The automotive world is shifting to Electric Vehicles (EVs) at a swift pace. Car brands are introducing new EVs and revamping their older models with electric and hybrid variants. Following the trend, KIA has added a plug-in hybrid variant to its front-runner SUV. Introducing the 2023 KIA Sportage PHEV.
2023 KIA Sportage PHEV
The PHEV variant is a new addition to the 5th generation KIA Sportage that was revealed last year in June. Back then, KIA introduced a standard 2.5-litre petrol variant and a hybrid variant with 1.6-litre turbocharged engine and a 44.2 kW electric motor. Now, the company has unveiled a third plug-in hybrid variant.
Power
The KIA Sportage PHEV has the same 1.6-litre turbocharged engine as the hybrid variant with a bigger 13.8 kWh battery and a more powerful 66.9 kW electric motor. Power flows from the electric motor and gas engine through a six-speed automatic transmission.
The engine is capable of producing 177 horsepower and 265 Nm of torque, whereas the electric motor delivers 90 horsepower. KIA did not disclose the combined output, but the estimated power figures are 261 hp and 350 Nm torque.
Fuel Efficiency
KIA claims that the plug-in hybrid Sportage has a 32 mile (51.5 kilometers) electric-only driving range.
Charging Time
A 7.2 kW charger, when connected to a 240 V Level 2 charging, will power up the battery in two hours or less.
Trim Levels
KIA is offering a wide range of seven trim levels on the 2023 Sportage: LX, EX, SX, SX-Prestige, X-Line, X-Pro, and X-Pro Prestige. But the PHEV variant will only come in the three X-Line trims.
Official Launch
The 2023 Kia Sportage PHEV will go on sale in the US in the third quarter of 2022. KIA will soon reveal the official prices, specs, and features.
KIA’s first-ever plug-in hybrid Sportage will battle it out with Hyundai Tucson PHEV, Ford Escape PHEV, and Toyota RAV4 Prime in the US market, and it will be a fun show to watch. We hope that whenever KIA introduces the 2023 Sportage in Pakistan, it does not miss out on the PHEV variant.
