Kia’s 2024 Sportage PHEV: A Stylish and Sensible Plug-In Hybrid SUV

2024 Kia Sportage PHEV Review: A Practical and Stylish Plug-in Hybrid

The Kia Sportage has come a long way since its humble beginnings as a budget-friendly compact SUV. Today, it’s one of the most well-regarded names in the new car market, and its latest iteration, the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model, offers a compelling alternative to traditional hybrids.

Design and Features

The Sportage PHEV’s exterior design is a departure from the more conservative styling of its rivals. Its bold, diamond-shaped headlights, boomerang-like daytime running lights, and dual-level grille give it a distinctive look that’s both futuristic and rugged. The plug-in hybrid model sports an extra opening for the charge port, but other than that, it’s identical to the non-hybrid and hybrid Sportage models.

Inside, the Sportage PHEV offers competitive interior space, with 34.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 65.5 cubic feet behind the front seats. However, it loses out to the non-hybrid Sportage in terms of maximum cargo space, and the plug-in hybrid model is only available with a sunroof, which reduces headroom.

Performance and Handling

The Sportage PHEV’s powertrain combines a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine with an electric motor, producing a total system output of 261 horsepower. The bigger battery pack provides a meaningful electric range of up to 34 miles, making it suitable for daily commutes. However, the transition between all-electric and hybrid mode could be smoother, and the transmission’s shifts can feel a bit rough.

In terms of handling, the Sportage PHEV falls short. Its steering is not as precise as other Kia models, and the suspension can feel a bit choppy. The plug-in hybrid model also lacks wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which is a disappointment.

EV Range, Charging, and Gas Mileage

The Sportage PHEV takes around two hours to fully recharge using a 240-volt Level 2 AC charging station, and its 34 miles of all-electric range should be sufficient for daily commutes. The gasoline engine kicks in under heavy acceleration, but it’s not on a hair trigger. In mixed driving, we saw an indicated average of around 44 mpg.

How We’d Configure This Car

The Sportage PHEV is available in two trim levels, X-Line and X-Line Prestige. We’d recommend the latter, which adds a full array of driver aids and a curved dashboard display. The upgraded Harman Kardon audio system is also a nice touch.

The Competition

The Sportage PHEV faces stiff competition from other plug-in hybrids like the Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid, Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid, and Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. However, the Toyota RAV4 Prime is a standout, offering more electric range, a better driving experience, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. If you’re in the market for a plug-in hybrid, it’s worth considering.

Verdict

The 2024 Kia Sportage PHEV is a practical and stylish plug-in hybrid that offers a compelling alternative to traditional hybrids. While it falls short in terms of handling and some features, its competitive price, generous warranty coverage, and practicality make it a solid choice for daily driving. However, for those who prioritize driving dynamics and features, the Toyota RAV4 Prime might be a better bet.

Pros:

• Distinctive styling
• Usable electric range
• Competitive interior space
• Intuitive interface

Cons:

• Unpleasant driving dynamics
• Cheap interior materials
• Lacks wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Transmission shifts can feel rough