2023 Kia Sportage PHEV expands the breadth of Kia electrified SUVs

Kia recently unveiled the 2023 Sportage PHEV, the latest electrified model to join the lineup of award-winning SUVs. Building upon the foundation laid by the Sportage HEV, the turbocharged Sportage PHEV offers outstanding efficiency, with a 13.8-kWh battery and targeted all-electric range (AER) of 32 miles.

“The first Sportage PHEV to be introduced in the U.S. demonstrates that Kia is listening to our consumers who are asking for electrified solutions and super-efficient powertrains, and Sportage delivers on that promise in a sophisticated, refined package,” said Sean Yoon, president and CEO, Kia America and Kia North America. “As Kia continues to implement our Plan S strategy and push toward carbon neutrality, models like Sportage PHEV are paving the way.”

As the longest running nameplate from the Kia brand, the Sportage underwent its most significant change to date as the fifth generation was unveiled in November 2021. Developed as part of Kia’s new global brand transformation, “Movement that Inspires,” the 2023 Sportage delivers more of everything for today’s savvy, adventurous and eco-conscious consumers. Sportage PHEV augments the Kia subcompact SUV lineup with two design-focused X-Line trim levels that come standard with all-wheel drive. The Sportage PHEV is planned to go on sale in the third quarter of this year and pricing will be announced closer to the vehicle’s on-sale date.

Plugged In to the Needs of the Subcompact SUV Market

Power for the 2023 Sportage PHEV is supplied by a 1.6-liter, 177-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine, supplemented by a 66.9-kW electric motor and 13.8 kWh lithium polymer battery. A 6-speed automatic transmission with selectable drive modes is standard, as is Downhill Brake Control (DBC).

Charging is accomplished courtesy of a 7.2 kW high-efficiency on-board charger, with the best possible power density at 1.53 kW/ℓ. When connected to a Level-2 charger, the Sportage PHEV will take approximately two hours to fully replenish its battery. Integrated Electronic Brake (IEB), standard on the Sportage PHEV, combines hydraulic pressure generation and control functions. Linear braking feel is realized by the electronic control using the motor, and the Sportage PHEV offers a higher recovery rate of regenerative braking, versus its competitors. EPA fuel economy ratings for the Sportage PHEV will be announced closer to the vehicle’s on-sale date.

Underpinned by the “N3” platform found in the Sorento, the Sportage PHEV chassis comprises hot-stamped parts and ultra-high-strength steel for increased average tensile strength and torsional stiffness. Sound absorbing and insulating materials minimize road, wind, and engine noise. Like all fifth-generation Sportage models, the 2023 Sportage PHEV is now one of the largest SUVs in its class. With best-in-class rear legroom of 39.5 inches and rear cargo capacity of 34.5 cu.-ft., the Sportage PHEV provides rear passengers with space to relax.

X-Line: A Balancing Act in Design and Technology

The Sportage PHEV is offered in two comprehensively equipped trim levels: X-Line PHEV AWD and X-Line Prestige PHEV AWD. X-Line styling cues blend sporty and rugged exterior features, including unique front and rear bumpers with a satin chrome surround; side mirrors, roof rack and window surrounds finished in gloss black; and 19-inch, gloss-black alloy wheels.

Bearing all the elements of the Kia “Opposites United” design philosophy, the Sportage PHEV has a distinctive appearance that leaves a lasting impression with contrasting elements. Smooth, soft surfaces are offset by rugged, sheer forms. Front and center on the Sportage PHEV is Kia’s signature Tiger Nose grille, which features a floating design and distinct “boomerang” daytime running lights. The Sportage PHEV also has standard LED taillights. Muscular shoulders around the rear flow into futuristic “notch-shaped” taillights, which are connected by a thin black graphic across the tailgate.

Inspired by high-end outdoor products, furniture, and modern architecture, the interior of the Sportage PHEV transforms the cabin into a pleasant living space. The futuristic driver cockpit with available dual panoramic curved display connects two screens for nearly 25-inches of viewing (12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, 12.3-inch infotainment screen).

