Kia pulls the covers off its 2023 Sportage PHEV

Kia unveils a new Sportage for 2022, but it’s not the standard fossil fuel-powered model. No, this is the Kia Sportage PHEV, and it’s the latest model in the lineup to join the family. 

The Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) is officially unveiled and is slated for launch sometime in 2023 for the other markets. Kia Philippines stated in a previous story that it will be taking some steps to become totally green by 2050, and it’s not far-off to assume that the Sportage PHEV could be a future model that will be hotly anticipated for the upcoming electric revolution. 

Powering the compact crossover is a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 177 hp, and it is supplemented by a 66.9 kW electric motor that gets its power from a 13.8 kWh battery. The battery size allows for an all-electric range of about 50 kilometers, fully charged. The powertrain is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and the vehicle features selectable drive models as well. The battery of the PHEV gets charged using a 7.2-kW onboard charger that boasts a power density of 1.53 kW/L, or 1.53 kilowatts for every liter of fuel consumed. Additionally, the battery may be charged using the standard integrated electronic brake (IEB) system that provides regenerative braking capabilities. 

The hybrid crossover is built on the same platform as the Sorento, and just like Hyundai and Kia’s other models, it’s made from ultra-high-strength steel for safety and for chassis rigidity. On top of that, you get a totally new exterior design complete with Kia’s all-new logo. The Tiger Nose Grille is still a mainstay in Kia’s designs, and it rides on 19-inch gloss-black wheels. 

Inside, you can expect the finest materials and features that Kia has to offer from a 360-degree camera system, Harman/Kardon audio, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto support, as well as uniquely quilted leather seats. The top-spec trim level is the Sportage X-Line Prestige PHEV AWD, which will have all of these features available. Safety systems include an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) which combines various systems like a driver attention warning (DAW), high beam assist, adaptive cruise control, and many more. 

Pricing and fuel economy figures will be released as we inch closer to the global launch of this vehicle, but for now, it’s shaping up to be one of the most equipped Kias we’ve seen in this segment. It could become a part of Kia’s green future in the Philippines, so we’re anticipating this unit’s arrival.