Kia has revealed the 2023 Sportage PHEV, the latest electrified model to join its lineup of SUVs. The turbocharged Sportage PHEV has a 13.8-kWh battery and targeted all-electric range (AER) of 32 miles.
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, the company says.
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, the company says. Sound absorbing and insulating materials minimize road, wind, and engine noise. The vehicle features legroom of 39.5 inches and rear cargo capacity of 34.5 cu.-ft.
The Sportage PHEV is offered in two comprehensively equipped trim levels: X-Line PHEV AWD and X-Line Prestige PHEV AWD. Kia says 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-in., gloss-black alloy wheels.
The interior of the Sportage PHEV features a driver cockpit with available dual panoramic curved display that connects two screens for nearly 25 in. of viewing (12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, 12.3-inch infotainment screen).
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, such as 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.
