2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid Expert Review
Reviewed by Alex Leanse
The Kia Sportage offers more powertrain choices than ever before, with the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model positioned at the top of the range. This compact hybrid crossover builds on the Sportage Hybrid with a larger battery providing all-electric driving potential. This lets it compete with other PHEVs and even full EVs, such as the Toyota RAV4 Prime and Hyundai Ioniq 5 .
Information about the standard Kia Sportage Hybrid can be found here.
What's New
Given that it arrived for 2023, changes are limited on the 2024 Kia Sportage PHEV. Newly standard this year are LED projection-type headlights and second row seat-mounted airbags.
What We Think
Power and efficiency are often mutually exclusive, but not so in the Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid. It's the quickest Sportage model in the lineup, and it has the potential to use the least fuel.
That's thanks to its electrified powertrain, which builds on the regular Sportage Hybrid's with a stronger motor and larger battery. The former works with the engine to send more power to the wheels, while the latter brings the potential of all-electric driving range—about 34 miles of it, in fact.
But those miles don't come from thin air. As its name suggests, this Sportage has to be plugged in to recharge. If you can do so, great, but if finding a plug doesn't work with your lifestyle, just get the Sportage Hybrid—no sense in spending more for PHEV capability if you won't, or can't, use it. That's essentially true of all PHEVs.
In any case, this generation of the Sportage is the best one yet. It drives nicely, delivering an enjoyable balance of comfort and connection. With its unique styling, there won't be confusing the Sportage for something else. Style and functionality combine in the high-tech interior, but the on-screen buttons that control both infotainment and HVAC functions can be a pain to use. That's one of the few knocks we have on the new Sportage—overall, it's pretty great. Just be sure the PHEV is the right one for you.
Performance and MPGs
Like the Sportage Hybrid, the Sportage PHEV uses a 1.6-liter turbocharged I-4 engine. However, the PHEV has a larger battery and more powerful electric motor. Total system output measures 261 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, all sent through a six-speed automatic transmission to standard AWD. In MotorTrend testing, the Sportage PHEV accelerated from a stop to 60 mph in 7.1 seconds.
Fuel economy is what the Sportage PHEV is all about. It achieves a 35 mpg/84 mpg-e combined efficiency rating and delivers 34 miles of all-electric driving range.
Sportage PHEV vs. RAV4 Prime: Which Goes Further?
With 34 miles of electric range available, the Sportage PHEV can cover plenty of ground sans gasoline. However, the Toyota RAV4 Prime can go further—up to 42 miles. What's more, the RAV4 Prime is much quicker, hitting 60 mph in 5.5 seconds compared to the Sportage PHEV's 7.1-second time.
Safety Ratings and Features
Only the regular 2024 Sportage has been safety tested by the IIHS, but it earned Top Safety Pick status.
Standard driver assist and active safety features include front automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, side and rear cross-traffic alert, lane keep assist, and automatic high-beams. Higher-end models get adaptive cruise control, enhanced lane tracing assist, camera-based blind-spot monitoring, and intersection collision mitigation.
Cargo Space and Interior Room
The Sportage PHEV's battery provides all-electric driving range, but it also reduces cargo space and rear legroom relative to the standard Sportage and Sportage Hybrid. In fairness, that's not unusual for PHEVs, and the Sportage PHEV remains quite roomy.
Technology
In entry-level trim, the 2024 Sportage PHEV comes equipped with a 12.2-inch digital gauge cluster. The higher-end model gets an enhanced 12.3-inch display. Both feature a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and built-in navigation. All models have front and rear USB-C ports as well as a wireless charging pad. Premium tech features include a Harman Kardon audio system and multi-color ambient lighting.
2024 Sportage Plug-In Hybrid Trim Levels and Pricing
The 2024 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid is available in two trims this year: X-Line and X-Line Prestige. Pricing starts at $40,965 for the base model and $45,465 for the Prestige upgrade.
That's something of a jump from the other Sportage variants. The standard 2024 Sportage Hybrid LX base model comes with a $29,965 sticker, while the gas Sportage LX starts at $28,565.
