Kia Sportage PHEV; we test in depth the plug-in hybrid SUV that leads in technology and consumption

Kia has always been synonymous with reliability. It produces worthy products at a good price, and many drivers even desire them. They offer a wide range of powertrains, including diesel, petrol, plug-in hybrids, mild hybrids and pure electric. The Korean brand has taken care to offer mobility solutions in every segment, and it has succeeded. It is an easy brand to recommend, reliable, and it offers up to 7 years of warranty.

However, there is one model that fully represents the brand both in Spain and across Europe. It is a modern compact family SUV offered with every type of powertrain, a distinctive design and incredible equipment at an almost unbeatable price: the Kia Sportage, one of the brand’s flagship products, which manages to accumulate up to 100,000 annual sales.

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In our case we are testing the plug-in hybrid version in the mid-range TECH trim, which starts at a price of 45,900€. The most basic version, Drive, or the entry version starts at a price of 43,000€, and the highest or sportiest version is the GT-Line, which stands out for its specific front end, the sump guard and the two-tone bodywork with a black roof, and starts at a price of 52,000€.

Attractive exterior with light signature

This model has received a complete design update, giving it a more aggressive and distinctive look. Many of you already know it because it launched in 2022, but it now features new LED headlights that extend towards the corners and are complemented by boomerang-shaped daytime running lights, and a huge black grille that runs the full length of the front end.

It has a length of 4.51 metres, a height of 1.65 m, a width of 1.85 m and a wheelbase of 2.68 m. It weighs 1,905 kilos, almost 200 kilos more than the full electric hybrid version, which translates into a difference in dynamic behaviour and in consumption if the battery runs out of charge. In its side design you can see the contrasting roof and a new way of cutting the rising line that ends at the boot.

We also note a Type 2 connector of up to 7.4 kW of power located just above the right rear wheel, more than enough to charge its battery of slightly over 13.8 kWh of capacity, which provides a range, in fully electric mode of 70 km.

First difference: the boot

Plug-in hybrids have more mechanical components, so they have to sacrifice a little boot space. In this case, the PHEV version has 540 litres of capacity, whereas the full electric hybrid has 585 litres, expandable respectively up to 1,776 L and 1,715 L if you fold down the rear seats.

Quite complete interior

We see an interior very similar to the Tucson. There is a panoramic display which, in fact, consists of two 12.3″ touchscreens that never quite join together. Below is another touchscreen extending beneath the multimedia screen, where physical controls for ventilation functions or multimedia system control are still retained. The previous gear lever is replaced by a rotary dial located on the centre console panel with a glossy black finish.

It has nothing to envy, for example, from rivals such as the Qashqai or the Austral, which is one of the recent models we have liked most, but we could say it has a better perceived quality than the Kuga. On the dashboard there is a sort of extended leather that runs the full length, with air vents that give it a fairly modern touch.

Hybrid powertrain with 1.6 engine

If we focus on the heart of this PHEV, it has a 1.6 TGDI turbo petrol direct-injection four-cylinder engine paired with a 6-speed automatic gearbox and 180 CV, complemented by a disc-shaped 90 CV electric motor, giving a final output of 265 CV. This battery runs at 360 V instead of 270 V, leaving this version with 30 CV more power (only while the battery is charged). When the car is charged, it allows a range of 50-60 km in fully electric mode. If the battery is depleted, it becomes an HEV. Climate control can have a big impact on the range of the plug-in hybrid version.

Road test

Dynamically, these cars are above all very comfortable, with a smooth, composed ride that also handles winding roads very well. The dynamics improve further with the electronically controlled suspension (ECS), adding an extra touch of comfort and safety. This suspension continuously controls damping, reacting quickly to body and steering movements in order to counteract both pitch and body roll in corners. There are almost no jerks, no harsh knocks, and only a fairly pronounced gear change; it is a very refined vehicle with smooth power delivery.

In my opinion, I must say I am not a big SUV fan, but this car has it all and has been given a fresh, personal touch. All PHEV versions of the Sportage are 4×4, but not a 4×4 designed for off-road or rough terrain. It does not have very high underbody clearance and the suspension is somewhat mediocre. The 4×4 is greatly appreciated for traction and adds safety on the road, but obviously it is not a car for extreme routes.

It shows ridiculous consumption figures of between 4-4.5 litres per 100 km, provided the electric motor is engaged. Otherwise, having to haul 1,900 kilos with the 1.6 engine alone, consumption rises to 7-7.5 litres per 100 km. These figures would be reduced if the brake pedal regenerated a little more energy. These cars are economical if you have somewhere to plug them in, whether at home, at work or at a nearby point. If you have somewhere to plug in and want a 0 label, you would have every reason to buy a car like this; if not, I advise you to look at the HEV versions.

If we move to the rear seats, we find a very generous space, not to mention that they are among the largest in their category. If you put your feet under the seat there is not much room due to the electric seat system. The rear seats can also be reclined, and there are Type C connectors on the back of the front seats.

Image gallery Kia Sportage PHEV

Technical specifications of this car

Off-RoadKIA Sportage18 versions · from 36,190 €