segment. Now, the flagship model of the Korean brand receives for the first time a plug-in hybrid version with an exceptional electric range and great qualities as a family vehicle.
Despite the revolutionary design change of its fifth generation, the Kia Sportage it remains one of the most popular SUVs on the market. In Spain, at the start of this 2022 the new Sportage has exceeded 9% of the market share in the private channel within its segment, only surpassed by the Hyundai Tucson with which it shares many technical components.
It is a remarkable result considering that at its commercial launch the KIA SUV was only on sale with the gasoline and HEV versions. Now the Seoul manufacturer increases the range with the arrival of diesel and PHEV variantswhich will group around 35% of the demand, which could lift the Sportage to the top of the sales classification.
This new plug-in hybrid version has caught our attention during the press presentation event that the brand has organized in Valladolid. Evidence KIA’s commitment to electrificationan interest that is especially evident in this segment since the Sportage PHEV is actually the third plug-in hybrid C-SUV of the brand: with other cards, the Xceed PHEV and the Niro PHEV also play in this category.
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In this way the Sportage presents a complete mechanical offer with gasoline and diesel versions both with and without semi-hybridization, non-plug-in hybrid and the new plug-in hybrid. Posts to ask would only lack a 100% electric variant that will not be present in this generation and whose gap covers the e-Niro.
What’s new in the Sportage PHEV compared to other versions
The provocative style of the new generation of KIA’s SUV remains unchanged. In the version with plug-in mechanics, we will not find any aesthetic difference except for the refill cover on the right rear wing, the PHEV inscription on the tailgate and the design of the 19-inch wheels. Nor do their external dimensions change, maintaining their 4.51m long that give it a versatility of use both in the city and on the road.
The PHEV version of the Korean model features a 540 liter capacity boot. That’s 47 less than the non-plug-in hybrid Sportage, but it’s still generous volume for a PHEV of its size and still very useful in family use. It preserves the double bottom so you can play with the space by placing low objects at the bottom. By folding down the rear backrests, a space of 1,715 liters is achieved.
Inside, the front seats offer all the usual comforts in the new Sportage. The SUV stands out for offering a slightly curved driving position that integrates two 12.3-inch screens. One, the digital instrument panel. The other, the KIA Connect multimedia system with browser and connected services.
Available with Drive, Tech and GT-Line finishesthe endowment of the KIA plug-in hybrid can include full LED headlights, tri-zone climate control, heated steering wheel, keyless access and start system, wireless charger for smartphones, panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats or a Harman Kardon premium audio system .
In the same way, safety equipment is plentiful and can be equipped with a front center airbag, 360-degree camera system, navigation-based smart cruise control, blind spot assist, rear cross traffic alert, intersection forward collision avoidance assist or limit sign recognition system of speed
However, there are differences in the habitability of the second row. Legroom in the rear seats is smaller., about 4 cm less than in the other versions of the Sportage. In the height and width dimensions there are no modifications and the utility elements present are notable with USB sockets, hooks for bags, hangers for jackets, a folding armrest and heated end seats.
Logically, the most interesting part of this version corresponds to the technical section. The KIA Sportage PHEV combines a 180 hp 1.6 T-GDI petrol engine with a 66.9 kW (91 hp) electric motor associated with a six-speed torque converter automatic gearbox. Between both propellants they generate a combined power of 265 hp and a maximum torque of 350 Nm.
That abundant cavalry translates into outstanding performance. The Korean plug-in hybrid is capable of passing 0 to 100 km/h in 8.2 seconds, reaches a maximum speed of 191 km/h and allows overtaking with solvency. Even pressing the right pedal fully, the response is not intense but progressive, as if the vehicle were trying to treat the occupants with care.
With the KIA SUV, you can change the parameters of the address, the throttle response, the operation of the transmission and the setting of the damping if the electronic suspension control is equipped through the Eco and Sport driving modes. Curiously, there is no intermediate option as it happens with other Sportage engines. The paddles on the steering wheel are only available on the GT-Line finish.
A Sportage PHEV cheaper than the Sportage Diesel? With MOVES it is possible
All versions of the Sportage PHEV are tied to a standard all-wheel drive system that provides greater agility by performing dynamic driving. It also gives an advantage when driving on slippery surfaces – for example on a snow break – or on unpaved roads of low difficulty. Of course, it does not pretend to be an SUV with great offroad abilities, neither for dimensions nor for the ground clearance of 17 cm, although if things get complicated there is a traction mode selector to help us out of trouble.
The high-voltage battery pack is located on the floor of the vehicle, between the two axles, to maintain a low center of gravity. Is a lithium polymer battery with 13.8 kWh gross capacity, 360 V, 38.3 Ah and a weight of 140 kg. This leads the Korean SUV to exceed 1,830 kg on the scale, a remarkable mass that, however, is not too noticeable on the go.
The battery allows the plug-in SUV to boast a 70 km electric range in the WLTP cycle, a great result that allows you to carry out most daily journeys without spending a drop of fuel. The Sportage PHEV comes with a 7.2 kW on-board charger that enables a recharge time of 2 hours 20 minutes.
One detail that I don’t usually like about PHEVs is that they usually have a small fuel tank. It is not important in the daily journeys that will generally be covered in electric mode, but when traveling it does imply a reduced autonomy and, therefore, frequent stops at the gas station. In this case, KIA has not made the mistake and has opted for a reasonable 42 liter fuel tank.
The KIA Sportage PHEV is for sale from 33,750 euros, a price that includes the MOVES Plan and the introductory and financing offers (from 44,305 euros without discounts). It is a very competitive rate if you meet the requirements to benefit from the discounts because in that case can be less expensive than diesel versions or the similarly equipped non-plug-in hybrid.