We tested the Kia Sportage PHEV, a benchmark plug-in hybrid family SUV in terms of fuel consumption and range

Plug-in hybrids are seen as a stopgap solution, a simplistic response to increasingly strict regulations. Brands use them to comply with rules while reassuring customers that they can keep riding even when the battery is dead.

Virtually all brands offer at least one model of this type. Kia, for its part, does not hesitate to assert its position by offering up to three PHEV vehicles in its range. The Kia Sportage PHEV plug-in hybrid that we tested today stands out favorably from other proposals from competing brands in terms of price, power and 100% electric range.

Plug-in hybrids are seen as a stopgap solution, a simplistic response to increasingly strict regulations. Brands use them to comply with rules while reassuring customers that they can keep riding even when the battery is dead.

Virtually all brands offer at least one model of this type. Kia, for its part, does not hesitate to assert its position by offering up to three PHEV vehicles in its range. The Kia Sportage PHEV plug-in hybrid that we tested today stands out favorably from other proposals from competing brands in terms of price, power and 100% electric range.

As expected, the Sportage uses plug-in hybrid technology developed by the Hyundai Group. It offers a combined power of 265 hp and a total torque of 350 Nm. This configuration consists of a 1.6-litre petrol engine developing 179 hp, combined with a 91 hp electric motor, powered by a 13. 8 kWh.

As for the transmission, the Sportage is equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission and a mechanical four-wheel drive system. Unlike models such as the Peugeot 3008 PHEV and DS 7 E-Tense, which use an electric motor in the rear, the Sportage has true all-wheel drive.

Despite the presence of specific traction modes for snow, mud, sand and downhill in the Kia, it is not a pure and hard off-road SUV. However, it offers an undeniable advantage to those who drive in difficult grip conditions.

Even on a dry road, it improves traction by distributing torque to the rear axle when the front axle risks being overloaded by engine torque.

However, this mechanical four-wheel drive has a drawback, mainly in terms of the weight of the car. With the transmission and battery, the Sportage PHEV weighs 1,905kg, about 250kg more than the front-drive hybrid version.

Kia Sportage Plug-in Hybrid Price

The Sportage Plug-in Hybrid is offered in three trim levels starting at 45,870 euros for the Drive finish. This version is equipped with 19-inch wheels, adaptive cruise control and a complete infotainment system including navigation. The 7.2 kW on-board charger is included as standard. As an option, it is possible to add the "Infra Red" metallic red paint for 481 euros and the Design Pack, including a 31 cm (12.3 inch) digital dashboard, for 800 euros.

From 48,770 euros, you can opt for the Tech finish, similar to our test unit. It includes the standard 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, as well as heated and electric seats. As an option, the Luxury Pack is available for 1,700 euros and includes alert and automatic braking for rear cross traffic, panoramic sunroof, blind spot assistant, remote key parking system and 360 degree vision camera.

The GT-Line version of the Kia Sportage ends at 54,570 euros and is the only option that includes the contrasting black roof. It is fitted as standard with the Luxury Pack, the electric tailgate and a full range of safety equipment. Among these is the handy Blind Spot View system which uses the side cameras to display images on the dashboard.

360º vision, particularly useful for an SUV of this category, is included as standard on the top-of-the-range model. Finally, Kia offers the benefit of a 7-year or 150,000 km warranty on the entire Kia Sportage range, regardless of the engine and finish chosen.

On board

Despite its 265 horsepower, the Sportage PHEV is a car entirely dedicated to the family. Its spacious interior, designed with quality materials and impeccable assembly, ranks among the largest in its class. The space in the front seats is remarkable and the design of the dashboard, highlighting a block of screens, reinforces this impression of amplitude.

The rear seats offer generous legroom and headroom, which is more than satisfying. Sure, the middle passenger position isn't ideal, but for once it won't be a chore to sit there.

In addition, thanks to its adjustment function, the backrest offers the possibility of finding an extremely comfortable position. Overall, the seats provide great comfort and offer good lateral support.