To match the content and quality of the high-tech interior, the Sportage abounds with standard and available infotainment features to keep drivers connected, confident, and informed. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard on both trims, as is an intuitive touchpad with climate and audio controls that sits beneath the infotainment screen. An available 360-degree Surround-View Monitor with 3D view provides a bird’s-eye view of vehicle surroundings. A Harman/Kardon premium audio system is standard on Sportage X-Line Prestige PHEV AWD.

Available Kia Connect services provide advanced embedded connectivity to take the customer experience to an all-new level, including the ability to remotely charge from the Kia Access smartphone app. Kia Connect introduces a Wi-Fi Hotspot that can connect as many as five devices to 4G LTE-based internet, over-the-air map updates, stolen vehicle tracking and immobilization capability, and Connected Routing: a cloud-based system calculates the optimal route using real-time maps and predicted traffic info based on historical information and AI to learn the preferred routes of users.

Inspiring Driver Confidence with Advanced Driver Assistance

Sportage PHEV models are fitted with numerous standard ADAS features, including:

• Driver Attention Warning (DAW): Analyzes the driver attention level and provides a warning if a break is recommended. It may also provide a leading vehicle departure alert if the leading vehicle departs from a stop and the driver does not react within a certain time period
• LED Headlights with High Beam Assist (HBA): Engineered to automatically dim the headlights when an oncoming or leading vehicle is detected, then return to high beams when vehicles are no longer detected
• Lane Following Assist (LFA): Helps detect lane markings and vehicles ahead and provides steering inputs to help center the vehicle in the lane
• Lane Keeping Assist (LKA): Helps detect lane markings and provides steering inputs to help prevent the vehicle from leaving the lane while driving
• Forward Collision Avoidance (FCA) with Cyclist detection capability: Warns if there is risk of a collision with a vehicle, pedestrian, or cyclist in front of the vehicle while driving and may automatically assist with braking
• Rear Occupant Alert (ROA): Provides a warning to the driver to check the rear seat before exiting the vehicle
• Rear View Monitor (RVM) with Dynamic Parking Guidance: Provides view of behind the vehicle, with guidelines that adjust to follow the direction the vehicle is turning
• Reverse Parking Distance Warning (PDW-R): Detects certain objects behind the vehicle, issuing an audible warning when an obstruction is detected. The warning tone chimes faster as the vehicle gets closer to the detected object
• Blind Spot Collision Avoidance (BCA) with Parallel Exit: May help avoid collisions with rear-side vehicles when exiting parallel parking spot by automatically assisting with braking
• Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance-Assist (RCCA): Helps detect approaching cross traffic when in reverse. When approaching cross traffic is detected, the system alerts the driver and may apply brakes
• Safe Exit Warning (SEW): Provides a warning when a vehicle is approaching from the rear-side while someone is exiting the vehicle
• Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA): Uses speed limit information detected through the front camera or GPS navigation information (when activated) and issues warning if the speed is over the speed limit

In addition to these features, standard on Sportage X-Line Prestige PHEV AWD are:

• Blind-Spot View Monitor (BVM): Projects live video view of adjacent lanes in the instrument cluster when activated via the turn signal
• Forward Collision Avoidance (FCA) with Junction Turning capability: Helps avoid collisions with an oncoming vehicle while turning left at an intersection
• Forward Parking Distance Warning (PDW-F): Detects certain objects in front of the vehicle, issuing an audible warning when an obstruction is detected. The warning tone chimes faster as the vehicle gets closer to the detected object
• Highway Driving Assist (HDA): Uses federal highway speed limit information from the navigation system and, under certain conditions, will automatically adjust speed to be within the posted speed limit and maintain distance with the vehicle detected in front and helps center the vehicle in the lane
• Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control-Curve (NSCC-C): Leverages the navigation system to help lower the vehicle speed proactively before upcoming curves
• Reverse Parking Collision Avoidance (PCA-R): May help avoid collisions with rear pedestrians or objects detected during reverse parking, potentially automatically assisting with emergency braking if the risk of a collision increases after warning
• Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA): state-of-the-art convenience, which lets the driver remotely command their Sportage to pull in or out of a tight parking space while the driver is outside of the vehicle
• Smart Cruise Control (SCC) with Stop and Go: Helps maintain distance from the vehicle ahead and drive at a speed set by the driver, including in certain stop-and-go driving conditions