2023 Kia Sportage PHEV in Canada: What to Know
2023 Kia Sportage PHEV in Canada: What to Know
Posted on March 9, 2022
Kia has committed to electrifying even more of their range over the next year or two. We already have the pretty awesome EV6 and now we have the updated 2023 Sportage PHEV.
The Sportage is the brands best-seller. It sells more of these SUVs than any other vehicle, so any change has to be right.
The new plug-in hybrid was unveiled in the US and looks to deliver everything we want in a new Kia.
“The first Sportage PHEV to be introduced in the U.S. demonstrates that Kia is listening to our consumers who are asking for electrified solutions and super-efficient powertrains,” said Sean Yoon, CEO, Kia North America. “Sportage delivers on that promise in a sophisticated, refined package.”
2023 Sportage PHEV
The 2023 Sportage PHEV has a very futuristic design that brings it into like with many newer Kia models.
It’s an SUV shape with a protruding lower sill under a wide grille and angled LED running lights. The actual headlights are within that design in each corner and look pretty cool.
The rest of the design is standard SUV fare. Rounded edges, sloping roofline, lots of glass, a rising beltline with a modest set of hips over the rear quarter.
At the back, the lower overhang swoops up into more angled bodywork and a large hatch that opens up to provide full access to the interior.
Inside, the 2023 Sportage PHEV is very well put together.
There’s a long digital dashboard with digital instruments and a touchscreen for controls.
Fortunately, Kia has kept the physical buttons for AC and other controls, which is a good thing in my book.
Otherwise, there is a lot of soft touch materials, two tone interior upholstery and a ton of passenger space.
All things we look for in an SUV.
Under the skin
Under the skin of the 2023 Sportage PHEV, things change slightly as the Sportage now uses the same platform as the Sorento.
That means a slightly larger wheelbase and more space for passengers and for cargo in back.
It also means a stiffer, more stable platform with capable handling and the ability to smooth out even rough roads.
The 2023 Sportage PHEV comes with a 1.6-litre four cylinder engine that gives 177 hp alongside a 66.9 kW electric motor that uses a 13.8 kWh lithium-polymer battery pack.
Kia says the combination gives 261 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque and is all-wheel drive only.
This combination provides up to 32 miles electric-only drive but not all the range figures have been released yet, so we need to wait and see about total range and gas mileage.
Charging the batteries using a 240v charger should take around 2 hours.
Two versions of the 2023 Sportage PHEV will be offered, the X-Line and X-Line Prestige.
Both will be fully loaded with technology.
Safety features including 360-degree Surround-View Monitor, forward collision warning and auto-braking, lane keeping assist, blind-spot collision avoidance, automatic high beams, navigation-based active cruise control, remote smart parking assist and highway driving assist.
Exactly what you get depends on the model you choose, but both offer a full range of tech.
The 2023 Sportage PHEV will be available Q3 2022. Register your interest at Grimsby Kia, 435 South Service Road Grimsby, ON L3M 4E8