2023 Kia Sportage PHEV Delivers 34 Miles Of Electric-Only Range For $38,490

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 $38,490.

The crossover undercuts the Toyota RAV4 Prime by $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 (195 kW / 265 PS) and 258 lb-ft (349 Nm) of torque.

More importantly, the Sportage PHEV has an electric-only range of 34 miles (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 42 miles (68 km), after a summer of $5 per gallon gasoline, there should be plenty of interest.

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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 $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.

Note: Prices exclude a $1,295 destination fee