Kia Sportage PHEV 2023

 Kia introduced the fifth-generation 2023 Sportage for the US at the end of last year, and it teased that the market would also receive "electrified versions." Kia is making good on its promise with the 2023 Sportage PHEV. It joins the standard hybrid as another electrified model. The big story with the new crossover lies under the hood of Kia's longest-running nameplate.

Kia offers the new Sportage SUV with a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) power train for the first time, which will bring an all-electric range of 32 miles to the popular compact crossover. The automaker notes that PHEVs like the Sportage and larger Sorento, along with the brand-new all-electric EV6, are helping it pave the way to a fully electrified future. 

The 2023 Kia Sportage PHEV is available in two trim levels: X-Line PHEV AWD and X-Line Prestige PHEV AWD. Both trims pair a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with an electric motor to provide excellent fuel economy and standard all-wheel-drive (AWD).

Powertrain aside, the Kia Sportage PHEV resembles the rest of the Sportage lineup and uses the same N3 platform in use on the other Sportage models as well as the Sorrento. That means like its siblings, it offers 39.5-inches of rear-seat legroom and 34.5 cubic feet of rear cargo capacity, making it one of the most spacious SUVs in the compact class.  

The Sportage PHEV takes the high road in terms of features and amenities, however, and will only be offered in two well-equipped trims: X-Line PHEV AWD and X-Line Prestige PHEV AWD. X-Line details include exclusive 19-inch wheels, gloss-black side mirrors, roof rack and window surrounds, and unique front and rear bumpers with a satin chrome surround.

The 2023 Kia Sportage PHEV goes on sale in the third quarter of this year. Kia says it will provide more details about the crossover, like its price and fuel economy rating, closer to its on-sale date.

- Overall length is 7.1 inches longer than the previous generation, with a 3.4-inch longer wheelbase

- Taller and wider by a half inch compared to the previous generation

- Class-leading rear legroom with 41.3 inches of room

- Best-in-Class rear cargo capacity of 39.5 cu-ft. of space

- Dual level cargo floor

The Sportage Hybrid blends performance and efficiency with an optimized powertrain:

- 1.6-liter turbo GDI engine

-  44kW permanent magnet electric motor

- High-output 1.49 kWh lithium-ion battery

- 6-speed automatic transmission with rotary style shifter

- Combined 226 horsepower (targeted)

- Up to 39 mpg in FWD (targeted)

- Class-leading 2,000lb towing capacity

- Active AWD is standard on EX and SX-Prestige trims, while LX is available with a choice of FWD and Active AWD

- Active AWD system uses electro-hydraulic coupling with center-locking differential to actively distribute power between the front and rear wheels depending on road and driving conditions

- E-Handling uses the hybrid motor to deliver a confident driving experience

- Standard paddle shifters and Drive Mode Select with ECO, Sport, Smart and Snow modes

Like nearly every new model these days, the redesigned 2023 Kia Sportage receives a significant base-price bump over its predecessor. The LX trim starts at $27,205, a $1900 increase over the outgoing 2022 model. The mid-level EX, though, is $29,205, which is actually $400 cheaper than it was last year.

The Sportage X-Pro is also a new model that features all-terrain tires and the same appearance tweaks as the X-Line. It starts at $36,205 and offers a Prestige package with extra equipment for $1800. All-wheel drive is standard here too, as you would expect for an off-road model.

Kia says that 2023 Sportage models are starting to arrive in the U.S.