Posted on September 8, 2023
The Kia Sportage is a compact crossover that drivers have long appreciated for its versatility and comfort. For the 2023 model year, the Sportage is entering a new generation. That means an all-new look, including a futuristic front-end design, a larger body that offers more room for cargo storage, and improved high-tech driver assist features. On top of all that, two new powertrains are also available for the 2023 Sportage: a traditional hybrid and a plug-in hybrid. The Sportage PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) is easily the most fuel-efficient option in the lineup, and its unique powertrain has a lot to offer all kinds of drivers.
You can find the Kia Sportage PHEV for sale here at Sherwood Kia, where we’re happy to give you all the knowledge you need to make an informed choice about your next vehicle. If you’re looking for a roomy interior paired with an efficient powertrain, then this hybrid SUV is a great choice. Since it’s an all-new model, we want to make sure you know about everything the 2023 Sportage PHEV has to offer. This buyer’s guide covers not only its electrified powertrain but also the many helpful features you’ll find both inside and out.
The non-hybrid 2023 Sportage offers a solid fuel economy rating for its class, getting 8.4 L/100 km combined. The 2023 Sportage Hybrid, which features a battery charged by regenerative braking rather than an external power source, is a significant upgrade, getting that figure down to 6.2 L/100 km combined. If you never charged the battery in your 2023 Sportage PHEV, it would fall between those two, getting you 6.7 L/100 km combined. But, of course, you shouldn’t buy a plug-in hybrid if you’re not planning on plugging it in. With gasoline and electric power working together, the 2023 Sportage PHEV gets a highly impressive rating of 2.8 Le/100 km. That can save you plenty of money over time and help you cut back on your dependence on fossil fuels.
The Sportage PHEV pairs an electric motor with a 1.6L turbocharged gas engine. Together, these two components can produce 261 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque for quick acceleration and thrilling action on the road. When you’re looking to optimize fuel economy rather than driving dynamics, you can switch to all-electric mode, a feature that allows you to drive for an estimated 55 km without using the gas engine at all. When you charge at a Level 2 charging station, which can be found in public or installed at home, you can go from 15% to 100% state of charge in as little as two hours.
The six-speed automatic transmission uses Shift By Wire technology, so it can act fast and provide a smooth transition between gears. Drive Mode Select is a standard feature that allows you to change the Sportage PHEV’s settings to match your preferred driving style. Changing between modes adjusts elements like the transmission shift points, throttle response, and steering, making it easy to find a level of responsiveness that makes you feel confident and fully in control behind the wheel. The 2023 Sportage PHEV also comes standard with all-wheel drive, which gives you better traction on slippery or uneven surfaces.
Inside, the 2023 Sportage PHEV comes standard with plenty of comfort and convenience features. Heated front and rear seats and a heated steering wheel help keep you warm in any weather, and a power-adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support pairs with a tilt and telescoping steering wheel to let you get a position that’s just right for your height and personal preferences. Dual-zone automatic climate control ensures that you and all your passengers will stay comfortable, with rear air vents and a rear floor heating duct serving those in the back seats. The front seats are air-cooled as well as heated, so you can keep sweat to a minimum on hot summer days.
On the tech side, the 2023 Sportage PHEV has standard keyless entry, Smart Key, and push-button start, so you don’t have to fish your fob out of your bag or pocket in order to get in and start the car. Controls mounted onto the steering wheel let you control the audio system without taking your eyes off the road or your hands off the wheel. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration let you use your favourite mobile apps through the vehicle’s infotainment interface, which includes physical controls as well as a 31 cm touchscreen display. In addition to a USB port, a wireless phone charger comes standard on both PHEV trims.
Upgrade from the EX Premium to the SX, and you’ll get a fully digital 31 cm instrument cluster that puts vital information where you need it. The high-resolution graphics are easy to understand at a glance, so you don’t get distracted behind the wheel. The SX trim of this electric vehicle also features a Harman Kardon premium audio system for improved sound quality.
The Sportage PHEV features roof rails that let you carry extra cargo up top, giving you a great way to transport everything from Christmas trees to kayaks. A heated windshield, heated side mirrors, and rain-sensing wipers work together to ensure that inclement weather won’t be able to obstruct your visibility. The windshield also features acoustic laminated glass to keep the noises of the outside world out for peace and quiet on the road. In the back, a smart power liftgate makes it easy to load cargo, even if your arms are full.
No matter which 2023 Sportage PHEV trim you choose, you’ll get plenty of modern driver assist tech to help you stay attentive and safe while on the road. Automatic headlights give you full visibility day or night. Advanced Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist prevents you from colliding with a vehicle in front of you, while the Lane Keep Assist System and Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance Assist keep you from swerving out of line and getting sideswiped. Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist comes in handy when backing out of a spot in a crowded parking lot. Front and rear parking sensors make it easy to stay aware of your surroundings when parking just about anywhere.
The SX trim has even more advanced features. The Blind-Spot View Monitor doesn’t just flash an icon when your blind spot is occupied but lets you clearly see what’s going on so you can react appropriately. Meanwhile, the Around View Monitor makes it easy to spot any obstacles while parking. Remote Smart Park Assist lets you tackle even the tightest parking spaces by allowing you to remotely command the Sportage PHEV.
Whichever trim you opt for, you’ll be able to use the Kia Connect app to enhance your driving experience. By linking your smartphone to your vehicle, you can lock and unlock the doors, honk the horn, and start the engine from afar. You can also use the app to check on diagnostics or the status of your battery. If you see that the electric power is running low, you can use the app to find nearby compatible charging stations.
If you’re looking for a spacious and fuel-efficient SUV, the new 2023 Sportage PHEV is a great choice. Both trim levels have plenty to offer, so you’ll be getting a quality vehicle no matter which one you choose. If you’re not sure which one is right for you or have questions about PHEV ownership, you can always contact us here at Sherwood Kia. We’ll be happy to get you all of the information you need and can even schedule a test drive so you can really get a feel for what it’s like behind the wheel of the new Sportage PHEV. We know you’ll like what you see.
Categories: Kia Sportage PHEV for Sale