Buyers looking for an eco-friendly crossover have a new option as Kia has announced the 2023 Sportage PHEV is currently on sale in the United States for US$ 38,490. The crossover undercuts the Toyota RAV4 Prime by US$ 1,810 and features a plug-in hybrid powertrain that consists of a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, an electric motor, and a 13.8 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. This setup gives the model a combined output of 261 hp and 349 Nm of torque.
The Sportage PHEV has an
electric-only range of 54 km and can be recharged in approximately
two hours. While the crossover’s range is quite a bit less than the RAV4
Prime’s rating of 68 km, after a summer of US5 per gallon gasoline,
there should be plenty of interest. In terms of equipment, the entry-level
Sportage PHEV X-Line AWD features LED lighting units and 19-inch alloy wheels.
The crossover also comes equipped with an acoustic laminated windshield and a
panoramic sunroof.
Moving into the cabin, buyers will find a
12.2-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch infotainment system with
GPS navigation as well as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. They’re
joined by SynTex artificial leather heated front seats with 10-way power
adjustment on the driver’s side. Other highlights include a leather-wrapped
steering wheel, hydrographic faux wood trim, a dual-zone automatic climate
control system, and a wireless smartphone charger.
Buyers will also find an assortment of
driver assistance systems including High-Beam Assist and Forward Collision
Avoidance Assist with pedestrian and cyclist detection. They’re joined by Blind
Spot-Collision Avoidance Assist-Rear, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision
Avoidance-Assist, Lane Following Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, and Lane
Departure Warning. Last but not least, there’s Safe Exit Warning and Parking
Distance Warning – Reverse. Moving up to the US$ 42,990 Sportage PHEV X-Line
Prestige AWD rewards buyers with fancier LED projection headlights, LED fog
lamps, a heated windshield, and heated windshield wiper nozzles.
Bigger changes occur in the cabin as the
range-topping variant boasts a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and
heated/ventilated front seats. Other niceties include a heated leather steering
wheel, alloy pedals, an eight-way power adjustable passenger seat, and a Harman
Kardon premium audio system.
Buyers will also find additional safety
equipment as there’s a more advanced Forward Collision Avoidance Assist system
with junction turning support. Other additions include Smart Cruise Control
with Stop and Go, Highway Driving Assist, a Surround View Monitor, and a
Blind-Spot View Monitor. They’re joined by Parking Distance Warning – Forward,
Parking Collision Avoidance – Reverse, and Remote Smart Parking Assist.