Despite the reduction of 47 liters due to the presence of the battery, the trunk offers a generous capacity of 540 litres, which positions it among the best in its category. In addition, the loading sill is relatively low and the ground is flat.

As for the infotainment system and the touchscreen, their use is very intuitive, with easily accessible menus. However, it should be noted that this system is not among the fastest on the market, as it has some latency.

The climate control functions and selection of the main audio features appear in turn on a slim touch screen located in the center console. Although it doesn't take long to get used to this dual function, it doesn't prove to be as practical as traditional physical buttons for adjusting parameters such as air speed or its direction.

At the wheel, comfort that makes you forget about its power

Kia's advertised horsepower, while a selling point, doesn't really add to the package. The Sportage PHEV has no sporting ambitions or great performance, with a 0-60mph time of 8.2 seconds. Even in Sport mode, which improves steering and throttle response, the car lacks the dynamism to qualify as sporty.

The passive damping suspension is tuned for comfort. It offers a relatively smooth ride that ensures a good level of comfort while maintaining decent stability on the road. However, the damping feels slightly firm to me.

Undoubtedly, the springs are stiffer than desired due to the high weight of the car. As a result, when traveling at low speeds on poor road conditions or in urban environments, for example when passing over potholes or expansion joints, the Sportage tends to cause slight jumps in its passengers.

It's not catastrophic, but this firmness contrasts a little with the overall image of comfort that the car offers on the road. Moreover, apart from a slight aerodynamic noise emanating from the exterior mirrors from 100 km/h, the car manages to be relatively quiet.

The driving aids, although they can be easily disconnected from the steering wheel, are too intrusive and their performance is abrupt. This is particularly the case of the lane keeping assistant which is activated from 60 km/h. It moves the steering wheel with force and abruptness to constantly keep the car in the center of the lane, even when it is in the middle of a curve, thus allowing no slight and natural deviation inside the lane.

Ultimately, the Sportage, with its added weight, is better suited to a smooth, calm ride, without picking up the pace excessively. Passengers and drivers will appreciate it.

Most PHEVs, with the exception of German luxury SUVs with large batteries, have sluggish electric range. However, the Sportage stands out with a battery of only 13.8 kWh which allowed us to cover 64 km in 100% electric mode. For daily use and overnight charging, it ranks as one of the best PHEVs on the market.

When we used the battery in hybrid mode without switching to electric mode, we got a highway consumption of just 5.4 l/100 km. Under these conditions, the battery can last more than 100 km. Even once exhausted, the battery retains a reserve of 15% to continue operating in hybrid mode, which gives very correct consumption, slightly above 6.5 l/100 km. Of course, if the accelerator and the Sport mode are overstretched, consumption can easily reach 10 l/100 km, which is not surprising.

The Sportage PHEV battery supports a maximum charging power of 7.2 kW, which is considered standard for most plug-in hybrid vehicles (with the exception of certain models such as Jaguar Land Rover, Mercedes or the Mazda MX-30 with rotary engine, which accept higher powers up to 22 kW or 32 kW, depending on the brand). However, the charging time varies according to the power available: it takes 5 hours and 27 minutes to fully charge the Sportage on a household socket providing 3.7 kW, while a charging station or a wallbox of 7.2 kW only requires 1 hour and 45 minutes.

In any case, I consider that a fast charging option at specific times, such as when traveling, would be beneficial to reduce consumption even further. This is all the more important given the battery capacity, which reduces the size of the gas tank from 52 liters in the Sportage Hybrid to just 42 liters in the PHEV. When traveling, this requires making several stops, many of which could be avoided if fast charging were available. In any case, I think a fast charging option should be offered, at least as an additional option.

Kia Sportage PHEV: our review

The Kia Sportage stands out for its impressive electric range, fast charging speed and extremely low energy consumption. It is unquestionably one of the best plug-in hybrid SUVs on the market, if not the best in our region, especially in its price range. Plus, its spacious cabin and comfort make it an ideal choice for families looking for a great car.