Kia Is Giving Its Longest-running Model a Huge Update for 2023

The new Kia Sportage will be offered with a plug-in hybrid option and includes updated exterior and interior design.
Written by Serena Aburahma
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
Like many other manufacturers right now,
Kia
has been working to develop and promote electric vehicles like the
new EV6
. In addition to brand new model lines, this is also leading to electrified versions of Kia staples. One long-running Kia to get an electric model is the new Kia Sportage.
According to
J.D. Power
, Kia's signature crossover has undergone a complete redesign. As part of this redesign, there will now be a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) option for the Kia Sportage. Being a PHEV isn't the only noteworthy thing about the new Sportage either.

The plug-in hybrid powertrain takes center stage

The Kia Sportage PHEV features a 66.9-kW motor and a 13.8-kWh battery. With a fully-charged battery, drivers could get an estimated 32 miles using electric power alone. 
If a driver planned on only driving around town, they could theoretically do all of their driving without tapping into the gas power.
Because of the high-efficiency charger on the Sportage PHEV, this Kia's battery can charge in two hours. Like some other hybrids and full EVs, the Sportage PHEV includes regenerative braking. This converts the energy used in braking into energy the battery can use.
Kia has
more EVs planned
for the future. Drivers who are uncertain about a car that runs only on an electric battery might benefit from first transitioning to a hybrid like the KIA Sportage PHEV. It gives many of the benefits of an EV while still having a traditional gas-powered engine.
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Power and style of the Kia Sportage

As for the gas power of the new Kia Sportage PHEV, it is powered by a 4-cylinder 1.6-liter engine. Buyers can choose between front-wheel and all-wheel drive, and it comes with a six-speed automatic transmission.
In terms of style, the Kia Sportage PHEV is a sleek, modern crossover. The X-Line package gives the Kia Sportage PHEV an all-black exterior. It can be seen on the wheels, paint, and signature grille. 
The LED lights on the Sportage's exterior are patterned in unique designs. These lights highlight how different the new Sportage is from previous models as well as from other vehicles on the road.
MORE: The Kia Telluride Hasn't Lost This Award Since It's Been on the Market

What other technology does the Kia Sportage feature?

The all-black theming of the Kia Sportage continues on its interior, which is just as stylish as the exterior. In addition to looking nice, the interior is also practical. The Kia Sportage offers 39.6 cubic feet of cargo space.
Drivers and passengers can take advantage of the Sportage's infotainment features. This includes an LTE hotspot that can give service to five devices at a time. 
The Kia Sportage PHEV also has technologically-advanced safety features, such as a camera system that gives drivers a 360-degree view around the car. Buyers can also choose higher trim packages that include features such as a collision-avoidance system. The Prestige trim can even use the vehicle's cameras to show blindspots while turning.
MORE: The Kia Niro EV Could Be the Goldilocks of Electric Cars

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The new Kia Sportage plug-in hybrid is a new twist on one of Kia's most reliable and long-running vehicles. Electric vehicles and hybrids are changing the automotive landscape. In the same way that new technology is changing how we think about cars, technology is also changing how we buy insurance.
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