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The 2023 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) is designed to blend practicality with eco-friendly technology. Whether it's seen as a pragmatic choice or an "EV abomination" depends on perspective, but overall, it offers a balanced package for those looking for a hybrid option without fully committing to a battery electric vehicle (BEV).
Key Features and Specifications
Powertrain:
Engine: 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine
Electric Motor: 66.9 kW electric motor
Combined Power Output: 261 horsepower
Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission
Drive: All-wheel drive (AWD) standard
Battery and Electric Range:
Battery Capacity: 13.8 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery
Electric Range: Approximately 34 miles on electric-only power
Charging Time:
Level 1 (120V): About 10-12 hours for a full charge
Level 2 (240V): Around 2 hours for a full charge
Fuel Economy:
Combined (Hybrid mode): Around 35-38 MPG
MPGe (when using electric power): Approximately 84 MPGe
Pricing:
Base Price: Starts around $39,000 for the base trim
Top Trim (SX-Prestige): Can go up to about $45,000 or more, depending on options and packages.
Interior and Tech:
Seating: Comfortable and spacious with room for five passengers
Cargo Space: 34.5 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 65.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded
Infotainment: 12.3-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and available navigation
Driver Assistance: Includes features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Versatile Powertrain: Offers a good mix of electric range and gasoline backup, making it suitable for both short commutes and longer trips.
Spacious Interior: The Sportage PHEV doesn't compromise on interior space, providing plenty of room for passengers and cargo.
Modern Tech: Equipped with a range of tech features, from an advanced infotainment system to comprehensive driver-assistance technologies.
All-Wheel Drive: Standard AWD enhances its capability in various driving conditions.
Cons:
Price: It’s more expensive than the standard Sportage or non-plug-in hybrid versions, which might be a deterrent for some buyers.
Electric Range: While 34 miles is decent, it might not be enough for those looking for a more substantial electric-only driving experience.
Charging Infrastructure: If you don’t have access to Level 2 charging at home or work, the charging times on a standard outlet could be inconvenient.
Conclusion: Pragmatic Pluggable or EV Abomination?
The 2023 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid is likely to appeal to those who want to reduce their carbon footprint but aren’t ready to make the leap to a full BEV. It offers a practical electric range for daily driving needs, backed up by a gasoline engine for longer trips. However, for EV purists, the Sportage PHEV might seem like a half-measure rather than a true commitment to electric driving.
In short, it's a pragmatic choice for the right buyer, but not everyone will see it as the perfect solution.
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Key Features and Specifications
Powertrain:
Engine: 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine
Electric Motor: 66.9 kW electric motor
Combined Power Output: 261 horsepower
Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission
Drive: All-wheel drive (AWD) standard
Battery and Electric Range:
Battery Capacity: 13.8 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery
Electric Range: Approximately 34 miles on electric-only power
Charging Time:
Level 1 (120V): About 10-12 hours for a full charge
Level 2 (240V): Around 2 hours for a full charge
Fuel Economy:
Combined (Hybrid mode): Around 35-38 MPG
MPGe (when using electric power): Approximately 84 MPGe
Pricing:
Base Price: Starts around $39,000 for the base trim
Top Trim (SX-Prestige): Can go up to about $45,000 or more, depending on options and packages.
Interior and Tech:
Seating: Comfortable and spacious with room for five passengers
Cargo Space: 34.5 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 65.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded
Infotainment: 12.3-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and available navigation
Driver Assistance: Includes features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Versatile Powertrain: Offers a good mix of electric range and gasoline backup, making it suitable for both short commutes and longer trips.
Spacious Interior: The Sportage PHEV doesn't compromise on interior space, providing plenty of room for passengers and cargo.
Modern Tech: Equipped with a range of tech features, from an advanced infotainment system to comprehensive driver-assistance technologies.
All-Wheel Drive: Standard AWD enhances its capability in various driving conditions.
Cons:
Price: It’s more expensive than the standard Sportage or non-plug-in hybrid versions, which might be a deterrent for some buyers.
Electric Range: While 34 miles is decent, it might not be enough for those looking for a more substantial electric-only driving experience.
Charging Infrastructure: If you don’t have access to Level 2 charging at home or work, the charging times on a standard outlet could be inconvenient.
Conclusion: Pragmatic Pluggable or EV Abomination?
The 2023 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid is likely to appeal to those who want to reduce their carbon footprint but aren’t ready to make the leap to a full BEV. It offers a practical electric range for daily driving needs, backed up by a gasoline engine for longer trips. However, for EV purists, the Sportage PHEV might seem like a half-measure rather than a true commitment to electric driving.
In short, it's a pragmatic choice for the right buyer, but not everyone will see it as the perfect solution.
Youtube